MEET OUR STAFF MEMBERS
Employing highly qualified staff and providing them with opportunities for professional development is key to WIUT’s recruitment and employee development strategies. In addition, the existence of a research strategy that encourages academic staff to be at the forefront of their subject interest area contributes to the success of our University.
WIUT staff have the opportunity to pursue their professional development both in Uzbekistan and overseas. In partnership with Westminster University in the UK, WIUT has launched the only professional postgraduate course for teachers in Uzbekistan. The course encourages conducting research in education, particularly in teaching and also the publication of research projects and findings.
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MEET OUR NEW FACULTY MEMBERS FOR
2026-2027
Dr. Robin Umbra
Dr. Robin Umbra studied International Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria before completing his PhD in Organisational Psychology at the University of Hohenheim in Germany. At the heart of his research is a central question: how do people make sense of difficult experiences, and how does that shape what they feel and do next? His research examines emotions, appraisal processes, and behaviour at work, with particular interest in how repeated experiences shape emotional meaning, expectations, and later responses. He also leads several international research programmes involving researchers across more than 35 countries. These programmes span topics including organisational psychology and work behaviour; appraisal theory and learning; moral psychology and moral emotions; aggression, violence, and escalation; political psychology, criminology, and deviance; authority, hierarchy, and accountability; suicidology and demoralisation; as well as human adaptation and augmentation. Across these programmes, he works with colleagues from fields such as organisational psychology, management, law, public administration, clinical psychology, psychiatry, and medicine.
His work has appeared in a range of international peer-reviewed journals. His teaching philosophy is closely aligned with the Socratic method.
Organisational Psychology · Emotions · Appraisal Processes · Behaviour at Work · Learning
Rather than treating students as passive recipients of knowledge, he encourages them to question assumptions, examine different perspectives, explain their reasoning, and engage critically with evidence. For him, good teaching should help students develop the confidence and independence to think for themselves. The academic achievement he values most is also a personal one.
“I chose WIUT because of its commitment to high-quality research and teaching, its international outlook, and its distinctive position connecting British higher education with Central Asia. WIUT also aligns closely with my long-term professional and personal goals. I see it as a place where I can contribute meaningfully, build lasting collaborations, and continue growing as a scholar, educator, and person.”
Quantitative Macroeconomics · Public Finance and Labour Markets · Economic Growth and Development · Corruption and Stock Markets
Dr. Aleksandar Vasilev, DSc
Dr. Aleksandar Vasilev, DSc, is a newly appointed Associate Professor in Economics at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). He has more than 20 years of teaching and research experience in Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, the UK and the US.
As of August 2026, Dr. Vasilev has been ranked #1 in Bulgaria according to the IDEAS RePEc ranking system. He recently obtained a Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from the University of Lincoln, UK.
His academic training is in quantitative macroeconomics, particularly the interaction between public finance and labour markets and their impact on the aggregate economy. He is also broadly interested in economic growth and development. His recent publications include research on the impact of corruption on stock prices, as well as pedagogical papers on teaching topics in intermediate macroeconomics.
Dr. Vasilev believes economics should be taught to “make practical sense” and be learned through hands-on experience rather than simply being studied theoretically.
In his approach, students learn economics not only by reading books but also by observing economic forces and phenomena in everyday life, investigating them, and understanding what happens “behind the curtains.”
He recognises that economics has its own language, concepts and terminology, which may take time to master. For him, economics is about developing a disciplined way of thinking that enables students to construct logical and consistent arguments and formulate sound policy recommendations.
“I chose WIUT for several different reasons: first, it is a UK-accredited university, and the UK educational system is one that I am familiar with, having served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lincoln, UK previously; second, WIUT is in Uzbekistan, a country at the crossroads of different cultures that is experiencing rapid development in Central Asia, a region full of vitality that I think could be a ‘locomotive’ for the world economy.”
Dr. Arjun Rema Devi
Dr. Arjun Rema Devi holds a PhD in Information Systems from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, India. He has over 12 years of teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
His research interests include Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, Software Engineering, Information Security and Healthcare Analytics. He has published seven peer-reviewed journal articles, including publications in IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems, International Journal of Information Management Data Insights, and International Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Artificial Intelligence. He has also contributed five conference papers and three book chapters.
