Overview
The International Research Experience for Students in Uzbekistan program is hosted by the California State University, Fullerton in partnership with the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, and supports international research experiences for U.S. students. The program has been funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF Grant #1302873, NSF Grant #1658672, NSF Grant #1826490) since 2017. It gives U.S. undergraduate students international research experiences in Uzbekistan under the mentorship of prominent Uzbek scientists. The U.S. students will join research groups at research institutes of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences as well as Urgench State University for 8 weeks during summer, and will engage in research, in collaboration with their Uzbek peers and mentors, in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics. In addition to working in a diverse and vibrant environment and collaborating with their Uzbek peers on cutting-edge research, the students will be exposed to unique styles of teaching and mentorships that will enrich their learning experience. In addition to their research activities, the students will take short courses on the language, culture and traditions of Uzbekistan to help them adjust to their surroundings. During their stay in Uzbekistan, the students will travel to the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to learn about the cultural and scientific heritage of Uzbekistan and visit universities in these cities to meet with faculty and students and expand their professional network.
Uzbekistan presents a unique opportunity when it comes to cultural enrichment activities for U.S. students. Four sites in Uzbekistan - Ichan Kala in Khiva, Historic Center of Bukhara, Historic Center of Shahrisyabz and Samarkand - Crossroads of Cultures, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition, there are numerous museums and cultural centers in and around Tashkent (the capital of Uzbekistan). The U.S. students will visit these places as part of their cultural enrichment activities. Uzbekistan also has a rich scientific heritage, especially in the history of science, and presents a unique research environment for the students. Great scientists of the eighth - 11th centuries, such as Al-Khorezmi, Al-Biruni and Ibn Sina (Avicenna), were born in modern-day Uzbekistan. They made significant contributions to the scientific knowledge that we have today. For example, the word algebra comes from the title of Al-Khorezmi's book, while the word algorithm comes from his name. By visiting historical sites in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khorezm, where these scientists worked, the students will expand their knowledge of the history of the eighth - 15th century science, in addition to gaining a better understanding of Al-Khorezmi's and Al-Biruni's works and how they fit into the development and history of mathematics.
Current undergraduate students are invited to apply. No prior research experience required. Students from underrepresented groups, including female students, are especially encouraged to apply. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Currently, we have funding to support California State University students participating in the LSAMP program.
For more information please contact Dr. Zair Ibragimov.
Currently, we are not accepting applications for summer 2023 program.
