President Shavkat Mirziyoyev today visited research institutes on Olimlar (transl. - scholars) street in Tashkent, where he laid the capsule for construction of the campus for a new university - the University of Geological Sciences, the presidential press service said.

Currently there are four institutions under the State Committee for Geology and Mineral Resources — institutes of geology and geophysics, hydrogeology and engineering geology, mineral resources, geology and exploration of oil and gas fields — the are engaged in research work in the field of geology. The new university, created in place of these institutes, will become a single research complex.

The material, resource and scientific potential of the four institutes will be combined, with the most advanced equipment supplied to the University. While, the academic programs will be organized jointly with St. Petersburg Mining University and other foreign universities and research centers, the statement added.

“Once, geology in Uzbekistan was one of the most advanced, competitive branches of science ... But over the past 30 years, this area has been lagging behind, we have lost the potential. Scientists have lost motivation, while the new generation of specialists has not been formed. But geological research is necessary for all sectors of the economy. Just as a patient cannot be operated on without a diagnosis, it is impossible to develop industry without geology. Today we are laying the foundation for a scientific and educational institution, which will help boost the development of the area,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.