In 2024, he received a Research Award from Vellore Institute of Technology in recognition of his high-quality publications and h-index performance. He was also a Co-Principal Investigator on the “Train the Trainer” consultancy project for Worldline, France. Dr. Arjun completed the 2023 cohort of the MIS Quarterly Scholarly Development Academy under the Association for Information Systems (AIS) Early Career Scholar Programme. He is also an Oracle Cloud Foundations Associate.
Information Systems · Artificial Intelligence · FinTech · Software Engineering · Information Security · Healthcare Analytics
In 2025, Dr. Arjun was recognised as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), UK, and a Fellow of the Soft Computing Research Society, India. He served as an expert member of the National Working Group on Quantum Technologies constituted by the Government of India for technology standardisation, contributing to engagement with international organisations and professional bodies including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
Dr. Arjun also contributes to academic publishing as an editorial board member and reviewer for international journals.
Dr. Arjun adopts a reflective and practice-oriented approach to teaching. At undergraduate level, he focuses on stimulating students’ curiosity through real-world examples and helping them apply theoretical concepts through practical and laboratory-based activities. At postgraduate level, his approach places greater emphasis on interaction and understanding students’ learning needs and preferences.
“WIUT is a renowned institution with balanced quality focus on teaching and research. Such strategy aligns with my long-term professional goals of contributing in teaching and student mentoring, conduct funded research projects/consultancy and engage in community outreach activity areas.”
Machine Learning · Natural Language Processing · Drone Robotics · Virtual Reality Simulations · Computer Science Education
Dr. Ruslan Isaev
Dr. Ruslan Isaev’s academic trajectory, from schoolteacher to dean and associate dean in Cambodia, has been shaped by a singular creed: building bridges between theory and tangible impact. He earned a Specialist degree in Computer Science Education in 2006 and a PhD in Theoretical Physics in 2012. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree.
He spent over a decade reforming curriculum, eventually turning final theses into patents, startups, and publications. His current research spans ML-driven forecasting, NLP virtual assistants, drone robotics, and immersive VR simulations.
His teaching philosophy is rooted in the trenches of creation and never passive lectures. He champions problem-based and experiential learning, transforming students into active investigators. Every module becomes a mini-research lab: they frame urgent questions, design experiments, build prototypes, and critically dissect outcomes.
Failure is reframed as data, not defeat. By anchoring every project in genuine complexity, whether coding a virtual assistant or piloting autonomous drones, he ensures graduates don't just recite theories; they wield them with confidence, resilience, and collaborative grit.
His proudest achievement is watching his mentees blossom into teachers, researchers, deans, and founders. That ripple effect outlives any single paper. He measures success not by citations, but by the careers he has launched.
“I chose WIUT because its global reputation, strong network, and international pulse offer the ideal stage to scale that ripple, bringing relentless curiosity, cross-cultural insight, and a proven record of turning vision into action.”
Dr. Mandeep Singh
Dr. Mandeep Singh is a legal academic specialising in corporate and commercial law. He successfully defended his PhD at the University of Leicester in August 2026, having held a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) scholarship there. He also holds an LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Sheffield, along with LLB and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Delhi.
His research lies at the intersection of company law, corporate governance and the development of financial markets, with a growing focus on ESG and sustainability. His doctoral research is an empirical analysis of how corporate governance regulation influences financial market development and sustainability practices across central, eastern and south-eastern Europe. He plans to develop his thesis into a monograph and to continue testing the influence of corporate governance regulation on the financial markets of other developing and transition economies.
Dr. Mandeep's teaching philosophy centres on active, inclusive learning that connects theory with real-world practice. He moves beyond traditional lecturing towards live case studies, real-time quizzes and structured discussion, and takes particular care to encourage quiet students to participate.
Corporate Law · Corporate Governance · Financial Markets · ESG and Sustainability
He plans carefully around intended learning outcomes, paces sessions thoughtfully and provides timely, constructive feedback, while continually updating his materials to reflect the latest developments in the field.
Among his proudest achievements is winning the Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) scholarship at the University of Leicester, which funded his PhD and brought him onto the Law School's teaching team. Teaching across an international student body affirmed his commitment to both rigorous scholarship and inclusive, student-centred education.
