Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) Strengthens Ties with Uzbek Institutions

From 20 to 28 August, a delegation from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) visited the Bukhara Institute of Engineering and Technology (BETI) and the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology (TICT) in Uzbekistan. This visit marked an important step in enhancing academic and research collaborations between Latvian and Uzbek institutions, focusing on food technology and quality systems.

During the visit, LBTU representatives had the opportunity to explore the academic and research activities of their Uzbek counterparts. They engaged in a series of master classes covering key topics such as food microbiology, hygiene, quality systems, and food packaging. These sessions provided valuable insights and contributed to the professional development of the participating faculty members. Additionally, the delegation visited partner food enterprises in Tashkent and Bukhara, gaining a practical understanding of the local food industry.

One of the major outcomes of this visit was the progress made toward the development of a new double degree program titled "Food Quality and Innovation." This program, set to be launched through a partnership between Latvian and Uzbek universities, will incorporate the teaching materials and knowledge acquired during the collaboration. The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to innovate and maintain high standards in food quality, contributing to the global food industry.

As the new academic year approaches in Uzbekistan, students from BETI and TICT received exciting news during the visit. Viktorija Krištopane from the LBTU International Cooperation Center presented various study and academic exchange opportunities available in Latvia. This presentation highlighted the growing international collaboration between the two countries, offering Uzbek students the chance to broaden their academic horizons in Latvia.

The cooperation between LBTU, BETI, and TICT is part of a broader initiative titled "Professional Development of Teachers in Central Asia for Sustainable Training in Food Technologies." The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the content and teaching methodologies in the field of food technologies, ensuring the training of a new generation of highly skilled professionals. These professionals will play a crucial role in developing sustainable food chains across Central Asia, addressing both local and global food security challenges.

This initiative is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in fostering educational excellence and advancing sustainable practices in food technology.

As LBTU and its Uzbek partners continue to work together, their collaboration promises to yield significant benefits for students, faculty, and the broader food industry in both countries. This partnership represents a model of how cross-border educational initiatives can drive innovation and address pressing global challenges in food quality and sustainability.