As the Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT) approaches its two-year anniversary since its founding, it reflects on the key outcomes of its work in 2023.

The university's primary accomplishment has been the commencement of a full-fledged educational process. In 2023, 200 students began their studies across various bachelor's programs. Notably, the university provided 20 students who successfully passed entrance exams with the opportunity to study on state grants.

It is important to highlight that 68 of the most talented students, as well as those in need of social support, received named grants from the chairman of the SIUT Board of Trustees, Bakhtiyor Fazilov. Grant recipients include gold medalists, applicants with the highest SAT scores, students with the top scores in each discipline, employees of Group of Companies, their children, and students with physical disabilities.

“From the very beginning of its operations, the Samarkand International University of Technology has been focused on realizing the main task set by the President of Uzbekistan for higher education – preparing domestic professionals at the level of global educational standards. Today SIUT consistently expands international cooperation, studying and implementing the best innovative approaches into its programs. The engineering workforce of the New Uzbekistan must possess the most advanced technologies to ensure our country's economy always holds a respectable position in the world” - emphasized Bakhtiyor Fazilov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of SIUT.

Currently, the university offers education in English across eleven disciplines, including School of Engineering (Geology, Mining, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Information Technology), as well as Business School (incl. Entrepreneurship and Management).

In 2023, the university established the Chinese Institute of Electric Power, preparing specialists in the field of Thermal Power Engineering based on higher education programs in China, as well as the Korean Institute of Technology and Culture, offering directions such as Renewable Energy Sources, Design, and Digital Economy.

All educational programs at SIUT are developed jointly with leading global research centers. Over 30 international professors, with experience from over 15 countries including the United States, Canada, China, India, I.R.Iran, South Korea, Tunisia, Algeria, South Africa, as well as local professors and mentors, are involved in the educational process.

In 2023, SIUT traditionally paid attention to developing international cooperation.

Strategic partnerships were established with foreign universities and research centers, including Campbell University and Arizona State University (USA). The Ukhta State Technical University (Russia), where engineers from Group of Companies receive their education, became a partner as well. In light of recent decisions to protect the environment and gradually transition to green energy, memorandums were signed with Korean institutions such as The Korean Society for New and Renewable Energy and the Research Institute of Clean Energy at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea. It is also worth noting partnerships with Chinese institutions like Northeast Electric Power University, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI), and others.

Furthermore, memorandums of cooperation were signed with the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, the American logistics company Sultan Trans Inc. (regarding student internships at the company), and others. Throughout the past year, SIUT has signed over 30 agreements and memorandums with foreign educational institutions, scientific centers and companies.

“Innovations based on advanced knowledge are the key to sustainable development in the modern, dynamically changing world. Science is the foundation for the accelerated modernization of all sectors of any country's economy. With the goal of preparing a new generation of engineers-technologists for Uzbekistan, our university was founded two years ago” – stated Professor Yusuf Abdullaev, Rector of the Samarkand International University of Technology.

Another significant international project has been the university’s collaboration with The Consortium for Global Education (CGE), which opens up new perspectives and opportunities for students and faculty of SIUT. During the meeting with a CGE delegation in November 2023, academic matters regarding the Consortium's support in certifying various programs taught at SIUT and the opening of an MBA program at the university were discussed.

The educational process at SIUT represents a synthesis of learning, practical experience, and scientific research. A pivotal moment for students in the engineering field occurred in March 2023 with their first visit to the Baysun Gas Processing Plant, signifying a crucial milestone in their education. Additionally, practical training sessions have been organized for students at the Samarkand International Airport, the “SAMARQANDKIMYO” plant, and the Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex.

Furthermore, an Uzbek language and culture center operates within the Samarkand International University of Technology, showcasing deep respect and affection for the state language. The main task of the Center is to foster in students a sense of loyalty and patriotism towards the Motherland, to popularize the Uzbek language among students and foreign employees, to glorify the rich spiritual heritage, ancient history and art of the Uzbek people.

A new addition to SIUT is the “Personality. Culture. Peace” International Scientific and Enlightening Center, which aims to promote artifacts of peacemaking and non-violence through cultural and educational practices. It also focuses on developing programs related to global culture and humanistic pedagogy based on theoretical and applied knowledge, as well as modern practices of civil diplomacy, including educational programs by the UN and UNESCO.

The university has also dedicated efforts to promoting the image of the city of Samarkand abroad. In October 2023, SIUT hosted the presentation of the first English-language edition of the book “Samarkand: The Image of the City in the Space of Intercultural Communication” coinciding with the Samarkand City Day celebrations on October 18th.

Furthermore, a team of SIUT students participated in the final stage of the International Olympiad on career design in mining-geological information systems under the Micromine Origin & Beyond program, held from November 14-16, 2023, at the National University of Science and Technology “MISiS” in Moscow, in partnership with the prestigious Australian company Micromine. The SIUT team was recognized as the youngest participant in the International Olympiad.

Construction of the modern University campus continued actively throughout 2023. The new building, designed to accommodate a total of 1,200 students, is set to open its doors to students in September of the current year.

In addition, SIUT achieved the honorable second place in the National Database of Scientific Research of Uzbekistan according to Scienceweb’s Rankings for 2023. The criteria for selection included the overall average h-index of scientists and the number of citations of their articles published in international journals indexed in world-renowned databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.