The Director of the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan under the A. Donish Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnology of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Abdurahmon Pulotov, took part in the first Training Course on Digital Archaeology for Central Asian Countries, held from 16 to 25 December 2025 at the Collaborative Research Centre for Archaeology of the Silk Road of Northwest University of the People’s Republic of China, in Xi’an.

During the training seminar, participants became familiar with advanced digital technologies in archaeology, including photogrammetry, three-dimensional (3D) modeling, laser scanning, digital data processing, as well as modern methods for the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage.

The implementation of the training program was actively supported by specialized technological organizations and companies, which presented state-of-the-art equipment and practical solutions in the fields of digital mapping, 3D scanning, spatial modeling, and geospatial data processing. This scientific and technological collaboration enabled participants to apply theoretical knowledge directly through hands-on experience.

The seminar was also attended by representatives and young archaeologists from neighboring countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, fostering professional exchange and strengthening regional academic cooperation.

The participation of Abdurahmon Pulotov in this international event is regarded as an important step toward the integration of modern digital technologies into archaeology and museum practice in Tajikistan, and toward the further development of scientific and cultural cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the People’s Republic of China.

Today, December 24, a meeting was held at the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan between the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, and Professor Sabzali Musa Khan of the University of Malaysia, as well as Dr. Awang Azman Awang Powi.

During the meeting, the head of the Academy warmly welcomed the guests and provided detailed information on the priority areas of activity of the country’s leading scientific center — the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

The parties also discussed issues related to conducting field research in the fields of history, preservation of national and cultural values, and comprehensive study of the handwritten manuscripts of prominent scholars and thinkers of Central Asia. In this context, cooperation in research and preservation of cultural heritage, organization of expeditions, and exchange of scientific and research experience were highlighted.

The meeting addressed key areas of cooperation, including the launch of joint research programs, exchange of students and academic staff, organization and holding of seminars and international conferences, as well as strengthening academic ties in the fields of energy, engineering, and new technologies.

It was emphasized that one of the important areas of bilateral cooperation between scientific institutions of Tajikistan and Malaysia is the training of highly qualified scientific personnel at the master’s and doctoral (PhD) levels.

The parties also agreed to further expand cooperation, noting that the signing of a cooperation agreement in the future would be significant for the development of bilateral relations and the strengthening of scientific, cultural, and historical cooperation.

Today, December 17, a meeting was held at the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan between the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, and development partners from Xi’an Jiaotong University, People’s Republic of China.

The meeting was also attended by Vice President of Xi’an Jiaotong University Bie Chaohun, Executive Vice President of the Research Institute Shao Jingyu, Director of the International Center for New Technology Transfer Wang Wen, Deputy Director of the International Office Meng Xiangli, as well as the President’s Advisor and Head of the Department of International Scientific Relations of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the implementation of the planned activities for the construction of the buildings of the Scientific Center for Information Technology and the dormitory to implement the joint program for training scientific personnel (Master’s and PhD).

In addition, the meeting addressed the expansion of cooperation in the field of international scientific projects and their joint implementation with the participation of scientists and researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University, People’s Republic of China.

In this regard, the university representatives expressed their full readiness to cooperate with the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht. On the sidelines of the visit, based on the agreement between the National Academy of Sciences and Xi’an Jiaotong University, the Xi’an–Tajikistan International Center for New Technology Transfer was inaugurated.

At the same time, the university representatives visited the selected site for the construction of the Scientific Center for Information Technology and the dormitory and commenced construction works on these facilities.

Today, December 10, at the Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower, and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, with the participation of the President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Kobiljon Khushvakht, representatives of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, and the company Hebei Sailhero Environmental Protection, the joint laboratory on environmental monitoring and big data utilization, equipped with modern technologies, was officially commissioned.

During the opening, it was noted that the advanced equipment installed in the laboratory as part of the joint cooperation and with the support of the Ministry of Transport of the PRC, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, and Hebei Sailhero Environmental Protection is intended for environmental monitoring, quality analysis, and efficient use of natural resources.

The laboratory provides opportunities for scientists from Tajikistan and China to expand scientific collaboration and joint research in the fields of ecology and energy, exchange knowledge and experience, and conduct research at the international level using advanced technologies.

