Thomas Kruessmann joined WIUT after a professional journey which spanned Germany, Austria, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine. He obtained his venia legendi in criminal law, criminal procedure, East European and international criminal law from the University of Passau (Germany). He completed his doctorate at the University of Hamburg (Germany) summa cum laude and also holds an honorary doctorate from Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (Georgia). In addition to being a fully qualified lawyer under German law, he holds an LL.M. in commercial and corporate law from King’s College London. From 2010 to 2015, he was the Founding Director of the Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies Centre at the University of Graz (Austria). In 2016, he served as visiting professor at Kazan Federal University in Russia. Since 2021, he is full professor of criminal law at New Vision University in Tbilisi (Georgia).

In addition to academic positions, he worked as attorney-at-law and senior executive counsel at an international law firm in Vienna and is now also legal counsel of a London-based consulting firm. Last but not least, he is chairperson of the supervisory board of Higher School of Jurisprudence and Administration of the National Research University “Higher School of Economics” (Moscow) as well as member of the advisory board of Austrian gay professionals (AGPRO). In Georgia, he is currently coordinating a project funded by the Austrian Development Agency on countering violence against women and girls (COVIOCRIM).

At this stage, his research interests focus on connectivity between China and Europe as well as on ESG and corporate sustainability due diligence. In Tbilisi, he is running a Jean Monnet Module on “European Corporate Governance and Compliance”. Being the founding president of the Association of European Studies for the Caucasus, he has edited several monographs with ibidem / Columbia University Press and recently also a special section of the journal South East European & Black Sea Studies. Currently, he is preparing a special issue for the journal “Global Discourse” with the University of Bristol.

Dr. Elmira Hajimani joined WIUT as a Senior Lecturer in Computing department. She holds a PhD in Informatics Engineering with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Algarve in Portugal. She also earned an MSc and BSc in Software Engineering from Azad University Science & Research Branch and Shahid Beheshti University in Iran, respectively. Before joining WIUT, Dr. Elmira gained extensive experience in the industry, taking on diverse roles such as research scientist, software engineer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and solutions architect. Her career spans both corporate and startup environments where she had the opportunity to work with clients from Fortune 500 companies.

Her research interests include applying generative AI to image and video data, exploring the applications of computer vision in the healthcare domain, and advancing Vision-Language models, among other areas. Her current research focuses on medical image processing and the automatic detection of diseases using Artificial Intelligence.

Her teaching philosophy centres around creating an environment where students are encouraged to explore, question, and engage deeply with the material. She believes that each student brings unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom and values this diversity. Dr. Elmira encourages students to develop creative solutions to complex problems, aiming to equip her students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their chosen career path.

Dr Elmira had a chance to receive a 34-month research grant from the European Union during her PhD studies, where she focused on designing and developing an intelligent system for the automatic detection of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in brain CT images. The results of this research have been published in several journals and conferences.

“WIUT’s Computing Department’s focus on preparing students for success in the global tech industry aligns perfectly with my goal of equipping future professionals with the skills and knowledge they need for their careers. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate on innovative research projects and engage with motivated students who are eager to make a difference. Additionally, I look forward to experiencing life in Tashkent, one of the most historic cities on the Silk Road”.

Dr. Hamid Reza Khosravani, who joined WIUT as a Senior Lecturer in Computing department, earned his PhD in Informatics Engineering, specialising in Artificial Intelligence, from the University of Algarve in Portugal. His doctoral research centred on developing Machine Learning (ML) techniques as part of Model-Based Predictive Controls (MBPC) aimed at reducing energy consumption in residential buildings. Following his PhD, he continued his research as a postdoctoral fellow at the Center of Intelligent Systems, IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, Portugal. Over the course of his academic career, Dr. Hamid Reza has published 16 articles and book chapters in leading journals and conferences with more than 500 citations according to Google Scholar and contributed to several international research projects.

