Graduate Café Hosts Special Session on Doctoral Education Reform in Uzbekistan
On June 29, 2026, the Graduate Café convened a special online session featuring Dr. Kobil Ruziev, Associate Professor and expert on political economy, institutions, and higher education reform in Central Asia. Dr. Ruziev presented on "Reforming Doctoral Education in Uzbekistan: Models, Rules and Norms of Behaviour," offering a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing transformation of doctoral programs in the country.
Drawing on his extensive research and participation in international capacity-building projects, Dr. Ruziev examined the evolving regulatory frameworks, institutional governance structures, and shifting norms that shape the doctoral journey in Uzbekistan. He highlighted both the challenges—such as building sustainable research capacity and strengthening quality assurance—and the opportunities presented by recent reforms aimed at aligning doctoral education with international standards.
The session sparked a lively discussion among participants, including graduate students, early-career researchers, and academic staff, who engaged with questions on institutional change, supervision models, and the future of research culture in Central Asia.
We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Ruziev for his insightful presentation and to all attendees for their thoughtful contributions.