The inauguration of the joint laboratory is an important step in strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between Tajikistan and China, opening wide prospects for sustainable environmental development and scientific progress in both countries. It should be noted that this equipment has been introduced to Tajikistan for the first time, creating new opportunities for advanced environmental research and big data utilization.

The laboratory is equipped with modern and advanced instruments, including a multiparameter water quality analyzer, a portable multiparameter water quality meter P-MP1000, and a networked air quality monitor XHAQSN-822. This equipment is used for environmental monitoring, collection of ecological data, and implementation of joint scientific and technological research.

Today, December 10, at the Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower, and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, with the participation of the President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Kobiljon Khushvakht, representatives of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, and the company Hebei Sailhero Environmental Protection, a ceremony was held to present the achievements of the first phase of intergovernmental scientific and technological cooperation between China and Tajikistan.

In his opening remarks, the President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Kobiljon Khushvakht, warmly welcomed the guests and noted that for more than three decades, following the restoration of diplomatic relations, friendly ties and constructive cooperation between our countries have been steadily strengthening. Today, this cooperation spans the economy, infrastructure, education, science, and technology, reaching a qualitatively new level.

It was emphasized that intergovernmental scientific and technological cooperation is one of the key directions of bilateral relations. This constructive cooperation, implemented through official mechanisms, contributes to the development of scientific integration, the introduction of modern technologies, and the strengthening of the scientific potential of both Tajikistan and China.

It was also noted that in the context of rapid climate change, global competition, and challenges in food and energy security, countries capable of effectively applying scientific knowledge and innovation gain a strategic advantage. For Tajikistan, intergovernmental scientific and technological cooperation with China serves as a powerful tool to achieve these goals. It enables the enhancement of the country’s scientific and technical potential, access to advanced technologies and laboratory infrastructure, development of human resources and scientific competencies, strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to climate and natural challenges, and support for strategic sectors, including water resources, ecology, agriculture, energy, and biodiversity. All of these make cooperation not only beneficial but essential for the sustainable development of the country.

Following this, representatives of the Ministry of Transport of the PRC and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China delivered detailed presentations on the results of the first phase of cooperation. They highlighted practical achievements, including the establishment of new laboratories, implementation of advanced technologies, expansion of scientific infrastructure, and introduction of new methods in the fields of ecology and hydropower. In addition, they outlined opportunities for future cooperation in scientific and technological areas, including human resource development, enhancement of scientific expertise, deployment of innovative equipment, and expansion of joint research for sustainable economic and environmental development.

These presentations demonstrated that the cooperation between the two countries has not only produced tangible results but also opens wide prospects for strengthening scientific integration, adopting modern technologies, and enhancing the scientific potential of both nations.

Today, on December 1, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, held a meeting with the Head of the Regional Programme for Central Asia, Andre Algermissen, and the Project Coordinator for Central Asia, Ashraf Alikulov.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on strengthening scientific cooperation within the framework of the Regional Programme for Central Asia and emphasized the need to develop effective coordination mechanisms between scientific institutions of the region and international organizations. It was noted that scientific cooperation and the use of the intellectual potential of Central Asian countries are among the key factors in ensuring sustainable regional development.

The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, stressed that the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan is ready to enhance cooperation in priority scientific areas, including natural sciences, energy, ecology, information technologies, and climate change studies. It was noted that the implementation of joint projects would contribute to strengthening scientific capacity, attracting qualified specialists, and developing the country’s scientific infrastructure.

Further, the Head of the Regional Programme, Andre Algermissen, expressed satisfaction with cooperation with the Republic of Tajikistan and emphasized that within its mandate, the Programme is ready to provide comprehensive support for new scientific and innovative initiatives, the organization of training programmes, human capacity development, and the expansion of regional scientific networks. It was also noted that effective scientific ties can have a positive impact on strengthening regional stability and security, as well as on improving natural resource management mechanisms.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties underscored the importance of developing science diplomacy and expressed their readiness to elaborate specific cooperation plans, hold joint conferences and seminars, and expand relations with international organizations.

Today, on 25 November, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, visited the greenhouse for growing lemons and other subtropical fruits on the experimental fields of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

It was reported that on the experimental plots of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics, considering the establishment of a collection orchard of subtropical plants, a mother orchard and the future expansion of nurseries of mandarin and orange varieties, research experiments are being conducted on seedlings propagated by cuttings — Meyer lemon, ponderosa, grapefruit, lime, avocado, mango, feijoa, chayote (Mexican cucumber), passion fruit, momordica, papaya (melon tree) and olive. The purpose of these studies is to increase the productivity of these crops and develop scientifically based recommendations for their introduction into production.