“I chose to return to WIUT because it offers a genuinely international education in the heart of Central Asia. My previous time at the University was an amazing experience — I worked alongside wonderful, supportive colleagues whose helpful nature made it a place I was glad to be part of, and I loved travelling around and exploring Uzbekistan. Returning gives me the ideal environment to align my teaching in corporate and commercial law with my research, and to support motivated students as they reach their potential”.
Corporate Finance · Financial Markets · Entrepreneurial Finance
Dr. Muzna Rahman
Dr. Muzna Rahman holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Bordeaux, France. She has developed an international academic career through teaching and research experience in Pakistan and France. Before joining WIUT, she served as a Visiting Lecturer at KEDGE Business School and INSEEC Grande École in Bordeaux between 2023 and 2026.
Her research interests include corporate finance, financial markets, and entrepreneurial finance. She remains open to exploring other impactful and emerging areas within finance that align with current industry and societal needs.
Drawing on experience across diverse academic environments, Dr. Rahman has taught a range of finance modules at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in student-centred learning and the belief that finance education should extend beyond theoretical concepts to enable students to understand how financial decisions are made in real-world contexts. She creates engaging learning environments through case studies, simulations, and active student participation, helping students strengthen their financial knowledge and analytical skills for their future careers.
She has presented her research at leading international conferences, including those of the Southwestern Finance Association, the British Academy of Management, the ENTFIN Conference, the French Finance Association, and the European Academy of Management. Her publication in an ABDC B-ranked journal reflects the quality and international relevance of her research.
“I chose WIUT because of its strong international reputation and its commitment to providing transformative education in a dynamic, multicultural environment. I am inspired by WIUT’s balanced approach, which promotes students’ academic excellence and student-centred learning while providing opportunities for faculty development in teaching and research. I look forward to contributing to the Finance Department through my teaching and research, while learning from and collaborating with colleagues across the institution.”
Dr. Sherzod Khaydarov
Dr. Sherzod Khaydarov holds a master’s degree from the University of Hong Kong and a PhD in Social Policy from the University of Edinburgh and brings a unique perspective to the department. His research interests encompass a range of topics, including shadow education, international/transnational and comparative education, and internationalisation policies in higher education. Currently, his focus is on the internationalisation and quantification of academic work, a subject of growing importance in the global academic community.
His teaching philosophy is grounded in critical pedagogy, with a strong emphasis on student-centred learning, critical thinking, and active engagement. He believes that education should go beyond the transmission of knowledge and should encourage students to question assumptions, examine different perspectives, and apply what they learn in real-world settings. In his teaching, he aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas, asking questions, and engaging in constructive discussions.
Among his recent notable achievements are being awarded a PEER (Political Economy of Education Research) Network fellowship, which included a small-research grant, and the publication of a book chapter with Palgrave Macmillan.
Shadow Education · International and Comparative Education · Internationalisation Policies in Higher Education
These achievements reflect his growing engagement with international research networks and his contribution to scholarly debates in the field.
“I decided to return to WIUT because I really appreciate its commitment to supporting both students and academic staff, as well as the quality of its academic environment. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence and for creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment. Having already been part of the university community, I have a genuine appreciation for its values and working environment. I believe that returning would allow me to bring the knowledge, skills, and experience I have gained since leaving, while continuing to learn and grow professionally. Most importantly, I would be very pleased to contribute meaningfully to the university’s academic development and to the success of its students.”
Macroeconomic Dynamics · Structural Change and Economic Growth · Energy Economics
Dr. Tahir Mahmood
Dr. Tahir Mahmood holds a master’s degree in economics from Aarhus University, Denmark, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Eastern Finland. He began his academic career in Scandinavia, where he was awarded the prestigious Finnish Doctoral Programme in Economics (FDPE) Fellowship.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mahmood has held academic and policy positions at several prominent institutions. He served as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Memorial Chair Professor at KIU and previously held the positions of Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, one of Pakistan’s leading universities.
