Turkmenistan holds a special place in the international activities of the University of Tyumen, as it is the country from which the university attracts the largest number of prospective students. Currently, 1,018 Turkmen citizens are enrolled at the University of Tyumen, many of whom have achieved excellent results in their academic studies and research.

During a visit to Turkmenistan, Andrey Tolstikov, First Vice-Rector of the University of Tyumen, took part in the annual International Exhibition and Scientific Conference  Healthcare, Education and Sport in the Era of the Revival of a New Epoch of a Powerful State.” He chaired the session on “Natural and Exact Sciences, Innovative Technologies,” held at the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. The session featured a total of 62 research presentations, including contributions from speakers representing other countries.

Andrey Tolstikov delivered a presentation entitled “Soil Biodiversity: Research Priorities and Training Specialists for Turkmenistan.” He outlined modern approaches to the study and conservation of soil biodiversity and assessed the current state of research into soil biota in Central Asia.

In addition to participating in the conference, Andrey Tolstikov conducted a masterclass for faculty members and students at Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute in Türkmenabat. He also discussed prospects for cooperation with the institute’s rector, Gurbanguly Muhammedov, vice-rectors and leading researchers.

The University of Tyumen already has a successful track record of collaboration with the Pedagogical Institute, particularly with Professor Peizulla Khydyrov, whose research focuses on plant-dwelling mites that are agricultural pests, as well as promising biological control agents for managing their populations. Professor Khydyrov has repeatedly published his research findings in  Acarina, a scientific journal published by the University of Tyumen.

During the visit, the First Vice-Rector was shown the Pedagogical Institute’s new campus, designed to accommodate 5,000 students. Opened in September 2026, the campus covers an area of 26 hectares.

Following the visit, the two institutions agreed on key priorities for future cooperation. These include organising joint scientific conferences, conducting research in comparative linguistics, collaborating on biodiversity research and efforts to combat desertification and soil degradation, and facilitating academic exchanges for faculty members and students.

Through these initiatives, the University of Tyumen is not only maintaining its longstanding network of partnerships across Central Asia but also developing new, tangible collaborative projects. These range from guest lectures and professional development opportunities for teaching staff to joint research initiatives and educational programmes.