University of Sopron at the 3rd Uzbekistan–Hungary Rectors' Forum

The forum’s opening ceremony featured keynote addresses from Uzbekistan’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, alongside the President of the Hungarian Rectors’ Conference. The program took place across two of the country’s most iconic cities: the modern scientific hub of Tashkent and the historic Silk Road cultural center, Samarkand.

The discussions centered on the evolving landscape of higher education, with a particular emphasis on the future of research and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence. Throughout the various sessions, university leaders explored new avenues for industry-academic partnerships, focusing on how technology transfer and robust startup ecosystems can turn laboratory breakthroughs into market realities. Special attention was also given to the creation of international joint laboratories, allowing researchers from Sopron and Uzbekistan to collaborate on shared global challenges.

A cornerstone of the forum was the series of bilateral meetings where university leaders could discuss specific, direct collaborations. Even during the preparatory phase of the trip, there was significant interest in the University of Sopron, aligning perfectly with the institution’s ongoing internationalization efforts.

As a result of these discussions, Rector Fábián signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with several prestigious institutions whose profiles closely match the University of Sopron’s expertise:

• Navoi State University of Mining and Technologies
• Tashkent State Agrarian University
• Namangan State Technical University
• Samarkand State Architecture and Construction University
• Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute
• Kimyo International University of Tashkent
• “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage
• Tashkent State University of Economics
• National University of Uzbekistan
• International Institute of Food Technology and Engineering

The work didn't end with the signings. Follow-up evaluations are already underway to fill these partnerships with concrete professional programs. A more comprehensive agreement is currently being drafted to facilitate joint research, faculty exchanges, and enhanced scientific cooperation.

The progress made at this year's forum is a promising sign that Central Asia offers excellent opportunities for the University of Sopron within the global higher education and research landscape.