It was emphasized that in the experimental zone, in order to study the productivity of dwarf apple trees in intensive orchards, apple trees grafted on dwarf rootstocks have been planted, and phenological observations and scientific research are being carried out. Various kiwi varieties have also been planted in the experimental area to establish kiwi cultivation in the future under the climatic conditions of Tajikistan; methods of cultivation and propagation are being studied.

During the visit, it was noted that citrus plants represent a large group of evergreen fruit trees belonging to the genus Citrus, which is part of the subfamily Aurantioideae of the family Rutaceae. In Tajikistan, citrus plants have been grown in trenches and lemon houses since the 1930s. The climatic conditions of the Khatlon and Sughd regions, Hisor valley, Lower Kofarnihon valley, Panj river valley, and the valleys of the Surkhob and Yakhsu rivers, as well as central districts, are particularly suitable for their cultivation.

It was also stated that chayote — the Mexican cucumber (Sechium edule L.) - is a perennial climbing plant. Its fruits have been used as food by American Indians since ancient times. Chayote was first brought to Tajikistan by researchers of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics of the Academy of Sciences from the Krasnodar region of Russia and was included in scientific studies. The methods of chayote propagation, cultivation techniques and fruit quality are being comprehensively studied. Chayote fruit contains oils, proteins, sugar, starch, carotene, mineral substances — potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamins C, B1, B2, PP, as well as proteins containing 19 amino acids, eight of which are essential.

It was reported that passion fruit (marakuya) is a tropical fruit belonging to the group of climbing plants. It has a brightly colored and attractive flower. The fruit is oval, 8–10 cm long. Although the outer appearance of the fruit may seem unattractive, the inside is bright yellow, aromatic and delicious. Due to its rich biochemical composition, passion fruit has high nutritional and medicinal value. The fruit contains 25–40% juice. Passion fruit juice contains provitamin A, vitamins C, B2, B3, B6, B9, microelements K, Fe, Mg, P, and also 73% water, 22% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 0.7% fat.

In addition, momordica (Momordica) is a tropical climbing plant. The cultivation of momordica on the experimental plots of the Institute of Botany, Physiology and Plant Genetics is the first study of this plant under the conditions of Tajikistan. The plant grows 2.5–3 meters in a season and bears fruit in the same year. The fruit grows up to 10–15 cm. Due to its rich biochemical composition, momordica has significant nutritional and medicinal value. It is used to treat hypertension, hemorrhoids, gastric ulcer, diabetes, leukemia, reduce blood cholesterol levels, strengthen immunity, reduce weight, and оthers.

During the First General Assembly of the Asian Academy of Sciences (AASc), held in Hong Kong of the People’s Republic of China, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, was elected Vice President and Academician of the Asian Academy of Sciences.

This historic election stands as evidence of the global recognition of the significant contribution and scientific authority of Tajik scholars in the advancement of science and international research. It also reflects that Tajikistan is acknowledged in the scientific space of Asia and the world as a country with a strong scientific foundation and highly qualified scholars.

The election of the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, to a leadership position in the Asian Academy of Sciences opens new opportunities for expanding scientific cooperation between Tajikistan and Asian countries, as well as for implementing joint research programs and strategic scientific initiatives.

It should be noted that the General Assembly was attended by 121 delegates from various countries, including China, Russia (with representatives from the Republic of Tatarstan, the Chechen Republic, the Republic of Dagestan, and the Republic of Bashkortostan); India, Japan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, as well as non-Asian countries such as the United States, France, Greece, Moldova, and Belarus. A total of 97 delegates took part in the election, selecting the Academy’s leadership as well as full and associate members.

This election is of exceptional importance for the development of a unified scientific space and the integration of Asian scholars, and it represents recognition of the contribution of Tajikistan and its scientists at both regional and international levels.

It is noteworthy that the Asian Academy of Sciences is the only scientific institution established at the regional and international levels to unite Asian scholars, develop scientific research, and expand strategic cooperation among the countries of the Asian continent, bringing together all scientific institutions of the region.