OREANDA-NEWS. March 10, 2011. Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States is developing in the scientific and technical sphere. The Intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technical cooperation signed between еру two states in December 2010 contributes to further development of bilateral relations in this area.

This document envisages cooperation in science and technology between the government agencies, research centers, universities and private companies of the two countries. The main purpose of the project is to better utilize the scientific and technical potential of the two nations, and expand and strengthen the ties between scientific and technological communities of Uzbekistan and the US.

The agreement stipulates exchanging information, expertise and technology, conducting joint seminars, conferences and meetings, training and retraining specialists, as well as implementing joint research projects.

The cooperation covers areas like energy, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, healthcare, nanotechnology, agriculture, water management, environmental protection and others.

The research institutions of Uzbekistan have established mutually beneficial cooperation with many leading scientific and technical organizations, universities, foundations and companies of the United States. The joint research and practical work, activities in innovation, technology transfer and intellectual property protection are examples of this partnership. One of such partners is the US Civilian Research and Development Fund (CDRF).

CDRF was established by the State Department and National Science Foundation of the US. The fund is a nonprofit organization that supports cooperation with the CIS in fundamental and applied sciences, including through scientific and technical programs.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the CDRF has been developing on the basis of the Cooperation agreement, signed on 15 November 2006 between the Committee for the Coordination of Science and Technology Development under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan and the US Civilian Research and Development Fund. This document envisages development and implementation of joint research projects, conduction of seminars and exchange of experts.

During the period of participation of research institutions and scientists of Uzbekistan in the programs of the US fund, 154 grants totaling USD 8.1 million have been allocated.

In 2010, the Coordinating Committee for Science and Technology Development under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the CRDF carried out activities to implement the bilateral program of scientific research projects in the field of water and land resources. The announced contest drew 12 projects, 2 of which were selected for implementation in 2011-2012. Allocation of USD 182,500 is planned for these projects.

In cooperation with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), projects “Surface ionization methods of impact and devices for control of environmental pollution” and “Biological control of fusariosis of vegetables and melons, fruit and berry crops” are realized in Uzbekistan.

As part of USAID international project of education for global development, in March 2000 the agency office in the country and the State Committee for Science and Technology jointly organized an international seminar on “Intellectual property: rights, protection, implementation and enforcement in economic transition”. The workshop brought together leading international experts in the field of intellectual property.

In collaboration with the Fulbright Association of the USA, a bilateral academic exchange has been established in order to familiarize the sides with the advanced scientific and pedagogical techniques, share experience and conduct joint research.

Scientists and specialists of Uzbekistan have since 1999 participated in the program of the Scientific Exchange Council. Representatives of Uzbekistan received grants of Fulbright Association to lecture at US universities in such fields as economics, law, history, business and education.

Exchange of experts is carried out in the framework of multilateral and bilateral cooperation, joint research and training at US institutions. In 2007-2010, 74 representatives of scientific institutions of Uzbekistan took part in various events and joint research activities in the US.

The US scientists and specialists also actively participate in international conferences, seminars and other academic events held in Uzbekistan.

All this contributes to the development of effective cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States in science and technology.