4th Coordination Meeting of the Erasmus+ QUARTZ Project Held at Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage (SRIUTCH), Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The 4th coordination meeting of the Erasmus+ QUARTZ project took place from September 10 to 12, 2025, at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage (SRIUTCH) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The meeting covered several important topics related to the project's progress and future direction.
On the first day, the meeting began with a Project Overview after 18 Months (Progress Report) presented by KIUT, which provided an in-depth look at the milestones achieved, challenges faced, and the status of various work packages. This was followed by a WP3 – Report on the Training Held in VUM, presented by Dr.Christina Armutlieva, which focused on the outcomes and feedback from a key training event. The QA Interim Report, presented by SRIUTCH, addressed quality assurance processes and highlighted areas for improvement. Additionally, the Dissemination Interim Report from CAU showcased how project outcomes have been communicated to stakeholders, and the Website/Platform Overview by UbTUIT demonstrated the project’s online hub for collaboration and information sharing.
On the second day, discussions continued with a Financial Management Overview by KIUT, which covered the project’s budget and upcoming financial needs. Dr.R. Betcheva presented the External QA Expert Incentive Report, providing insights into the external evaluation of the project's quality assurance mechanisms. WP4 – Implementation Plan, presented by UNIVAQ, outlined the upcoming steps for the implementation of work package 4. The group also discussed the Further Action Plan, with all partners contributing ideas to ensure continued progress. The Meeting Feedback Survey, conducted by SRIUTCH, allowed participants to share their thoughts on the meeting’s organization and content. The day ended with the Delivery of Certificates & Group Photo, a moment to celebrate the meeting’s success and collaborative achievements.
The final day included a Networking and Tour to the Ancient City of Samarkand, organized by SRIUTCH, offering participants the chance to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage while networking informally. Throughout the meeting, key themes such as financial management, quality assurance, and communication were discussed, with participants reaffirming their commitment to the successful completion of the Erasmus+ QUARTZ project. The event underscored the importance of partnership, transparency, and the shared goals of enhancing higher education in tourism and cultural heritage.