As part of the Erasmus+ BERNICA project, Tajikistan hosted a significant event titled International Days, held from October 31 to November 6, 2024, at Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSMU) in Dushanbe and Khatlon State Medical University (KhSMU) in Dangara. The event focused on building educational and research capacities in nutrition and dietetics across Central Asia, promoting healthy dietary habits to improve public health.

Event Overview

The International Days were designed to foster collaboration, exchange of expertise, and provide training in innovative educational programs in the fields of nutrition and dietetics. The event brought together representatives from partner universities across Central Asia, supported by European universities, under the framework of the BERNICA project. The event included multiple sessions, workshops, and cultural activities, providing an enriched learning environment for participants from different backgrounds.

During the event, the following key activities took place:

1. Presentations and Plenary Sessions:
   • Indrani Kalkan from Istanbul Medipol University presented on Sustainable Nutrition, highlighting the importance of sustainable dietary practices.
   • Rabiga Khozhamkul from Kazakh National Medical University presented on Reaching Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, and 17 through Central Asian Collaboration Network.
   • Teresa Draxler, a researcher from FH JOANNEUM Dietetics and Nutrition, presented on Interdisciplinary Teaching in Nutrition (online).
   • Nizom Ermatov from Tashkent Medical Academy shared insights on International Experience in the Development of Nutrition Science in Uzbekistan.
2. Training Workshops:
   • On November 2, the BERNICA international team conducted training at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at ATSMU, covering topics like metabolic health, probiotics in human nutrition, and sustainable nutrition. These workshops aimed to enhance the practical skills of faculty, scholars, and students. The training was led by Prof. Dr. Gülgün Ersoy, Assoc. Dr. Indrani Kalkan, and the FH JOANNEUM team.
3. Meetings and Cultural Activities:
   • Participants had the opportunity to meet with the rector of ATSMU, Prof. Gulzoda Mahmadshoh Qurbonali, to discuss the ongoing collaboration and future initiatives.
   • A cultural visit to Gissar Fortress was organized, providing participants with insight into Tajik culture and history, further strengthening ties between international delegates and local institutions.

The activities continued in Dangara, where participants moved to KhSMU on November 3. Similar sessions, including presentations, trainings, and cultural activities, were organized until November 5, fostering an atmosphere of collaborative learning and sharing of knowledge.

The following key participants attended the International Days event:

1. Indrani Kalkan - Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey (online)
2. Gülgün Ersoy - Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey
3. Bauyrzhan Omarkulov - Karaganda Medical University, Kazakhstan
4. Sadriddin Pulatov Sayfullaevich - Bukhara State Medical Institute, Uzbekistan
5. Umarov Firuz - Bukhara State Medical Institute, Uzbekistan
6. Karlygash Toguzbaeva - Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan
7. Rabiga Khozhamkul - Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan
8. Nizom Ermatov - Tashkent Medical Academy, Uzbekistan

Impact and Dissemination

The International Days event was a critical step in achieving BERNICA's goal of building local expertise through innovative education in nutrition and dietetics, aligned with the Bologna principles and ENQA standards. European partners provided their knowledge and best practices, enhancing the research and innovation capacities of Central Asian institutions. This event also contributed to the development of regional and international networks through joint initiatives, exchange of experiences, and practical training sessions.

The dissemination of this activity aims to highlight the success of international collaboration under the BERNICA project, illustrating the joint efforts of Central Asian and European universities to advance nutrition education and public health. The outcomes of these activities will be shared through various channels to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of best practices in nutrition and dietetics across the region.