Since 2017, Dr. Khosravani has worked as a senior data scientist across various companies, from SMEs to large enterprises. He has led ML and data science projects for prestigious clients in industries such as finance, marketing and sales, energy, automotive, and telecommunications worldwide. His research interests include time series forecasting models, recommendation systems, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), and computer vision.

“I chose WIUT because of its strong focus on academic excellence and its innovative educational approaches. WIUT is known for creating a dynamic learning environment and integrating advanced research with real-world applications, which perfectly aligns with my career goals and values. Additionally, this new journey offers the chance to explore different cultures, languages, and cuisines, as well as visit fascinating places in Central Asia. Working at WIUT also provides me with the opportunity to continue my academic research in an inspiring environment, while sharing my academic and industry experience with students to support their educational journey”.

Dr. Hasan Umarov has joined WIUT as a Lecturer in Finance department. He has acquired a Bachelor’s degree in commerce, a qualification in foreign economic relations, and a PhD in Economics from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, MFA of Russia. He also holds a Certificate of “Underwriter of high level” from “Insurance Business School” of MGIMO University. 

Dr. Umarov has more than 13 years of working experience in the insurance business across 2 countries (Russia and Uzbekistan). Namely, he worked in “Ingosstrakh” (Russian general insurance company), subsidiary of Credendo Group (Belgian ECA), in Moscow city, and in “Euroasia Insurance” in Tashkent city. Currently, he runs his own consulting company (“MONNS”), engaged in insurance & reinsurance activities.

He has published over 30 articles in various scientific journals related to different aspects of insurance, specifics of activities of global ECAs (the US EXIM, British UKEF, Italian SACE, others), the rising importance of ESG issues to investors. His research is mainly hinged on the development of the export potential of a country using different kinds of financial instruments and the significant role of insurance in mitigating risks associated with cross-border trade.

“WIUT is rightly considered as one of the biggest internationally recognised and prestigious universities of Uzbekistan, training highly qualified graduates in various fields of activity. This is a great place where I can share my knowledge and experience with students as well as contribute to further development of the University.”

Dr. Muhammad Ateeq ur Rehman, who joined WIUT as a Senior Lecturer in Finance department, holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China and an MSc in Economics from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany.

Additionally, he earned an MS in Finance from the International Islamic University in Islamabad, Pakistan. Since completing his Master's degree in 2009, he has been passionate about teaching. He has taught various finance and accounting courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and has supervised more than 10 Master's and Bachelor's theses.

He has been a finance instructor and Assistant Professor at the University of Lahore in Pakistan since March 2009. During his Ph.D. at SWUFE, he conducted research on investor sentiment and its impact on market performance, which was the focus of his thesis. He also served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Punjab in Pakistan, accumulating over 8 years of academic and research experience.

His research explores how investor emotions, news, corporate finance, and governance influence stock performance. He has published several scholarly articles in esteemed journals, including the Borsa Istanbul Review and the Journal of Islamic Marketing. Recently, his focus has been on news anomalies and their effects on stock performance.

His teaching goal is to help students build a solid foundation of concepts and learning skills that will benefit them in their future academic and professional endeavours. In all his seminars, he emphasises data analysis, critical thinking, argument construction, and the application of fundamental concepts to real-world situations. These skills are essential for various future roles. His classes consistently focus on three main themes: technical issues, the development of mathematical abilities, and fostering an interest in finance theory.

“I chose WIUT because it is one of the top international universities in Uzbekistan offering British degrees. I am eager to learn about cultural diversity and education in an Asian environment”.

Dr. Maria Tresita Paul V. has joined WIUT as a Senior Lecturer in Management and Marketing Department. She is an accomplished academician with a Ph.D. in Management, specialising in occupational psychology, from Bharathiar University in Tamil Nadu, India.  

She is a recipient of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi ‘Maulana Azad National Fellowship’, from 2017 to 2022. Additionally, she is UGC-NTA-NET qualified as an Assistant Professor in management and also a recognised Ph.D. Research Supervisor at Anna University, India, in Management Sciences.

