Kokand, Uzbekistan – Kokand University hosted an Information Day on the Horizon Europe Programme, with the support of the European Union funded SECCA project. The event brought together around 50 participants, including faculty members, researchers, postgraduate students, and staff from international cooperation departments of several universities across the country, such as Andijan State Technical University, Fergana State Technical University, Tashkent State Technical University, and others.
Nargiza Dalmuradova, SECCA expert on programme’s Cluster 5 in Uzbekistan, led a key session on the opportunities provided by the programme, with a special focus on Cluster 5: ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’. This cluster allocates around EUR 15 billion to projects on climate-neutral technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility. Participants learned about the cluster’s priorities, including decarbonisation of energy systems, energy efficient buildings and sustainable transport, as well as examples of projects such as the development of next-generation solar panels and energy storage systems.
In the practical part, the participants, including young researchers and faculty members with experience in international project competitions, were immersed in a role-playing activity simulating the application submission for Cluster 5 calls. They practiced defining goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), planning activities, and forming consortia with international partners (universities, research institutes, and companies). Application templates and videos of successful projects were also shared. Ms. Dalmuradova demonstrated how to search for funding calls using the “Funding & Tenders Portal.”
The participants appreciated the interactive format and noted the relevance of Cluster 5 for the Central Asian region. ‘This session has opened the door for us to engage in international projects on renewable energy, which can significantly enhance the country’s scientific potential, especially in Fergana,’ shared J. Rakhmatillaev, a lecturer at Andijan State Technical University. Many expressed interest in developing applications on the topics of energy efficiency and green mobility, requesting further training on consortium building.
‘The information day strengthened our ambitions to participate in the Horizon Europe programme, especially in Cluster 5, where we see prospects for Uzbekistan,’ noted J. Kambarov, Vice-Rector of Kokand University.
