On October 10, 2025, a Scientific Seminar was held for the discussion of a dissertation in the specialty of Econometrics and Statistics.

Farrukh Ataev (Economics Department) presented his dissertation on “Total factor productivity estimation: Evidence from the Great Silk Road region.” The research provides a comprehensive econometric analysis of total factor productivity, offering new evidence and methodological approaches specific to the economies of the Great Silk Road region.

The seminar committee, which included his supervisor, Dr. Zohid Askarov, and reviewers Dr. Evangelos Koutronas and Dr. Muhammad Bilal, engaged in a thorough discussion of the dissertation's theoretical and empirical contributions.

Based on the outcomes of the seminar and its adherence to academic requirements, the dissertation was recommended for defense at the Scientific Council DSc.22/30.12.2019.I.85.01 on awarding academic degrees at Westminster International University in Tashkent.

On 19th of September 2025, Westminster International University in Tashkent held discussions on two dissertations in the specialty 08.00.06 – Econometrics and Statistics:

Alisher Suyunov presented his dissertation on “Econometric Modelling of Labour Market Patterns: Job Creation and Job Destruction.” His research provides econometric insights into labor market dynamics, with a focus on the processes of job creation and destruction.

Olmas Isakov presented his dissertation on “Improving Econometric and Statistical Bases for Credit Risk Assessment in Credit Institutions.” The study offers methodological contributions to enhance risk assessment practices in financial institutions through advanced econometric and statistical tools.

Based on the outcomes of the seminar, the following dissertations were recommended for defense at the Scientific Council DSc.22/30.12.2019.I.85.01 on awarding academic degrees at Westminster International University in Tashkent.

On October 8, 2025, Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) hosted a research colloquium featuring Zarrukh Rakhimov, PhD candidate in Econometrics and Statistics, who presented his study titled " Bootstrap Confidence Intervals in Linear Models”.

The research explored the reliability of bootstrap confidence intervals in linear regression analysis, particularly in situations where classical model assumptions—such as normality and homoscedasticity—do not hold. Using a series of Monte Carlo simulations, he compared bootstrap techniques with traditional OLS-based intervals, demonstrating that bootstrap methods often provide more consistent and robust inference under non-ideal data conditions.

The discussion highlighted the practical value of bootstrap approaches for researchers working with small samples or irregular data patterns. After several discussions, his research was approved to move to the next stage of development.

After several discussions, his dissertation was recommended to proceed to the next stage of defense/VIVA according to Supreme Attestation committee requirements.

On June 18, 2025, Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) hosted a research colloquium featuring Vafokulova Mekhruza, PhD candidate in Management, who presented her study titled "Transforming Local Economies through Family-Run Tourism Enterprises: A Socio-Economic Management Perspective in Uzbekistan."

The research examined the socio-economic role of family-run tourism businesses in Uzbekistan, focusing on their impact on employment generation, income creation, and regional development. Despite their growing importance in the national tourism economy, empirical evidence on their management practices and economic influence remains limited.

The presentation offered valuable insights into the potential of family enterprises to contribute to inclusive economic growth and sparked an engaging discussion among attendees on the future of community-based tourism in Uzbekistan. Valuable recommendations were suggested to PhD candidate in order to improve the quality of the dissertation.