Dr. Mahmood’s research interests include macroeconomic dynamics, structural change and economic growth, and energy economics. He has published more than 35 research papers in reputable academic journals and contributed three chapters to CPEC-related books published by the China Study Center. He has supervised around 40 MPhil/MS theses and four PhD dissertations. In addition to his academic work, he has received research grants from various European and Asian institutions and organisations, including FDPE, CIMO, HEC and EMERICS.
Dr. Mahmood’s teaching philosophy centres on creating a learner-focused environment that encourages students to develop their own academic interests, strengthen their critical-thinking skills and become independent learners.
Collaborative learning is central to his approach to teaching. He seeks to promote reflective thinking while strengthening students’ communication and cross-cultural skills. He considers clear and open communication between teachers and students an essential part of creating an effective learning environment.
Dr. Ivan Bimbilovski
Dr. Ivan Bimbilovski brings decades of experience in higher education as a legal scholar, Professor of Law and academic leader, including experience serving as Rector. Throughout his academic career, he has taught students from different countries, disciplines and stages of study, shaping an approach to education that recognises the different experiences, perspectives, questions and ambitions that students bring to the classroom.
His research lies at the intersection of law, technology, public policy, and social change. He has worked on areas such as technology transfer, intellectual property, data protection, digital society, labour rights, governance, mediation, and innovation. His current research projects explore deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurship, digital technologies, and their potential for social impact.
Throughout his academic career, he has contributed to research projects, academic initiatives and international collaborations across institutional and national boundaries. Among his professional recognitions is the Dunhuang Award, granted once every three years to foreign experts in recognition of significant contributions to Gansu Province, China.
Law · Technology · Public Policy · Social Change · Intellectual Property · Data Protection · Digital Society · Deep-Tech Innovation
While publications, research projects, awards and academic leadership positions represent important milestones in his career, he considers student development among the most meaningful outcomes of academic work. In particular, he values seeing students gain confidence in their abilities, develop their own intellectual voice and discover academic and professional possibilities they may not previously have considered.
His teaching philosophy is also shaped by the understanding that there is no single approach that works for every student or every classroom. As students, disciplines and professional environments continue to evolve, he considers continuous learning an essential part of academic practice. His research and professional experience inform what he brings to the classroom, while students’ questions, perspectives and responses continually influence how he approaches and communicates complex legal issues. This reciprocal process is reflected in his view that “my teaching is my learning, and my learning is my teaching.”
“I was drawn to WIUT because of its international character and the opportunity to be part of an academic community where different cultures, disciplines, experiences, and perspectives meet. I value environments in which people are encouraged not simply to know more, but to think more deeply and to see familiar questions from unfamiliar angles.”
Artificial Intelligence · Federated Learning · Deep Learning · Distributed Energy Optimisation
Dr. Safdar Ali
Dr. Safdar Ali brings a decade of rich global academic, teaching, and high-impact research experience across South Korea and Pakistan to the WIUT Computing Department. He earned his PhD from Jeju National University in South Korea, where his doctoral thesis laid foundational work for hybrid energy optimisation algorithms using IoT environments. Prior to that, he completed his MSc in Computer Sciences at the prestigious FAST-NU Islamabad in Pakistan, focusing on intelligent network intrusion detection systems.
Before joining WIUT, Dr. Ali spent years progressing through the academic ranks in Pakistan, most recently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Lahore. Beyond the classroom, he has been a pillar of academic administration, serving on Academic Councils, contributing to national accreditation committees (NCEAC), and heading departmental hiring and review boards.
His commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers is evident in his extensive supervision history, having guided one PhD and numerous Master's and Bachelor's theses to completion on cutting-edge topics such as cross-platform application usability, smart metering, and machine-learning-based lung cancer detection. He continues to co-supervise doctoral candidates driving innovation in deep learning and distributed energy resources.
Dr. Ali is a highly prolific researcher, with over 20 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications. Most recently, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher under the prestigious Brain Pool programme awarded by the Ministry of ICT and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Korea, leading projects on horizontal distributed federated learning and smart grid energy management.
He is particularly interested in connecting advanced computing research with practical applications and real-world challenges, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to the classroom and supporting students in developing both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills.
“Joining WIUT allows me to bridge my international research in AI and smart energy systems with a vibrant, forward-thinking academic community in Central Asia.”
