On 11 December 2025, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS) Eldor Aripov held an online meeting with Rene Van Acker, President of the University of Guelph, Shayan Sharif, Vice President (Academic), and Bill Rosehart, Provost and Vice President (Finance).

Founded in 1964 in the province of Ontario, the University of Guelph is one of Canada’s and the world’s leading research universities in the fields of biology, agricultural sciences, ecology, biotechnology, veterinary medicine, food science, engineering, and the humanities.

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the university ranks among the top 50 globally in veterinary science and food science and its research in ecology and life sciences is ranked within the top 150 of the Times Higher Education subject rankings.

During the meeting, the parties held an in-depth discussion on prospects for bilateral cooperation in education, science, innovation, digital technologies, agriculture, and sustainable water management. The Canadian side was briefed on Uzbekistan’s key strategic reforms and priorities aimed at modernizing the education system, developing human capital, and strengthening international academic partnerships.

Director of ISRS Eldor Aripov noted that “over the past seven years, the higher education enrolment rate in Uzbekistan has increased from 9% to 42%, while the number of universities has grown from 77 to 208. Today, according to the Times Higher Education ranking, 12 Uzbek universities are listed among the world’s top 1,000 institutions.”

He emphasized that expanding international cooperation is a key instrument for training highly qualified specialists and supporting the development of advanced sectors of the national economy.

In turn, Rene Van Acker outlined the scientific and educational capabilities of the University of Guelph, highlighting its advanced infrastructure, strong academic staff, and extensive network of global partnerships.

“Our university has eight colleges, around 36,000 students, and 900 faculty members. We are proud of our research base and international collaborations with more than 400 institutions worldwide,” he stated.

The participants also discussed opportunities for academic exchange programmes and professional development for faculty. The Canadian side expressed readiness to expand practical cooperation with Uzbekistan, particularly in agricultural sciences, engineering, veterinary medicine, water technologies, and artificial intelligence.

At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and expressed readiness to jointly develop future projects in education, science, and innovation.