On March 25, 2026, the Graduate School (Research) hosted a thought-provoking session of the Graduate Café featuring Erkin Mukhammedov, PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick. He presented his talk titled, "Beyond the Surface: Can Classroom Observations Ever Be Truly Objective?"

Drawing on insights from applied linguistics and educational research, He critically examined the complex nature of classroom observations as a tool for evaluation and professional development. He challenged assumptions about objectivity in observation practices, exploring how observer bias, contextual factors, and the inherent subjectivity of interpretation shape outcomes. The discussion delved into the broader implications for teacher evaluation, instructional improvement, and the pursuit of meaningful feedback in educational settings.

Participants engaged in a lively and reflective discussion, sharing perspectives on the challenges and possibilities of making observation practices more equitable and effective.

On March 11, 2026, the Graduate School (Research) hosted a special session of the Graduate Café, featuring distinguished guest Manzura Jumaniyazova, Researcher in Development Economics and Global Health at the Technical University of Munich. The event, titled "Gender, Birth Order, and Child Growth: Evidence from Central Asia," provided an insightful exploration of how gender norms and household dynamics shape child development outcomes in the region.

Manzura Jumaniyazova presented compelling evidence from applied microeconometric analysis, examining the complex interplay between birth order, gender, and early childhood growth in low- and middle-income contexts. Her research highlighted how intra-household dynamics and deeply rooted gender norms influence child health outcomes across Central Asia, offering critical insights for development policy and intervention design.

Participants actively engaged in a rich discussion following the presentation, exploring questions on measurement challenges, policy implications, and avenues for future research.

On March 18, 2026, the Graduate School (Research) hosted an engaging session of the Graduate Café featuring Shakhnoza Pardaeva, who presented her case study titled "When Local Meets Global: Evos Takes on KFC in Uzbekistan's Fast Food Industry Revolution."

The presentation examined the strategic battle between local fast-food giant Evos and global entrant KFC following the latter's entry into the Uzbek market in 2018. Using operational data, customer satisfaction surveys, and strategic planning documents, Shakhnoza analyzed how Evos faced declining market share due to operational inefficiencies, slower service times, and shifting consumer preferences intensified by KFC's arrival.

The research highlighted critical recommendations from Evos, including improving operational efficiency, embracing automation, refreshing brand identity, and strengthening customer loyalty programs to retain market share. The case underscored the vital importance of adapting to international competition while maintaining local cultural relevance.

On March 4, 2026, the Graduate School hosted an interactive and practical workshop session of the Graduate Café, featuring Dr. Shahid Rasool, Associate Professor at the Westminster School of Business (WSB). The event, titled "Unlock the power of AI for your research" provided participants with a hands-on exploration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools designed to support academic writing and the publication process.

Dr. Rasool guided attendees through a range of AI applications that assist in literature review, manuscript drafting, data visualization, reference management, and journal submission workflows. Participants actively engaged with the tools on their laptops, gaining real-time experience and practical insights into integrating AI into their research practices.