12 December 2018

Going beyond Europe with Erasmus+

Erasmus+

The Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility agreement between UCPH and two of the highest ranked universities in Uzbekistan has facilitated the first and largest collaboration between staff members of Uzbekistan HEIs and UCPH in the area of Food Science, Metabolomics and Foodomics.

KU.FOOD visiting partner in Uzbekistan. Photo by Bekzod Khakimov

Sharing knowledge successfully

Teaching and research staff members from the National University of Uzbekistan, Center for Advanced Technology and the Tashkent Chemical Technological Institute have received highly qualified training by UCPH employees from Department of Food Science (KU.FOOD), which has resulted in the exchange of knowledge of both teaching and research methods within food science. UCPH researchers and staff members have established new academic and industrial collaborations inspiring new research projects and innovative ideas.

Most importantly, this project has established a strong foundation with Central Asia’s largest food producing country and the development of innovative approaches for future suitable food production. In addition, the Erasmus+ grants have enabled the implementation of EU standards and modern approaches in the newly reformed educational system at the participating HEIs.

KU.FOOD visiting partner in Uzbekistan. Photo by Bekzod Khakimov“One of the striking outcomes of the project is a formation of a bigger consortium to further broaden the relationship between the EU and Uzbekistan. The University of Copenhagen has led a project application within the Capacity Building in Higher Education action of the Erasmus+ programme: ‘European World Talent Camp for Uzbekistan Young Scientists in Food Science and Technology’,” says Bekzod Khakimov, coordinator of the agreement.

The research and educational training in Uzbekistan conducted by UCPH staff has been such a success that the local HEIs in Uzbekistan are now considering establishing long-term agreements between HEIs in Uzbekistan and UCPH to facilitate training in both countries. Round table discussions and brainstorming have resulted in the establishment of sustainable solutions between the food industry and HEIs in Uzbekistan. For example, local food industries are now sponsoring research-training stays for young Uzbek scientists abroad.

A beneficial collaboration

The collaboration with HEIs, local partners and HE personnel has been of great benefit to both partners in many ways. Besides the abovementioned results, the administrative workload has been a marginal concern.

When administering large agreements outside the European borders under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility, planning, matching of expectations and clear management are keywords in relation to lowering the administrative workload. However, an academic engagement is crucial for a beneficial collaboration.

We will continue to look outwards in the pursuit of building bridges to universities and countries outside the EU with the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme.