The International Higher School of Medicine welcomed students, faculty, and international experts for the BERNICA International Days "Global Perspectives in Nutrition & Dietetics Education" on November 5-6, 2025, creating a vibrant hub of learning, innovation, and professional networking at the IHSM campus.
The two-day event brought together medical students, young professionals, and faculty members from across Central Asia with leading European experts to explore global trends, share regional innovations, and build professional connections in the rapidly evolving field of nutrition and dietetics education.
Dr. Stalbek Akhunbaev, Rector of IHSM, opened the event by welcoming participants and reaffirming the institution's commitment to bringing world-class nutrition education to Central Asia. "By hosting these International Days, IHSM demonstrates our dedication to providing our students and faculty access to global expertise and international standards," stated Dr. Akhunbaev.
Dr. Kenesh Dzhusupov, BERNICA Project Coordinator and IHSM faculty member, provided an overview of the project's achievements and introduced distinguished international speakers from Austria and Türkiye.
The International Days facilitated meaningful dialogue through a panel discussion featuring representatives from all BERNICA partner countries, addressing crucial topics including curriculum adaptation, cultural considerations, and professional recognition. This regional perspective provided IHSM participants with insights into challenges and solutions across Central Asia.
IHSM students shine in research presentations
IHSM students participated in the competitive student research presentation session alongside peers from seven other partner universities across the region. The poster session with peer review allowed IHSM's emerging researchers to showcase their work, receive expert feedback, and network with international mentors. Awards were presented to recognize outstanding presentations, with IHSM students demonstrating the high-quality research training provided through the BERNICA program.
Innovative teaching methods demonstrated
The Innovative Learning Scenarios showcase featured practical examples from partner institutions, exposing IHSM faculty to cutting-edge pedagogical approaches:
These demonstrations provided IHSM educators with concrete ideas for enhancing their own teaching practices.
Career pathways and professional development
IHSM students gained valuable insights during the Career Opportunities Panel, which brought together industry representatives, clinical nutritionists, and researchers to discuss professional pathways in nutrition and dietetics. The session on collaborative projects planning opened doors for IHSM students to participate in future joint research initiatives and student exchange programs across the BERNICA network.
Master classes provide intensive training
Day 3's concurrent master classes offered IHSM participants the opportunity to engage in intensive, hands-on learning sessions with international experts. These interactive workshops provided practical skills and knowledge that participants can immediately apply in their studies and professional practice.
Building IHSM's international profile
By hosting the BERNICA International Days, IHSM strengthened its position as a regional hub for nutrition and dietetics education and reinforced its commitment to international collaboration. The event attracted participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, positioning IHSM at the center of regional educational innovation.
"These International Days exemplify IHSM's vision of being a globally connected institution that provides our community with access to world-class expertise," stated Dr. Dzhusupov during the closing ceremony. "Our students and faculty leave this event with new knowledge, expanded networks, and renewed motivation to advance nutrition science in our region."
All participants received certificates of participation, recognizing their engagement in this significant professional development opportunity. The success of the International Days reinforces IHSM's ongoing commitment to hosting high-quality educational events that benefit the broader Central Asian academic community.
The two-day event brought together medical students, young professionals, and faculty members from across Central Asia with leading European experts to explore global trends, share regional innovations, and build professional connections in the rapidly evolving field of nutrition and dietetics education.
Dr. Stalbek Akhunbaev, Rector of IHSM, opened the event by welcoming participants and reaffirming the institution's commitment to bringing world-class nutrition education to Central Asia. "By hosting these International Days, IHSM demonstrates our dedication to providing our students and faculty access to global expertise and international standards," stated Dr. Akhunbaev.
Dr. Kenesh Dzhusupov, BERNICA Project Coordinator and IHSM faculty member, provided an overview of the project's achievements and introduced distinguished international speakers from Austria and Türkiye.
- Learning from global leaders
- IHSM students and faculty benefited from expert presentations on:
- European Standards in Nutrition & Dietetics Programs – Understanding how European educational frameworks can inform Central Asian program development.
- Integration of N&D in Medical Curricula – International best practices for incorporating nutrition science into medical education.
- Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice – Latest research methodologies and clinical applications.
- Digital Tools in Nutrition Education – Innovative e-learning platforms and technological solutions.
- Community Nutrition Programs – Practical approaches to population-level interventions.
- Regional collaboration and knowledge sharing
The International Days facilitated meaningful dialogue through a panel discussion featuring representatives from all BERNICA partner countries, addressing crucial topics including curriculum adaptation, cultural considerations, and professional recognition. This regional perspective provided IHSM participants with insights into challenges and solutions across Central Asia.
IHSM students shine in research presentations
IHSM students participated in the competitive student research presentation session alongside peers from seven other partner universities across the region. The poster session with peer review allowed IHSM's emerging researchers to showcase their work, receive expert feedback, and network with international mentors. Awards were presented to recognize outstanding presentations, with IHSM students demonstrating the high-quality research training provided through the BERNICA program.
Innovative teaching methods demonstrated
The Innovative Learning Scenarios showcase featured practical examples from partner institutions, exposing IHSM faculty to cutting-edge pedagogical approaches:
- Practice-oriented training models that integrate real-world clinical experiences.
- Interactive blended learning modules combining online and face-to-face instruction.
- Advanced laboratory equipment utilization for hands-on skill development.
These demonstrations provided IHSM educators with concrete ideas for enhancing their own teaching practices.
Career pathways and professional development
IHSM students gained valuable insights during the Career Opportunities Panel, which brought together industry representatives, clinical nutritionists, and researchers to discuss professional pathways in nutrition and dietetics. The session on collaborative projects planning opened doors for IHSM students to participate in future joint research initiatives and student exchange programs across the BERNICA network.
Master classes provide intensive training
Day 3's concurrent master classes offered IHSM participants the opportunity to engage in intensive, hands-on learning sessions with international experts. These interactive workshops provided practical skills and knowledge that participants can immediately apply in their studies and professional practice.
Building IHSM's international profile
By hosting the BERNICA International Days, IHSM strengthened its position as a regional hub for nutrition and dietetics education and reinforced its commitment to international collaboration. The event attracted participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, positioning IHSM at the center of regional educational innovation.
"These International Days exemplify IHSM's vision of being a globally connected institution that provides our community with access to world-class expertise," stated Dr. Dzhusupov during the closing ceremony. "Our students and faculty leave this event with new knowledge, expanded networks, and renewed motivation to advance nutrition science in our region."
All participants received certificates of participation, recognizing their engagement in this significant professional development opportunity. The success of the International Days reinforces IHSM's ongoing commitment to hosting high-quality educational events that benefit the broader Central Asian academic community.