A Look to the East: Politecnico di Torino with Conference of Italian University Rectors in Uzbekistan
The first Forum of Uzbek and Italian Rectors opens a new chapter in the expansion of inter-university cooperation. The forum, held from September 24 to 27 in Uzbekistan, was a highly significant event for strengthening bilateral academic relations with the Asian country.
Among the 22 Italian universities coordinated by the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), Politecnico di Torino was also present with a notable delegation: Vice-Rector Elena Baralis, Vice-Rector for Internationalization Alberto Sapora, and Professor Marta Bottero, who serves in an advisory role to the Vice-Rector concerning relations with government bodies.
With the participation of over 70 rectors and leaders of major academic institutions from both countries, the meetings were opened by the Uzbek Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Kungirotboy Sharipov, and the Italian Minister of Universities and Research (MUR), Anna Maria Bernini, who, on September 24, visited the campus of Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent (TTPU), a successful academic institution active for over 15 years.
During Minister Bernini's visit, a new laboratory space dedicated to advanced manufacturing was inaugurated at TTPU. The forum continued on September 25 and 26, moving to Bukhara and Samarkand with further discussion sessions and the signing of cooperation agreements.
A key moment of the forum was the signing of over 20 agreements and memoranda of bilateral academic cooperation, which will foster exchanges between faculty, students, and administrative staff, the development of joint educational programs, and the organization of internships and professional development pathways.
Politecnico di Torino participation reaffirms the university’s commitment to strengthening its role as a leader in internationalization and innovation, offering new growth and development opportunities for its students and researchers. "The mission to Uzbekistan was fundamental for our university to consolidate a longstanding and essential synergy," said Vice-Rector Elena Baralis. "Participating in the First Forum of Uzbek and Italian Rectors allowed us to highlight the long and solid journey our university has made in the country, with the aim of continuing to enhance and promote high-level international collaborations, knowledge exchange, and resources between universities, offering significant opportunities to students, researchers, and faculty, and contributing to the development of an international academic and innovative ecosystem."