Uzbekistan to Open Kurchatov Institute Branch and Establish Laboratories at Tashkent MEPhI Campus

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan plans to open a branch of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the republic. This was announced during a Tashkent–Moscow video bridge organized by the Sputnik Uzbekistan multimedia press center, dedicated to training personnel for the nuclear energy sector.

In addition to the branch, laboratories of the Kurchatov Institute will be established at the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.

Alexander Blagov, Vice President of the Kurchatov Institute, noted that shared scientific roots and similar educational approaches facilitate the expansion of cooperation, including the development of a strategy for scientific and technical collaboration.

Davran Isanbekov, Head of Human Resources Development and Management at the Agency for Atomic Energy under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, emphasized that nuclear energy is becoming a flagship industry and attracting young professionals. Specialists are needed not only in nuclear technologies and energy but also in IT, robotics, and automation.

The Tashkent MEPhI branch has already trained 160 specialists, and by 2030, it plans to educate more than 300 students in nuclear technologies and energy. Students undergo practical training at nuclear power plants, including the Novovoronezh NPP.

In February 2026, with the support of the “Uzatom” agency, the first winter school for schoolchildren will start at the branch.

The university also runs an engineering school focused on practical training and mentorship, enabling young professionals to acquire skills in demand in industrial and high-tech sectors.