15.10.2025. The piloting of the Open University study format and the newly developed study modules has started and is ongoing in the Samarkand Agro-Innovations and Research University (P2 SAMARU)

The piloting of the Open University study format and the newly developed study modules “Cereal Technology” and “Academic Writing” began in September 2025 and is currently being implemented at the Samarkand Agro-Innovations and Research University (P2 SAMARU) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The main goal of the piloting is to identify strengths and address weaknesses in order to further develop the new study format, course content, and teaching methods, ensuring their relevance to the development needs of enterprises in Uzbekistan’s food sector.

From October 7 to 12, academic staff from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Dr. Dace Klava, Dr. Evita Straumite, Dr. Ilze Gramatina, and Tenure Prof. Zanda Kruma) and the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (Prof. Miroslava Kacaniova and Dr. Natalia Cmikova) assisted and supported the local partner in the piloting process — delivering lectures and conducting practical and laboratory sessions. Participants of the piloting practising the use of the new equipment acquired within the project. 

Students, food industry professionals, and academic staff from partner universities are participating in the piloting of both modules. A visit to a cereal-based food processing enterprise Lazzatli Don was organized as part of the piloting activities. Academic staff from other OFINU partner universities in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan took part with the aim of acquiring knowledge and skills and adopting best practices delivered by their European colleagues. The piloting will continue until April 2026.