She is a humanitarian who advocates for refugee and children's rights. Before joining WIUT as a Senior Lecturer, Dr. Maria was an Assistant Professor and Head of the Centre for Excellence Research Laboratory at KCT Business School, Kumaraguru College of Technology, India.

She was also the program coordinator for a real-time sustainable project aimed at the betterment of the tribal community of South India, which was awarded by PRME in 2023. Dr. Maria is also a certified Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) trainer and consultant. She is a corporate trainer who has provided training to professionals from the industry on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership. Over the past decade, she has taught various courses in Human Resources, Marketing, and Research.

Dr. Mukhammadfoik Bakhadirov has joined Westminster International University in Tashkent as an Associate Professor and Associate Dean on Teaching and Learning at the School of Business and Economics. He is an experienced education professional with a demonstrated history of working in higher education in CIS countries for over 15 years.

Dr. Mukhammadfoik Bakhadirov has been a lead for multiple programs in Business and Management at graduate and undergraduate levels and managed projects relating to Entrepreneurship and SME development. He obtained his terminal degree from Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht University.

It should be noted that Dr. Bakhadirov worked at Westminster International University in Tashkent during 2012-2015 as a Senior Lecturer of Management and Course leader for MA in International Business and Management.

The scope of his publications and research interests includes SMEs, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Organizational Behavior, HR Management, and Higher Education. Dr. Bakhadirov taught courses such as Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management, Customer Development, Organizational Behavior, Research Methods, HR Management, and others. He also supervised over 100 Capstone projects at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dr. Mukhammadmuso Abduzhabbarov is a Senior Lecturer in Computing department at WIUT. He is a Data Scientist, specialising in Deep Learning, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP) for local languages. His research focuses on building better AI models for these languages, which are often underrepresented in modern technology. He holds a PhD in Mathematics and has over 15 years of teaching experience, allowing him to work in both academic and practical fields, including consulting and software development.

In his teaching, Dr. Mukhammadmuso likes to inspire students by helping them explore how things work behind the scenes, encouraging them to think critically and apply what they learn. One of his most significant academic achievements is his research on Fredholm-Stieltjes integral equations, which he has published internationally. Additionally, he has led AI-driven projects such as a campus entry/exit registration system using face recognition.

“I chose Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) due to its innovative approach to education, aligning with my passion for integrating new technologies like AI into teaching and research. WIUT provides an excellent platform for helping students grow while contributing to academic advancements.”

Dr. Sukhrob Saliev, a medical doctor and researcher in medicine, has joined WIUT as a Lecturer in public health. He graduated from Tashkent Medical Academy in Uzbekistan and completed an MSc in public health science at Umea University and a sports medicine postgraduate program at UCL, UK. He is a consultant in programs for patients with access to cancer care worldwide and a researcher in the fields of sports medicine, physical activity, and health. Dr Saliev's research focuses on pregnancy and chronic myeloid leukemia, physical activity and mental health, and health policy and practice.

Among his accolades, Dr Saliev holds awards for Best Young Scientists in Commonwealth Independent States, Best Alumni in Social Action by the British Council, and Best Patient Advocate award by different international organisations.

His teaching philosophy aims to motivate young scholars to pursue key aspects of public health through research and practice.

“I chose WIUT to share my expertise and skills with the younger generation, contributing to their academic and professional growth”.

“Teaching is my true passion and destiny. After several attempts to change my career path, I am certain of this. No matter what I do outside the university, one thing remains constant: the rich experiences always lead me back to teaching. Therefore, I believe my purpose is to serve students in a way that aligns with my skills and values. I am dedicated to making choices in my professional life that furthers that purpose.”

Dr. Yury Karaleu has joined WIUT as a Senior Lecturer in Finance department. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Ph.D. in Economics from the Belarusian State Economic University, Faculty of Accounting and Statistics. He also holds a bachelor's degree in Engineering and programming from the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics. Before joining the Finance department at WIUT, he led the Department of Accounting, Analysis and Auditing at the Belarusian State Agricultural Technical University, the Department of Finance at the International University MITSO, and the Department of Business Administration at the School of Business at Belarusian State University (accredited by CEEMA, AACSB, and EFMD).

