The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) held a meeting with representatives of the United States Embassy in Tashkent and Dr. Kelle Barfield, an expert in nuclear energy and infrastructure development. Discussions covered the academic and research activities of UWED and IAIS, Dr. Barfield’s professional expertise, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as energy policy, technological innovation, and international cooperation frameworks.

Following the meeting, Dr. Barfield delivered a Frontier Talks seminar at IAIS, presenting “Nuclear Energy: Building Your Infrastructure Along with Your Stakeholders”. In her lecture, she explored the evolution of nuclear energy, the variety of reactor technologies, and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s milestones approach for countries initiating nuclear power programs.

She underscored the crucial role of stakeholder engagement at all stages from feasibility studies and regulatory preparation to financing, safety, and long-term public communication strategies. Drawing on international case studies, she demonstrated how transparency, early engagement, and coordinated institutional responsibilities can determine the success or failure of nuclear projects.

The seminar concluded with an active question-and-answer session, where researchers and students raised issues related to regulatory best practices, models for training specialized human resources, financing approaches, and strategies for building public trust. Dr. Barfield provided detailed responses grounded in U.S. and international experience, encouraging further academic and expert exchanges between Uzbekistan and global partners. The event fostered an in-depth and open dialogue, reaffirming IAIS’s role as a platform for connecting world-class expertise with Uzbekistan’s strategic development objectives.