President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on May 26 titled “On Improving the System of Training and Attestation of Scientific Personnel of the New Generation.” The document aims to align the country’s postgraduate education with international standards, improve the quality of doctoral dissertations, and enhance their scientific and practical significance.
The decree identifies seven priority areas for training scientific personnel: digital and information technologies (including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics); nuclear and renewable energy sources (including hydrogen technologies); agricultural innovations and food security; medicine and biotechnology (including biomedicine, genetics, and pharmaceuticals); rational water use and climate resilience; new materials and advanced manufacturing technologies (including nanotechnology, robotics, and automation); and seismic safety. Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, at least 60% of state-funded doctoral quotas will be allocated to these areas.
A differentiated stipend system is introduced: doctoral students in priority specialties will receive 1.7 times the base stipend. The admission procedure is also changing: for priority areas, entrance exams are replaced by a presentation of research work. The practice of exempting candidates with national certificates from specialty exams and awarding them maximum points is abolished.
In the first year of basic doctoral studies, coursework will include specialized subjects, research methodology, academic writing, statistics, and data analysis. Scientific supervisors must have research experience in the relevant field. Starting in 2027, monthly payments for supervision will be replaced by a one-time incentive: up to 40 times the minimum wage for supervisors with an H-index below 5, and up to 80 times for those above 5.
A new program, “Scientific Degree within a Project,” allows doctoral candidates to obtain a PhD through research projects lasting no more than three years. The project leader selects the doctoral candidate on a competitive basis and serves as the scientific supervisor. Dissertations defended during the project period are exempt from expert review of the scientific report.
From January 1, 2027, several procedures for awarding scientific degrees will be abolished. A rating system for evaluating the effectiveness of dissertation councils will be introduced, with results published online. The Higher Attestation Commission (HAC) will have the authority to revoke decisions of low-performing councils.
To expand business participation in research, the “Practical Doctorate (PhD)” program is launched. Dissertation topics will be based on the needs of industrial partners, who will co-finance the projects. Businesses with high credit ratings can deduct 150% of their expenses on funding scientific projects from their taxable income.
The Higher Attestation Commission (HAC) is transferred from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to the Academy of Sciences. HAC will be subordinate to the Academy only in organizational matters, while remaining independent in its functions. The HAC chairman is appointed for a five-year term on the recommendation of the Academy president and in coordination with the Presidential Administration. No person may serve more than two consecutive terms.
By August 1, 2026, all dissertation defense processes—including submission of the thesis and abstract, sending reviewer and opponent opinions, scheduling defenses, and evaluation—must be conducted through a unified online system.
Source: www.gazeta.uz