Within the framework of the ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE-STRAND-2 (101083224) project “INMACOM: Innovative Master’s Program in Photonics and Optical Communications to Meet the Needs of the Telecommunications Labour Market in Uzbekistan,” master’s students from higher education institutions of Uzbekistan are undertaking a short-term international internship at one of the leading universities of the Kingdom of Belgium — Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).

In accordance with the project plan, master’s students of the National University of Uzbekistan, Dildora Shodieva and Okila Tozhaxmadova, as well as master’s students of the Institute of Engineering Physics of Samarkand State University — Solihboy Mahammadiyev and Biloliddin Iltizarov — are staying at VUB from October 20 to November 1, 2025.

During the internship, the students are visiting university laboratories and participating in theoretical lectures and practical training sessions. In particular, they visited the B-PHOT (Brussels Photonics) research center, where they became closely acquainted with the work of laboratories engaged in biophotonics, optical sensors, polymer materials, integrated optical systems, and laser technologies.

It is worth noting that the B-PHOT Center is one of the leading photonics research centers in Europe, conducting fundamental and applied research in photonic integration, quantum optics, biomedical optical diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

This international internship provides the participating master’s students with an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the educational and research processes of one of Europe’s leading universities, become familiar with cutting-edge research in photonics, and strengthen scientific cooperation with international experts. The experience gained is expected to play an important role in the implementation of joint research projects and the introduction of advanced technologies into the higher education system of Uzbekistan.