TSUULL Academic Freedom and Scholarly Independence Policy
Protecting Autonomy • Ensuring Integrity • Enabling Open Dialogue
Alisher Navo’i Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature has formally adopted the Academic Freedom and Scholarly Independence Policy to guarantee a safe, autonomous, and intellectually open academic environment aligned with international standards. This policy establishes a comprehensive institutional framework that protects the rights of researchers, faculty, students, and invited experts to teach, publish, and engage in public debate without censorship, political influence, or retaliation. It positions TSUULL among the region’s leading institutions committed to institutional autonomy, free inquiry, and evidence-based dialogue, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).
Why This Policy Matters
This policy ensures that academic activity at TSUULL remains protected, ethical, and independent. It affirms that:
- • research and teaching are free from ideological, administrative, or political pressure;
- • scholarly expression—including challenging or sensitive topics—is safeguarded;
- • external partners, donors, and organizations cannot influence research outcomes;
- • staff, students, and public speakers are protected from retaliation;
- • academic integrity and transparency are upheld through clear governance mechanisms.
Key Guarantees and Safeguards
The policy introduces robust protection mechanisms, including:
- • Zero-tolerance for retaliation against academic speech;
- • Confidential reporting channels for violations and academic pressure;
- • Independent oversight by the Scientific and Technical Council;
- • Mandatory autonomy clauses in all international and national partnership agreements;
- • Alignment with global frameworks, including UNESCO standards, ESG, EUA, SPHERE and HERE principles.
Institutional Commitment
By adopting this policy, TSUULL reinforces its role as a neutral platform for civic and political dialogue, a safe academic environment, and a centre of independent research. This framework strengthens the University’s governance structure and demonstrates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and scholarly excellence—fully in line with global expectations for modern higher education institutions.
Introduction to the TSUULL Stakeholder Engagement Policy
A Modern Governance Framework Aligned with Global University Standards
The TSUULL Policy for the Identification, Engagement, and Governance of Local Stakeholders establishes a high-standard institutional framework that aligns the University with the governance models of leading global institutions. This policy defines clear, transparent, and ethical procedures for how TSUULL identifies key partners, engages with local and regional stakeholders, and integrates their input into strategic decision-making. It ensures that the University’s collaborations with government bodies, cultural institutions, NGOs, employers, creative industries, and community groups are systematic, inclusive, evidence-based, and accountable.
Designed in accordance with international benchmarks—including the practices of top 100 universities, the UNESCO/OECD stakeholder engagement criteria, and SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 11, and SDG 17 targets—this policy elevates TSUULL’s governance to global standards. It strengthens the University’s position as a leading civic institution, ensuring that engagement activities contribute directly to national development, cultural preservation, gender equality, decent work, and community well-being.
The policy highlights TSUULL’s commitment to:
- • transparent and ethical governance, supported by formal procedures and risk assessments;
- • inclusive partnerships, ensuring participation of women, youth, civil society, cultural groups, and vulnerable communities;
- • strategic alignment, integrating stakeholder engagement into the University’s educational, cultural, digital, and research missions;
- • long-term societal impact, focusing on sustainable collaborations rather than one-time events;
- • international comparability, meeting criteria used in THE Impact Rankings, QS Third Mission Indicators, and global accreditation standards.
By formalizing how TSUULL engages with more than 105+ active local and international partners, the policy ensures that all collaborations are meaningful, mutually beneficial, and strategically aligned with Uzbekistan’s national development priorities. This framework positions TSUULL as a model for transparent, responsible, and community-oriented governance—reinforcing its role as a national leader in stakeholder engagement and sustainable development.
University Engagement Policy
