Interview with Otabek Umarov, independent researcher at the Department of Optics of the Samarkand State University, PhD student at the University of Debrecen in Hungary

    - What made you choose the path of science? Why did you focus on the field of physics?

    - As a child, I was very interested in physics and chemistry. After graduating from school, I entered the lyceum at SamSU. During my studies, my passion for physics grew stronger. After that, I continued my studies at the Faculty of Physics of Samarkand State University. World famous physicists graduated from this school...

    -You are doing research at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. How did you even get there?

    - The purpose of my visit to Debrecen University is the exchange of foreign experience, knowledge and skills. I worked in the international department of Samarkand State University. This is the main motivation for me to conduct scientific research abroad. During my activity in the international department, I had the opportunity to work, communicate and exchange ideas with foreign professors and teachers who came to the university, guests and representatives of the delegation. During this process, I also had a dream to do research abroad.

    - On what topic do you conduct scientific work?

    - My research work is devoted to the topic "Dynamics of non-adiabatic molecules under the action of light." As part of this research, I study physical properties such as the geometric and dynamic properties of certain molecules, electronic structures in molecules, and interactions in the presence of an external environment (particularly when exposed to light).

    - What new research is being carried out in the field of physics at the University of Debrecen? Which of them, in your opinion, should be introduced in Uzbekistan?

    - Here the field of physics is mainly divided into two large parts; theoretical physics and experimental physics. But in some places it seems that these two sections have merged into one. That is, experimenters also make theoretical calculations. The university has all the necessary conditions for this. For example, I'm a physicist, but I'm also learning how to use several computer programs (C, FORTRAN, GSL, MCTDH, MOLPRO) to do theoretical calculations. Today, world scientists in developed countries carry out theoretical calculations based not only on physics, but also on chemistry, biology, mathematics, geography and computer programs.

    This criterion is also strictly applied at the University of Debrecen. It would be expedient to organize laboratories equipped with powerful computers in our universities. Secondly, I believe that it is necessary to open groups with teaching in English in the field of specific sciences. Without this, it is impossible to turn our universities into world-renowned universities. The reason is that while science and technology are updated and modernized from year to year, the use of books created and translated during the Shura period as textbooks does not meet the requirements of the time.

    Almost all developed countries of the world and universities included in the top 1000 have English language programs. For example, 9 Hungarian universities are in the top 1000 globally recognized institutions and all have programs taught in English, including the University of Debrecen, ranked 691-600 in the QS rankings, with more than 70 English-taught programs. 300 English-speaking groups or more than 7000 foreign students studying in them. This means 24% of the total number of students.

    Today we see that there is practically no corruption in the universities of developed countries. Therefore, it is important to make educational institutions free from corruption. A higher educational institution is a place where teachers who teach our youth, doctors who treat us when we get sick, employees who serve us when we apply to government organizations, in a word, train personnel on which the future of the country depends. Therefore, fairness and transparency criteria must be strictly applied in this place. According to a recent report by the international organization Transparency International, in 2021, in terms of low indicators of corruption, Uzbekistan improved its position by 6 positions compared to previous years and ranked 140th (in 2018, 158th place). In this regard, it is very important to start receiving electronic questionnaires from students at the end of each semester in order to evaluate the teaching activities of professors and teachers and prevent corruption.

    - What is the difference between the educational processes and scientific directions of this university and SamSU? What are the advantages and differences?

    - First of all, here students can study foreign (English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Korean, German, French) languages ​​in courses organized by the university. These language courses are optional, meaning anyone can choose a language, register and participate in courses in that language. Students can study foreign languages ​​for free for two semesters. In addition, favorable conditions have been created for teachers. For example, separate buildings are built for university professors and teachers, where every two or three teachers or researchers allocate one room for teaching, self-improvement and preparation for lectures. We also have doctoral studies for 3 years, there are no classes for doctoral students, but here this stage is 4 (2 + 2) years. Doctoral students spend the first 2 years on teaching and research, while the remaining 2 years are spent solely on research.

    - Tell me about the university library.

    - The University of Debrecen has 7 libraries in total, and only the National University Library is the second largest library in Hungary. Libraries serve students from 8 am to 6 pm, some until 8 pm.

    - What advice and recommendations would you give to young researchers who want to continue their work abroad?

    - The most important thing is to know your business well, to be a mature specialist. Secondly, they need to learn foreign languages, especially English. Because all new knowledge and discoveries first come out in English.

    I believe that Samarkand State University will be among the top 1000 in the coming years. Congratulations to SamSU team on Independence Day...

Samarkand State University

Information Service Officer

Interviewed by Iroda Bekmurodova.