The official opening took place on November 18, as reported by university representatives. The ceremony was attended by Professor Nobutoshi Nava from the University of Tokyo, members of the Japanese delegation, Rector of OshSU Kudayberdi Kozhobekov, as well as faculty and students of the university.
Kudayberdi Kozhobekov noted that this initiative symbolizes a new stage in the partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Japan in the field of science and education. He emphasized that the project has strategic significance and aims to address one of the pressing issues in the region.
The research center will study the impact of polluted air on human health. As part of the project, special devices will be installed in the cities of Osh and Bishkek, as well as in other regions, to assess air quality both indoors and in open spaces. Project participants will develop a strategy for conducting these studies. Scientists from Tokyo will also come to the center to work in collaboration with experts from OshSU. The collected data will be transmitted to the relevant government structures and interested organizations.
The establishment of the center is part of a joint project between OshSU and the University of Tokyo, titled "Development of a System for Assessing Air Pollution Based on Satellite Data and Regional Chemical-Transport Modeling." Within the framework of this project, three employees of OshSU have undergone training in Tokyo.
The project is planned for five years and will start in 2025. It is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). The total investment will amount to 5 million dollars, which will be used to acquire the necessary equipment for the research center.
