HSE University and Banking and Finance Academy of Uzbekistan Sign Memorandum on Scientific Cooperation
The partnership aims to foster academic collaboration in the fields of global economics, sustainable development, and Islamic finance. Strengthening academic ties with Uzbekistan represents a promising direction for scientific exchanges and the implementation of international projects in sustainable development.
The document formalises the parties’ intention to conduct joint research in global economics, sustainable development, and Islamic finance, to organise academic events, and to implement continuing professional education programmes.
The agreement continues a long-standing collaboration between the two universities. In 2023, HSE University and the Banking and Finance Academy of Uzbekistan signed an agreement under which several educational initiatives were developed through the university’s Perm campus. The new memorandum expands the scope of the partnership to include joint work in scientific research and professional education.
One of the key areas of cooperation will be the development of research in Islamic (partnership-based) finance. In recent years, this field has been actively evolving at HSE University: the university has been hosting international seminars and research projects devoted to the specific features of the Islamic financial system, its potential for the Russian economy, and its role in international cooperation.
At the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, several initiatives have been launched to study international experience and the legal aspects of Islamic financial instruments. In 2020–2021, a joint project with the University of Tehran entitled ‘Russia and Iran: Islamic Finance and Energy Cooperation’ was implemented. In 2023, HSE University’s online campus launched a course called ‘Islamic Finance: Theory and Practice in the 21st Century,’ and in 2024, the Laboratory for Contemporary Iranian Study completed a study on the Russian Islamic finance market. The international research seminar ‘Fundamentals of Corporate Governance in the Islamic Financial System,’ which brought together participants from Azerbaijan, Qatar, Uzbekistan, and Singapore, became the first platform for scholarly discussion of the topic.
In April 2025, as part of the 25th Yasin (April) International Academic Conference, a round table titled ‘Islamic Finance in Russia and Worldwide: General Trends and Key Patterns’ was held, where participants discussed legislative, regulatory, and developmental issues of Islamic finance in Russia and BRICS countries.
The memorandum with the Banking and Finance Academy of Uzbekistan marks a new stage in strengthening academic partnership and combining the scientific expertise of both universities.
The document was signed in October 2025 in Uzbekistan during the international conference ‘Reimagining Finance: Pathways to Resilient and Inclusive Systems,’ organised by the Banking and Finance Academy. Representatives of HSE University took part in the event.
Anastasia Podrugina
At the round table ‘Partnership Finance: Ready for Growth,’ Anastasia Podrugina, Head of the Group for Structural Issues in the World Economy at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS) of the HSE Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, delivered a presentation titled ‘Approaches to an Alternative International Financial System.’ She spoke about the evolution of global financial architectures and possible models for their transformation in light of modern challenges to development and growth. Her report presented the findings of a research project titled ‘International Academic Cooperation: Approaches to an Alternative International Monetary System.’
Elmira Imamkulieva
Elmira Imamkulieva, Head of the Laboratory for Contemporary Iranian Studies and Academic Supervisor of the Master’s in Modern Asian and MENA Studies, presented a paper titled ‘Legal Aspects of Integrating Islamic Financial Instruments in the Russian Federation (the ESG Sukuk Case).’ She examined the legal and institutional preconditions for introducing Islamic finance in Russia, as well as its connection with the principles of sustainable investment.
Igor Turuev
Igor Turuev, Visiting Lecturer at the School of Asian Studies, delivered a presentation titled ‘Conversion of Sovereign Debt into Islamic Securities (Sukuk) as a Tool for Resolving Debt Issues in the Global South.’ He offered an analytical overview of debt restructuring mechanisms based on Islamic financial instruments.
See also:
‘I Realised How Much Impact Young Professionals Can Have When They Are Involved in Shaping Academic Discussion’
Dilmurod Kholmatov, from Tashkent (Uzbekistan), is a student of the Master’s in Law of International Trade and Dispute Resolution at the HSE University–Moscow Faculty of Law. He has finished his first year of studies and plans to pursue a career in international commercial arbitration after graduation. In his interview, Dilmurod explains how the programme is preparing him to achieve his career ambitions, explains why student involvement in academic conferences is important, and talks about taking part in a charity race.
Experts in Asian and African Studies from HSE University-St Petersburg Develop Cooperation with Uzbek Universities
A delegation from HSE University-St Petersburg headed by Evgeny Zelenev, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies, has visited the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS). The meeting marked a new stage of cooperation development between the leading educational institutions in Russia and Uzbekistan.
Moscow, Music, and Maths: A Graduate’s Story
Petr Garmider, 27, from Uzbekistan, received his master’s degree from HSE University in 2022. Today, he works at one of Russia’s most popular music streaming services, where he develops algorithms that recommend music tracks for users. In his interview with the HSE News Service, Petr shares his experiences as a graduate student and early-career data scientist.
Educational Space of the Future: Dialogue between Russia and Uzbekistan
On June 24–25, 2024, the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) in Vladivostok hosted the fourth Russian-Uzbek Educational Forum titled ‘Educational space of the future: new competencies, innovations, technologies.’ The participants of the forum discussed issues of workforce training, the use of advanced technologies in education and medicine, digitalisation of the educational process, and educational management. The event brought together leaders from Russian and Uzbek universities, officials from relevant government departments, and representatives from scientific and educational institutions, including HSE University.
HSE University Signs Memorandum of Intent with the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
HSE University and the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy (ILLP) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of intent, which will form the basis for a future cooperation agreement. The institute is a state expert research facility created within the framework of the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy. It plays a significant role in the examination of draft laws: an expert opinion from the ILLP is mandatory when considering legislative acts.
Lyceum Classes with Support from HSE: School Students from Uzbekistan Visit HSE University
HSE University has welcomed students of the International House Tashkent Academic Lyceum at TIIAME National Research University, Uzbekistan. The students are participants in the educational project 'Lyceum Classes with Support from HSE,' initiated by the International Admissions Office and implemented since 2022 in collaboration with faculties of HSE University and foreign educational institutions.
‘I Will Use the Holidays to Reflect on my Plans, Recharge, and Refresh Myself’
Over 450 international students from all over the globe currently study at the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences. Some of them have recorded video greetings, talked about celebrations in their home countries, and shared their ideas on how to spend the winter holidays in Russia. Below, we publish the second part of their interviews.
Orientation Sessions for International Students: ‘Being at HSE University Today is a Dream Come True’
HSE University’s Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni has held orientation sessions for incoming international students. During the meetings, the centre’s experts explained the visa and migration support available, talked about extracurricular student life, and gave tours of the campus and the city.
‘I Hope to Make Meaningful Contributions to the Academic Community’
Why do international students at HSE University decide to pursue a career in academia? What fields in economics are relevant to PhD students? Richard Asiamah from Ghana and Alesya Bukreeva from Uzbekistan are current master’s students at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, but have already received scholarships from the faculty to continue their studies as doctoral students at the university. Below, they share their experiences, while Denis Melnik, Academic Director of the Doctoral School of Economics, suggests some tips for the application process.
Where Languages and Cultures Meet
The Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication combines traditional approaches to foreign language teaching with innovative educational practices. The programme has attracted a lot of international students thanks to the opportunity to enrol in the English track and study all its courses in English. Farangiz Djuraeva from Uzbekistan and Adila Ulfia Maula Tontowi from Indonesia shared their impressions with the HSE News Service.