Dr. Yury Karaleu also has years of well-grounded practical experience in the positions of Finance manager (Chief accountant), Deputy CFO at leading international and Belarusian companies in the retail and logistics sectors. His professional experience and knowledge have allowed the launching of a new post-graduate course on Banking Management and IPO retraining courses prepared in collaboration with the Warsaw Stock Exchange. He successfully cooperates with his colleagues from the Polish-Belarusian Trade-Industry Chamber, Wroclaw University of Economics, Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics, national ministries, and Belarusian companies. Simultaneously, his students' achievements were commended by organisers of the National competition of scientific works of students by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus for their efforts and scientific results. In recent years, their scientific papers have consistently received the highest critical acclaim and have been awarded first-degree diplomas. Dr. Yury Karaleu’s research focuses on the investigation of the protection of workers' claims in the event of insolvency. He investigated this topic over the past five years in Doctoral Studies at the Belarusian State University, Department of Corporate Finance. His doctoral research named ‘Economic Management Mechanism of the Protection of Workers' Claims in Case of Insolvency (Bankruptcy)’ was approved by the State Certification Commission and recommended for public defense.

“I chose WIUT because it is the first international university in Central Asia offering a unique blend of British education standards and Central Asian heritage. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the historic, warm, and deep-rooted friendship between Uzbekistan and Belarus at all levels.”

Dr. Viktorya Levinskaya has joined WIUT’s Global Education department as a Senior Lecturer. She is a qualified researcher, lecturer, and university administrator with more than thirty years of working experience in academic institutions. She obtained her PhD in Social and Political Philosophy from the National University of Uzbekistan in 2000. She was awarded twice a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship as a researcher in 2000 (American University, Washington, DC) and teacher Fulbright Specialist Program in 2007 (Jackson State University, Mississippi). In 2011 she participated in the International Visiting Leadership Program organised at Kent State University, Stanford University, and MIT.

Her research interests span more than twenty publications in different aspects of Gender Studies, Social Philosophy, Library Sciences, and Digital Transformation.

Her teaching philosophy is the culmination of 30 years of experience in the field of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Pedagogy. Throughout these years, she has realised that learning is perceived differently by students based on their individual styles of knowledge acquisition. She views teaching as a process to facilitate learning, enabling students to make connections between what they already know and new knowledge they are acquiring to form ideas. Dr Levinskaya believes in a student-centred approach and allows students to construct their knowledge through their own research. She engages them in meaningful dialogues, discussing and debating crucial contemporary issues. Another vital part of her teaching philosophy is to provide students not only with knowledge, but also with transferable skills, making them autonomous learners and establishing a foundation for a life-long zest for education.

“I chose WIUT because, for me, it is like coming home. I had been working at WIUT as LRC Manager for 18 years, witnessing the university's growth and maturation. Now I have returned to WIUT in a different capacity, hoping that my vast experience will be beneficial”.

Dr. Zukhriddin Juliev, a recent PhD graduate in Economics from New York State University at Buffalo, where he also earned an MSc in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics has joined WIUT as a Lecturer in Economics department. He also holds an MBA in Finance from Hanyang University. His academic journey has been enriched by a diverse background in management across various private sector companies, where he gained valuable insights into the practical applications of economic theories. His primary research interest lies in labour economics with a specific focus on migration dynamics in Central Asia. He is particularly intrigued by how migration patterns influence labour markets and economic development in this region. Currently, he is exploring the effects of labour migration on employment rates and wage structures in Central Asian countries. This research aims to provide insights that could inform policy decisions and contribute to more effective migration management strategies.

One of his most significant achievements is his dissertation, which examines the labour outcomes of returning migrants and the wage effects of emigration in Central Asia. This research has provided valuable insights into how migration influences labour markets and wage structures in the region, addressing aspects that have not been extensively studied before.