“WIUT's reputation for academic excellence and its foundational connection to the British higher education system make it the ideal place to deploy advanced computing curricula. My goal is to foster an environment where students don't just learn programming languages, but understand how AI and cloud technologies can be applied to solve real-world challenges and contribute to global sustainability.”
Ms. Aziza Khakimova
Ms. Aziza Khakimova has been part of the WIUT community for more than 15 years, and over the past 10 years, she has had the opportunity to work in both administrative and teaching roles. Working as Head of Student Information and Compliance, while also teaching CIFS students, has given her a broader understanding of the university environment and, more importantly, a deeper understanding of students and their needs, experiences, and expectations.
At this stage of her career, she has decided to focus fully on teaching, as she feels this is where her passion lies and where she can make the greatest contribution. She is passionate about creating meaningful and effective learning environments and about continuously developing herself, both professionally and personally.
Her research interests are mainly connected to teaching and learning, particularly understanding students’ needs, experiences, and learning behaviours.
Her teaching philosophy is based on the belief that effective teaching starts with understanding the learner. Students have different backgrounds, experiences, expectations, and learning behaviours, so she believes educators should create an environment where students feel supported, engaged, and confident.
Teaching and Learning · Student Needs · Learning Behaviours · Student Experience
She encourages students to ask questions, think critically, share ideas, collaborate, and learn from their mistakes. For her, successful teaching is not only about achieving good academic results; it is also about developing students’ confidence, independence, curiosity, and willingness to continue learning.
She is proud of successfully completing several academic and professional projects and of having the opportunity to participate in a TEMPUS project focused on higher education, as well as in academic conferences in Saint Petersburg. Another significant milestone was the successful completion of the PGCert in Learning and Teaching, which became a turning point in her career. The course changed her perspective on teaching and helped her realise that learning can and should be fun and meaningful. Its philosophy strongly resonated with her own beliefs about learning, further strengthening her passion for teaching and her commitment to continuous development.
“Choosing WIUT has been both a professional and personal journey. Over the years, I have grown with the university, worked with inspiring colleagues, and had the opportunity to support and learn from many students. I value WIUT’s international outlook, academic environment, and commitment to providing students with a high-quality education. After more than 15 years here, I feel that I am not simply working at WIUT, I am part of its community. Now, by focusing fully on teaching, I hope to contribute my experience to students while continuing to grow within the WIUT community.”
International Investment and Commercial Arbitration · Treaty Reform · Investor–State Dispute Settlement · Alternative Dispute Resolution · Digitalisation
Dr. Shakhzoda Tuychieva
Dr. Shakhzoda Tuychieva is a legal scholar and practitioner specialising in international dispute resolution. She holds an S.J.D. (equal to DSc) in international investment arbitration from the University of Pittsburgh and licensed to practise law in Uzbekistan. She also serves as a mediator, counsel, and Young ICSID Regional Delegate for Central Asia. In academia, She teachs ADR, investment law, international private law. Her goal is to connect rigorous scholarship with legal practice and meaningful student development.
Her main research interests are international investment and commercial arbitration, treaty reform, the legitimacy of investor–State dispute settlement, ADR, and digitalisation. Her doctoral dissertation examined the “crisis” of investment treaty arbitration and assessed the legitimacy of the principal criticisms directed at the system. Her current paper, developed during the UNIDROIT Visiting Scholar Programme, explores digital asset sales and how the CISG may be coordinated with the UNIDROIT Principles on Digital Assets and Private Law.
She sees teaching as building a platform from which students can rise higher than she has. She wants them to stand on her shoulders - not to repeat her conclusions, but to gain the knowledge, confidence, and analytical tools to question them, discover more, and achieve more.
She combines doctrinal rigour with discussion, simulations, comparative cases, research, writing, and oral advocacy. Her proudest academic achievement is completing her S.J.D. at the University of Pittsburgh (USA) as the first Uzbek woman. The dissertation helped her develop an independent scholarly voice on one of the most contested questions in contemporary international law and strengthened her ability to connect research with policy and practice.
