Formation of Academic Personnel, Professional Development and Social Significance

In the Republic of Uzbekistan, academic titles-associate professor, professor and academician are considered important stages of scientific and professional activity. These titles reflect a specialist’s scientific qualifications, pedagogical experience and contribution to the development of science. The system of academic titles ensures sustainable and consistent development in science and higher education, creating broad opportunities not only for those working in the education system but also for specialists engaged in activities beyond it.

Associate Professor

Associate professor is a fundamental academic title in scientific and pedagogical activity, aimed at forming highly qualified specialists capable of independent research and teaching. This title is awarded to individuals who hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree or an equivalent academic degree and confirms their professional training and scientific potential.

The academic title of Associate Professor grants the right to teach subjects in higher education institutions, lead academic courses and educational programs, and serve as a research supervisor for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students. This title ensures the expansion of pedagogical authority and professional opportunities, as well as creates a solid foundation for obtaining the academic title of professor in the future. The associate professor title confirms a high level of scientific qualification and expertise, enhancing professional reputation and expanding career opportunities across various fields.

Professor

The academic title of professor is the highest academic title within the higher education system of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It is awarded for outstanding achievements in scientific and pedagogical activity. The title of professor is granted to individuals holding the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree, as well as, in certain cases, to specialists with a PhD degree who meet additional requirements established by the Higher Attestation Commission.

Professors are specialists with strong scientific leadership, capable of establishing scientific schools and defining strategic directions for the development of science and education. In the education sector, professors are entitled to hold senior administrative positions such as head of department, dean, vice-rector and rector.

The academic title of professor signifies a high level of scientific and intellectual leadership. It provides opportunities for appointment to strategic management positions, participation in international expert processes and a significant increase in professional prestige.

Academician

This title represents the highest level of scientific recognition. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, an academician is the highest scientific status and implies election as a full member of the Academy of Sciences. This status is awarded to specialists with high scientific authority who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of science.

Academicians working in education and research participate in shaping state scientific policy, lead major research centers and academic institutes, and receive lifelong material support. From January 1, 2018, full members of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan and former full members of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Uzbekistan receive a monthly honorarium equal to 4.22 times the minimum wage, while former corresponding members of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences receive 2.81 times the minimum wage (Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated December 29, 2017, No. PF-5292).

Based on the above, the system of academic titles-associate professor, professor and academician forms a consistent and open model of scientific and professional development in Uzbekistan. This system serves to train highly qualified, competitive, and strategically minded professionals both within the education sector and beyond, creating a solid foundation for the development of science and society.