His teaching philosophy centres around the belief that education should be an interactive and engaging process. He strives to create a learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically and apply economic theories to real-world scenarios. By incorporating a mix of lectures, discussions, and problem-solving, he aims to foster a deeper understanding of economic concepts and their practical implications. His goal is to empower students to become thoughtful and analytical thinkers who can tackle complex economic issues around us.

“I chose WIUT because it boasts the largest academic faculty in Uzbekistan, renowned for its strong research and educational credentials. The university’s dedication to research and its focus on tackling regional economic challenges align seamlessly with my research objectives. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to and collaborate with WIUT's esteemed academic community and to utilise the university’s resources to delve deeper into the complex dynamics of migration in Central Asia”.

"Creativity isn’t about finding the way forward—it’s about discovering entirely new directions no one knew existed."

Yuliya Paramonova, a PhD candidate and Lecturer in Management and Marketing department at WIUT, is conducting research on crowdsourcing technology and its relevance to Uzbekistan’s innovative development. She examines the role of crowdsourcing platforms as catalysts for the creative economy, studying how these platforms can foster innovation, empower communities, and transform industries by providing new avenues for creativity and collaboration.

In addition to her academic role, Yuliya serves as the Head of the Education Department at the Centre for Contemporary Art in Uzbekistan, where she leads initiatives to foster educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for creative professionals. Her multifaceted role enables her to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy-making, ensuring a comprehensive approach to advancing the creative economy in the region.

With a strong academic background, practical experience, and leadership skills, Yuliya Paramonova is driving change by exploring diverse opportunities within the creative industries. She dedicates her efforts to enhancing Uzbekistan’s position in the global creative landscape, leveraging technology and education to promote innovation and growth.

Dr Andrey Artemenkov, a Senior Lecturer in the Finance Department of WIUT, is an expert in Asset Pricing Models within the Transactional Asset Pricing Framework (TAPA) and widely publishes financial modelling and real-world case studies. He has developed a specialised textbook for WIUT students in Applied Corporate Finance, tackling unique issues relevant to Uzbekistan, such as VAT accounting, tax allowances, and carryforwards under the Local Tax Code.

Dr Artemenkov’s teaching philosophy centres around bridging academic knowledge with practical application, approaching finance challenges as they are handled in real-world businesses. Excel is a key tool in his courses, ensuring students work through complex, real-life problems rather than isolated, theoretical exercises. His hands-on approach prepares students for the finance sector with a solid grasp of industry practices.

Among his significant achievements, Dr Artemenkov’s contributions to Asset Pricing Theory have earned him recognition as a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS, UK) and an Honorary Member of the Practicing Valuer’s Association of India (PVAI, India).

“I chose WIUT for its top-ranking reputation in Economics and Finance within Uzbekistan, as well as its vibrant, research-driven, and internationally diverse academic environment, which fosters my research and development goals.”

Dr ER, who joined WIUT as a Senior Lecturer in the Finance Department, holds a BSc in Management from Middle East Technical University (METU), obtained in 1992. Shortly after graduating, he began his career at the Export Credit Bank of Turkey (Turkish Eximbank) as an assistant specialist in the Claims Department. In 1994, Dr ER received a British Council scholarship to pursue his MSc in International Securities, Investment, and Banking at the ISMA (now ICMA) Institute of Reading University, where he graduated in 1995. He returned to Turkish Eximbank, working as an underwriter before earning another scholarship from the Turkish Ministry of Education to complete his PhD in Economics at the University of Essex, UK, awarded in 2002.

With 24 years of teaching and research experience, Dr ER is a dedicated advocate for finance education. His academic journey has taken him across multiple universities, including two in the UK, and he has built expertise in expanding and overseeing academic programs. He has authored research on derivatives and the financial applications of artificial intelligence, with numerous citations in esteemed finance journals.

“I joined WIUT, drawn by its status as a premier university in Uzbekistan and a leading institution in Central Asia.