“I chose WIUT because its international outlook, English-medium academic culture, and commitment to student-centred learning closely match my values. Studying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning at WIUT has reinforced my commitment to reflective, evidence-based teaching. I hope to contribute my international academic training, multilingual teaching experience, and practical arbitration expertise while continuing to grow within its academic community.”
Ms. Malika Shavkieva
Ms. Malika Shavkieva is a lecturer who focuses on inclusive education, teacher education, and the role of emerging technologies in education. She is also the National Coordinator of the international GPiX project, where she works with colleagues in an international academic context. She has recently started her PhD at USM, continuing to develop her research and academic interests.
Her research focuses on inclusion and teacher education, with a particular interest in the role of AI in inclusive education. She is interested in how artificial intelligence can support teachers, improve accessibility, and contribute to more inclusive learning environments. At the same time, she is interested in understanding the challenges that come with introducing AI into education and how it can be used in a thoughtful and responsible way.
Ms. Malika believes that teaching is about creating a space where students can think, ask questions, discuss ideas, and develop their own perspectives. She tries to make her classes practical and engaging by connecting theory with real-life examples. For her, teaching is not simply about giving students the right answers, but about helping them become more independent, critical, and confident learners.
Inclusive Education · Teacher Education · Artificial Intelligence in Education · Accessibility · Emerging Technologies
One of the academic achievements Ms. Malika is particularly proud of is becoming the National Coordinator of the international GPiX project. Starting her PhD at USM is also an important milestone in her academic journey. Both experiences have allowed her to develop her research interests, work with international colleagues, and continue growing as an academic.
“I chose WIUT because I see it as a place where I can continue to grow both as a lecturer and as a researcher. I value its international environment, diverse academic community, and strong focus on connecting education with real-world practice. I also see WIUT as a place where I can contribute my experience and research interests while learning from colleagues and students with different backgrounds and perspectives.”
Cybersecurity · Artificial Intelligence · Android Malware Detection · Software Security · Machine Learning · Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Dr. Zahid Hussain Qaisar
Dr. Zahid Hussain Qaisar is a Senior Lecturer in Computing at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT), bringing extensive experience in university teaching, research, and academic leadership. He holds a PhD in Computer Software Security and Theory from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China, where his doctoral research explored machine-learning approaches for Android malware diagnosis and assessment.
His research sits at the intersection of Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Engineering. He is particularly interested in Android malware detection and analysis, software security, AI and machine learning for cybersecurity, software testing and quality assurance, and intelligent security solutions.
His research has been published in internationally recognised journals and conferences, including Pattern Recognition, Expert Systems with Applications, PLOS ONE, Multimedia Tools and Applications, and The Visual Computer. His recent work continues to explore how AI can be used to address emerging challenges in cybersecurity and software reliability.
For Dr. Qaisar, teaching is most effective when students can connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world problems. His teaching approach is student-centred, practical, and interactive, combining theoretical foundations with problem-based learning, hands-on activities, critical thinking, and real-world applications. He aims to create a learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, experiment with ideas, and develop the confidence to become independent learners and responsible computing professionals.
Among his academic achievements, he particularly values completing his PhD at HUST and being recognised as an Outstanding International Student. He has also contributed to international research collaborations and funded projects and holds professional certifications including CISSP, CEH, ISTQB Advanced Level, and CSQA.
Dr. Qaisar's academic and professional experience allows him to connect research, teaching, and practical applications of computing. He is particularly interested in helping students understand how emerging technologies can be applied to address complex cybersecurity and software engineering challenges.
“I chose WIUT for its international outlook, British higher-education environment, commitment to academic quality, and diverse academic community. I see WIUT as an excellent place to share knowledge, learn from colleagues and students, build meaningful research collaborations, and contribute to the University’s growing academic and research culture. I look forward to helping students develop the knowledge, curiosity, and practical skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.”
Ms. Anora Turakhujaeva
Anora Turakhujaeva joins the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences as a Lecturer in the Department of Law, bringing extensive practical experience from her legal practice at GRATA International Law Firm, where she serves as Counsel. Her professional background allows her to bring a strong practical perspective to legal education, connecting academic concepts with the realities of legal practice and the evolving needs of the legal profession.
