Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, Project No. 101082831 – BERNICA – ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE “Building Educational and Research Capacities in Nutrition and Dietetics in Central Asia”, a series of international events took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. On 5–6 November 2025, the Global Perspectives in Nutrition & Dietetics Education days were held, followed by the Final International Conference of the BERNICA Project entitled Transforming Nutrition & Dietetics Education in Central Asia: Achievements and Future Perspectives, which took place on 7–8 November 2025 at the International Higher School of Medicine.

The events were organized under the coordination of Professor Kenesh Jusupov and the team of the International Higher School of Medicine (Kyrgyzstan). The forums brought together representatives from medical universities across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Tajikistan was represented by the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University and the Khatlon State Medical University, Kazakhstan by Karaganda Medical University and the Kazakh National Medical University named after S. D. Asfendiyarov, Kyrgyzstan by the International Higher School of Medicine and Osh State University, and Uzbekistan by the Tashkent State Medical University and the Bukhara State Medical University.

A special contribution to the event was made by international project partners. Among the distinguished speakers were Dr. Manuela Konrad from Austria (Fachhochschule Joanneum), Dr. Indrani Kalkan, and Prof. Gulgun Ersoy from Turkey (Istanbul Medipol University). During the meetings, a methodological manual developed within the framework of the BERNICA project was presented, summarizing the collective experience and results of the consortium’s collaborative work.

The thematic focus of the International Days revolved around discussions on the current global status and best practices in nutrition and dietetics education, as well as innovations and future directions for curriculum development in the field.

The Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSMU) was represented by PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental Hygiene, Dr. Khuseyn Nazarzoda, who delivered an online presentation entitled “Quality Assurance Methodology in BERNICA: ESG-Based ”and “Bologna-Oriented, Multi-Level QA Transformation (2022–2025)”.

During the Final Conference, the participants discussed the achievements of the three-year project, assessed its impact and quality assurance outcomes, and identified strategies to ensure sustainability of results. Special attention was given to the future development of educational programs aimed at strengthening scientific capacity in nutrition and dietetics across Central Asia.

Key Achievements of the ERASMUS+/BERNICA Project

Presentations within the plenary and thematic sessions demonstrated the significant results of the project, which have defined a new model for the development of education in the field of nutrition and dietetics in Central Asia.

1.     Development and implementation of 10 new academic courses within three modules (15 ECTS) fully aligned with the Bologna requirements and the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG).

2.     Establishment of a network of competence centers and implementation of professional development programs for teaching staff, including training in professional English and modern pedagogical approaches.

3.     Modernization of university infrastructure, including the creation of state-of-the-art laboratories with innovative equipment, interactive classrooms, and digital platforms for distance and hybrid learning.

4.     Increased research activity among students and faculty, reflected in a significant number of research papers and presentations delivered at the conference.

As a result of the BERNICA project’s implementation, a collective Declaration was adopted, reflecting a shared vision of the importance of transforming educational approaches in nutrition and dietetics. The document emphasizes the need for continued international collaboration and the modernization of educational processes, which will contribute to the advancement of professional competencies and the strengthening of dietetics as an essential component of public health systems in the countries of Central Asia.