Dr. Davronjon Allayorov has come to Slovakia twice through the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic. The first time, in 2023, he arrived as a PhD student. The second time, he returned as a researcher, accompanied by his wife and their young son. During his 9-month research stay at the Technical University of Košice, he further developed the work he had begun during his first scholarship, expanding his expertise from hydraulic engineering to engineering hydrology with a focus on flood research. In this interview, he shares why he decided to return to Slovakia, how the scholarship has influenced his academic career, and what made this second stay a memorable experience for his whole family.

Could you tell us where you’re from, what your field of research is, and how long you have been (or were) in Slovakia?
I am Davronjon Allayorov, a researcher from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. My research field was hydraulic engineering, specifically open channel hydraulics, which was the focus of my PhD thesis. However, the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP) has given me an unexpected but valuable opportunity: to expand my expertise into hydrology, with a special focus on hydrological hazards – floods. Thanks to the NSP, I am now spending nine enriching months at the Technical University of Košice, conducting flood-related research under the guidance of a world-class professor, Prof. Ing. Martina Zeleňáková, PhD. This experience is transforming my perspective and helping me become an interdisciplinary researcher.

You have already participated in the National Scholarship Programme in Slovakia. This is not your first time. Why did you decide to apply for this programme again?
Yes, this is my second time participating in the NSP. Three years ago, I was a PhD student, and the three-month scholarship not only allowed me to complete my dissertation successfully but also to see the current research hotspots in my field. Flood research is one of the most pressing areas today, as the risk and magnitude of floods increase due to climate change. Although Uzbekistan is located in an arid region sensitive to climate change, this research area is one of the least studied in my country. The first reason why I reapplied for the scholarship is that my host department, the Department of Environmental Engineering, has sufficient conditions for scientific development, as it conducts extensive research in this field in collaboration with several European and African countries. The second reason is my family. I can confidently say that we are a family of water engineers. My wife, Dilbar Allayorova, is a PhD student in hydraulic engineering and has a strong desire to study in Europe. The third and certainly most important reason is that there is a possibility of reapplying to the NSP. We applied for a scholarship in April 2025. Perhaps it is a one-in-a-million chance; I don't know. The NSP gave us the opportunity to not only study and do research but also live as a family in Slovakia with our 2-year-old son.

What differences have you noticed between Slovakia and your home country?
I live and work in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, home to 3.23 million people. Yes, compared to Košice, Tashkent is a much larger and densely populated city. Although there is not a big difference in the cost of living between these two cities, civil infrastructure of Kosice, a green view of the city, and a peaceful environment for residents completely changed my and my family’s perceptions of the living environment. The sincerity and hospitality of the local people always make us wonder.

We saw three seasons in this city, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Eastern Slovakia, and how the residents celebrate their traditions and holidays. Events organized by SAIA, city tours, Easter Eggs Workshop, and a tour to the East Slovak Museum helped us know even more and more in-depth about Slovak history, traditions, and values.

My time in Slovakia was not only academically rewarding but also the most memorable nine months of my life. I am deeply grateful to the government of the Slovak Republic for providing such a wonderful opportunity for scholars, the Technical University of Košice, my mentor, and colleagues for their guidance and hospitality. I am confident that the experience gained, the established collaboration path, and the friendships during my research work will serve as a foundation for great works in the future.