Throughout her legal career, Anora has developed extensive experience in advising on complex legal matters and navigating regulatory frameworks. Her work at a leading international law firm has strengthened her ability to approach legal issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives, with particular attention to developing clear, well-reasoned, and commercially relevant legal solutions.
Her research interests include data protection, banking and finance, and renewable energy. In the area of data protection, she is particularly interested in the legal challenges arising from digitalisation, the responsible use of personal data, and the development of effective regulatory frameworks for protecting individuals and businesses in an increasingly data-driven economy. Her interests in banking and finance include the legal and regulatory frameworks governing financial activities and transactions, as well as the impact of financial innovation on the legal environment. She is also interested in renewable energy and the role of law and regulation in supporting the transition towards sustainable energy and responsible economic development.
Data Protection · Banking and Finance · Renewable Energy · Digitalisation · Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Anora's teaching philosophy is centred on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. She believes that students should not only understand legal rules and principles, but also develop the ability to analyse complex situations, identify relevant legal issues, construct persuasive arguments, and apply the law to real-world problems.
In her teaching, she aims to create an interactive and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, engage in discussion, challenge assumptions, and develop independent perspectives. She incorporates practical case studies, problem-based exercises, legal analysis, and examples from professional practice to help students understand how legal principles operate beyond textbooks and classrooms.
She also believes that successful legal professionals require more than technical legal knowledge. Critical thinking, ethical judgment, effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing legal and business environment are equally important. Through her teaching, Anora aims to help students develop these skills and gain the confidence to approach legal problems with both analytical precision and practical awareness.
“My decision to join the Law Department reflects my desire to contribute to a learning environment where academic knowledge and professional practice complement each other. I look forward to sharing my experience from legal practice with students, engaging in research on emerging areas of law, and contributing to the development of future legal professionals who are capable of responding thoughtfully and effectively to the challenges of a rapidly changing legal and business environment.”
Entrepreneurship and Private-Sector Development · Investment and Business Decision-Making · Economic Policy · Institutional Reform · Public-Private Collaboration
Mr. Jakhongir Mamajanov
Jakhongir Mamajanov brings over 20 years of professional experience in economic policy, investment, privatisation, entrepreneurship development, public-sector reform, and private-sector development in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
Throughout his professional career, Jakhongir Mamajanov has worked at the intersection of government, business, investment, and international development. He served as Head of the Privatisation Office at the State Property Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, where he was involved in structuring and executing privatisation transactions, financial analysis, asset valuation, market assessment, transaction documentation, and investor engagement.
He subsequently worked as Head of Sector at the Cabinet of Ministers, contributing to economic and sector analysis, investment programme monitoring, project risk assessment, and the development and review of policy and regulatory initiatives.
He also served as Deputy Head of the Executive Office at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and held senior responsibilities at the Tax Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, supporting strategic decision-making, organisational reforms, administrative reforms, and data-driven initiatives.
At the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Jakhongir Mamajanov contributed to private-sector and SME development and coordinated the World Bank project “Development of Rural Entrepreneurship in the Fergana Valley”. The project focused on strengthening entrepreneurship through training and support services for thousands of beneficiaries, including women and young people.
His academic interests include entrepreneurship and private-sector development, investment and business decision-making, economic and sector analysis, public-private collaboration, economic policy and institutional reform, and the development of the business environment in emerging economies.
His teaching philosophy emphasises practical examples, case-based discussion, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the evaluation of real-world business and policy decisions. He is particularly interested in helping students understand not only how businesses operate, but also how government policy, regulation, investment conditions, institutions, and broader economic developments influence business decisions and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Jakhongir Mamajanov holds an MA in Public Policy from the National Institute of Political Studies in Tokyo, Japan, an MSc in International Business Management from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, and a BA in Management from Namangan Engineering and Pedagogical Institute, Uzbekistan.
“I believe that effective education should connect academic knowledge with the realities students will encounter in their professional lives. My goal at WIUT is to help students develop the analytical, entrepreneurial and decision-making skills they need to understand complex business and economic challenges and turn knowledge into practical solutions.”
