New Uzbekistan University Launches Joint Research Project with Harvard and MIT

At what point should parents guide their children—and when should they step back? A groundbreaking international research project led by professors from New Uzbekistan University, in collaboration with renowned scholars from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), seeks to answer this complex question.

The study, which is now underway, aims to explore how parental involvement and elite education opportunities influence students’ academic journeys and long-term success. It focuses on two key directions, both highly relevant to the Uzbek education context.

Direction 1: The Long-Term Impact of Presidential Schools

In the first phase of the research, the team is analyzing the outcomes of students who were admitted to Uzbekistan’s prestigious Presidential Schools compared to those who narrowly missed admission after preparing intensively for the entrance exams.

This analysis aims to assess how gaining—or missing—access to elite education affects a student’s future trajectory, including academic achievements, career choices, and personal development.

Direction 2: Parental Involvement vs. Independence

The second phase addresses a deeply rooted cultural question: How much should parents be involved in shaping their children’s academic and career paths?

To explore this, researchers have selected 100 students from one school, randomly dividing them into two groups:

In the first group, parents are asked to spend at least 30 minutes each day engaging with their children—discussing school performance, career interests, and academic challenges.
In the second group, parents are instructed to grant full independence, avoiding involvement in their child's educational or career decisions.

This comparative approach will provide insights into which parenting style leads to greater success, motivation, and well-being among Uzbek youth.

Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures

In many Western countries, children are encouraged to make independent choices from an early age, while in Uzbekistan, parents traditionally play a significant role in education and career planning. This research will help evaluate both models and provide data-driven guidance for families, educators, and policymakers.

A Step Toward Evidence-Based Education Reform

This joint research initiative underscores New Uzbekistan University’s growing role in global academic collaboration and its mission to improve education through evidence-based solutions. The findings will not only shed light on student development but also influence future policies related to parental involvement, elite schooling, and youth independence in Uzbekistan.