Bochum, Germany: November 28-29, 2023
On November 28, 2023, Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) strengthened its international collaborations with universities from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia.
The event, “Go East: New Perspectives and New Connections – Central Asia and the South Caucasus,” was jointly organised by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Executive Director of CEAC, Chair of International Political Economy of East Asia (IPEEA), and Vice-Dean at the Faculty of East Asian Studies, Johanna G.B. Rust, IPEEA/CEAC Researcher, and Elena Resch, Managing Director at the Liaison Office of the University Alliance Ruhr for Eastern Europe/Central Asia.
The event was sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and supported by the German Ministry of Education and Research and the RUB Research School.
The conference brought together representatives from Westminster International University in Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Kazakh-German University, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan State Technical University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Kazakhstan), and Ilia State University (Georgia). The event provided a forum for dialogue and for exploring best practices for international cooperation, prospects for research, teaching, funding opportunities, and career development for students.
The conference also contributed to RUB’s commitment to fostering international collaborations and enhancing academic ties with universities in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, aiming to create new avenues for knowledge exchange and academic growth.
Rector Prof. Dr. Martin Paul (RUB) highlighted the strategic importance of Central Asia in not just political and economic realms but also as a crucial centre for focused research initiatives. He stressed the intent to strengthen academic exchange and knowledge transfer with the region, reflecting a renewed academic orientation aligned with the evolving global landscape.
The event also allowed for deepening CEAC’s cooperation with Central Asian universities by adding Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) as a CEAC partner. In addition, cooperation agreements were signed between RUB and universities in Uzbekistan and Georgia. These agreements pave the way for academic exchange programmes, joint research projects, and doctoral training collaborations.
One notable agreement involves an academic exchange initiative between RUB and Westminster International University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The memorandum of understanding, signed by Rector Prof. Dr. Martin Paul and Prof. Dr. Ikrom Rikhsiboev, Dean of the Graduate School at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT).
A framework agreement was formalised between RUB and Ilia State University in Tbilisi, Georgia, focusing on doctoral training collaborations. Rector Prof. Nino Doborjginidze endorsed this Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant stride toward fostering academic synergy between the institutions.
Similarly, the agreement was signed between the Faculty of East Asian Studies, represented by Prof. Dr. Katja Schmidtpott, and Dr. Akbar Ismanjanov, Head of Law Department, Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT), Uzbekistan.
For more information, please read the RUB Press Release here (in German).
Caption: Hosts and dignitaries convening during the exchange in Bochum (left to right): Prof. Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Rector Prof. Dr. Martin Paul, Prof. Dr. Nino Doborjginidze, Prof. Dr. Saule Rakhmetullina (Rector of East Kazakhstan Technical University), Prof. Dr. Ikrom Rikhsiboev, Prof. Dr. Zhanseit Tuimebayev (Rector of the National Al-Farabi University, Kazakhstan).