Ms. Svetlana Rajabova
Ms. Svetlana Rajabova is a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, Applied Science and Mathematics Department. Her research interests include development economics, agricultural economics, and behavioural economics, with her publications focusing on climate change and agricultural adaptation, as well as rural development in Central Asia.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Svetlana worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Economics Department and earlier as a Research Assistant, where she contributed to a range of development economics and agricultural research projects covering rural livelihoods, food security, and social welfare across Central Asia.
Her broader professional experience includes an internship at the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and fieldwork on local economic and administrative performance (LEAP) in Central Asia in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Ms. Svetlana's academic and research experience has allowed her to work across different projects and disciplines, developing a particular interest in economic and development challenges in Central Asia.
Development Economics · Agricultural Economics · Behavioural Economics · Climate Change · Agricultural Adaptation · Rural Development
“WIUT has been a constant throughout my academic journey, from my undergraduate studies to my current role. I chose to continue my career at WIUT because of its strong academic and research environment, as well as the opportunities to work alongside experienced scholars across different projects and disciplines. I particularly value the opportunities for teaching, research collaboration, and engagement with academic networks. WIUT provides an environment in which I can continuously develop both professionally and academically, while contributing to a university community that values high-quality education, research, and international engagement.”
Inclusive and Special Education · Pedagogies of Discomfort · Educational Theory · Social Justice
Dr. Kamil Tilyabaev
Dr. Kamil Tilyabaev is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Global Education at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). He holds two PhDs, one in Bioorganic Chemistry and another in Education and Social Justice. His academic journey across these two fields reflects his longstanding interest in both natural and social sciences and his curiosity about how different disciplines can contribute to a deeper understanding of the world.
His current research interests include inclusive and special education, decolonial pedagogies, and pedagogies of discomfort. More recently, he has become particularly interested in theoretical research that brings together local and foreign schools of thought to develop more meaningful explanations of educational practices and social realities.
As an educator, Dr. Tilyabaev believes that everyone can learn, achieve their potential, and be successful. In his view, effective education is largely a matter of finding the right approach and understanding students' individual needs, backgrounds, and ways of learning. This belief shapes both his teaching and his approach to research.
One of his most significant academic achievements has been defending his PhD thesis on Decolonizing the Uzbek Language at Lancaster University in the UK. He considers this research important because it offers recommendations for strengthening the status of the Uzbek language in Uzbekistan. He also hopes that the theoretical framework developed in his thesis can contribute to discussions about the development and recognition of other languages in similar contexts.
“My connection with WIUT is also personal, as I am a WIUT alumnus. I greatly enjoyed my time as a student here and remain grateful to everyone who supported me throughout that journey. I chose to return to WIUT because I wanted to give back to the university community and share what I have learned through my academic experiences abroad with a new generation of students.”
Ms. Munira Zakirova
Ms. Munira Zakirova is an alumna of Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT), who has chosen to continue her academic journey at WIUT as a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences. She holds a Master's degree in Applied Economics and a Bachelor's degree in Economics with Finance.
Prior to joining WIUT, Munira worked at the Social Protection Department of the Ministry of Finance, where she focused on analysing international social security coverage programmes. She also supported procurement processes at UNDP related to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to projects on SDG 7, “Affordable and Clean Energy”, and SDG 4, “Quality Education”.
Munira specialises in quantitative data analysis and has contributed to research on development economics, migration, agricultural economics, and social protection. Her research has explored topics including climate change, rural development, poverty, social protection systems, and migration. She has presented her work at international conferences, including the Beyond Borders Conference organised by the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), as well as at Teaching and Learning Symposia in Uzbekistan and the UK.
Development Economics · Economics of Migration · Labor Economics · Agricultural Economics · Social Protection · Quantitative Data Analysis
Her research experience also includes work with colleagues at the University of Westminster on scenario analysis examining the effects of recent urban development on the landscape of Tashkent. More recently, Munira has been exploring qualitative data analysis and primary data collection methods, expanding her research skills across different methodological approaches.
Munira adopts a casual and less formal approach to engaging with students. She is committed to creating a friendly learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and developing their own reasoning. Her teaching philosophy is centred on supporting students in becoming the best versions of themselves.
“I chose WIUT because of its supportive work environment, which not only allows me to share my knowledge but also gives me an opportunity to keep learning, growing professionally, and expanding my research skills surrounded with the best professors.”
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