The International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM) proudly hosted the BERNICA International Conference "Transforming Nutrition & Dietetics Education in Central Asia: Achievements and Future Perspectives" on November 7-8, 2025, bringing together 71 leading experts, policymakers, and educators at the Flutter Hall, Technopark.
The two-day event celebrated the successful completion of the three-year Erasmus+ BERNICA project, which has positioned IHSM and its Central Asian partners at the forefront of nutrition and dietetics education reform in the region.
IHSM's leadership and commitment
Professor Stalbek M. Akhunbaev, Rector of IHSM, welcomed participants and emphasized the institution's unwavering commitment to advancing nutrition and dietetics education. "This project has transformed not only our curriculum but also our capacity to train the next generation of nutrition professionals who will address critical health challenges in our region," stated Prof. Akhunbaev.
The conference demonstrated exceptional high-level support, with opening remarks from Deputy Ministers representing the Kyrgyz Republic's Ministries of Science, Higher Education and Innovation, and Health, as well as representatives from the European Commission and the National Erasmus+ Office.
IHSM's contributions highlighted
IHSM faculty members played prominent roles throughout the conference:
Student excellence on display
IHSM students demonstrated exceptional research capabilities during the dedicated student research session:
Their presentations exemplified IHSM's commitment to fostering research culture and developing future nutrition scientists.
Building for the future
The conference concluded with the signing of the BERNICA International Conference Declaration by institutional leaders and government representatives, including Prof. Stalbek M. Akhunbaev on behalf of IHSM. This
Declaration commits IHSM to:
Regional impact
Through the BERNICA project, IHSM has contributed to training 101 faculty members from Central Asian medical universities, enhancing English language competencies of 144 participants, upgrading laboratory facilities, and engaging 1,317 students across the region in new nutrition and dietetics programs.
"IHSM is proud to have served as a catalyst for this transformative initiative," stated Dr. Dzhusupov. "We view this conference not as a conclusion but as the launching pad for the next phase of our commitment to addressing nutrition and health challenges in Central Asia."
The hybrid conference format, combining in-person participation with online accessibility via Zoom, ensured broad engagement from partner institutions across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as European partners from Austria and Türkiye.
The two-day event celebrated the successful completion of the three-year Erasmus+ BERNICA project, which has positioned IHSM and its Central Asian partners at the forefront of nutrition and dietetics education reform in the region.
IHSM's leadership and commitment
Professor Stalbek M. Akhunbaev, Rector of IHSM, welcomed participants and emphasized the institution's unwavering commitment to advancing nutrition and dietetics education. "This project has transformed not only our curriculum but also our capacity to train the next generation of nutrition professionals who will address critical health challenges in our region," stated Prof. Akhunbaev.
The conference demonstrated exceptional high-level support, with opening remarks from Deputy Ministers representing the Kyrgyz Republic's Ministries of Science, Higher Education and Innovation, and Health, as well as representatives from the European Commission and the National Erasmus+ Office.
IHSM's contributions highlighted
IHSM faculty members played prominent roles throughout the conference:
- Dr. Kenesh Dzhusupov, BERNICA Project Coordinator, delivered the opening address and facilitated key sessions on sustainability and future collaboration.
- Dr. Eugenia Lim presented a comprehensive statistical analysis of the project's impressive impact.
- Dr. Nazgul Matkerimova provided a systematic overview of all project deliverables and outputs.
- Prof. Ainash Sharshenova presented critical data on nutrition and health challenges facing the Kyrgyz population, highlighting that 83% of deaths in Kyrgyzstan are due to nutrition-related non-communicable diseases.
- Dr. Aliia Bazhanova led the Conference Declaration Drafting Committee and presented the landmark document.
Student excellence on display
IHSM students demonstrated exceptional research capabilities during the dedicated student research session:
- Ms. Saltanat Abazbekova presented findings on risk factors of obesity among 8,033 Kyrgyzstan adolescents.
- Ms. Asylkan Moldobaeva investigated osteoporosis prevalence in Bishkek residents with type 2 diabetes.
Their presentations exemplified IHSM's commitment to fostering research culture and developing future nutrition scientists.
Building for the future
The conference concluded with the signing of the BERNICA International Conference Declaration by institutional leaders and government representatives, including Prof. Stalbek M. Akhunbaev on behalf of IHSM. This
Declaration commits IHSM to:
- Integrating nutrition and dietetics programs into the university's core strategic plans and budgets.
- Maintaining and expanding regional and international collaboration networks.
- Supporting continued innovation in teaching and research methodologies.
- Creating platforms for student research and professional development.
Regional impact
Through the BERNICA project, IHSM has contributed to training 101 faculty members from Central Asian medical universities, enhancing English language competencies of 144 participants, upgrading laboratory facilities, and engaging 1,317 students across the region in new nutrition and dietetics programs.
"IHSM is proud to have served as a catalyst for this transformative initiative," stated Dr. Dzhusupov. "We view this conference not as a conclusion but as the launching pad for the next phase of our commitment to addressing nutrition and health challenges in Central Asia."
The hybrid conference format, combining in-person participation with online accessibility via Zoom, ensured broad engagement from partner institutions across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as European partners from Austria and Türkiye.