By Avazbek Komilov, Visiting Researcher from the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PhD, docent.
I am Avazbek Komilov, Head of the Department of Prosecutorial Activity and Prosecutorial Supervision at the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
I first learned about Lund University in Sweden about five years ago. Its consistent ranking among the world’s top 100 universities and the strong endorsements I received from colleagues, who had trained there captured my attention. They spoke highly of the university’s academic environment and excellent research infrastructure. Since then, it had been my professional goal to one day visit Lund and enhance my own academic and research capacities within its scholarly environment.
In 2025, this aspiration was realized through my participation in the international research project “MARS: Non-Western Migration Regimes in a Global Perspective.” from April 15 to May 15, I served as a visiting researcher at Lund University under the framework of this initiative.
The city of Lund itself made a lasting impression on me. It is a beautiful and well-organized town, marked by clean air, efficient infrastructure, and a tranquil atmosphere. What stood out most was the modest and composed demeanor of its residents. The people of Lund lead simple, unpretentious lives, placing little value on luxury or outward display. They are calm, polite, and always willing to offer assistance — an admirable example of community values and interpersonal respect.
From the very first day on campus, I understood why Lund University is so highly regarded globally. The facilities provided for students and researchers are exceptional. The campus is not only aesthetically pleasing but also purposefully designed to support deep academic engagement. Numerous dedicated spaces foster collaboration, critical discussions, and scholarly debate. I had the opportunity to observe and participate in this vibrant academic culture.
A particular highlight of my stay was the university’s library system. The main university library is among the most prestigious in Europe, and many faculties maintain their own specialized libraries as well. All are equipped with vast academic resources and cutting-edge technology. The reading halls are welcoming, modern, and conducive to focused study. During my research,
I made extensive use of the Sociology of Law Department’s library, where
I accessed a wealth of relevant literature and also benefited from the digital library’s vast offerings.
The social and professional culture of the Sociology of Law Department also stood out. Every Wednesday, faculty and researchers gather informally over breakfast to exchange ideas and discuss ongoing work. These gatherings foster a collegial atmosphere and encourage collaboration in a relaxed, productive setting.
The academic environment at the department was equally impressive.
I immersed myself in both the teaching and research processes, gaining valuable insights into innovative academic practices and methodologies. Most significantly, my research experience at Lund laid a solid foundation for advancing the quality and effectiveness of my future work.
The department’s rich academic legacy in research methodology helped me realize that the core aim of research is not merely to identify and address surface-level problems but to thoroughly analyze and understand the systemic conditions that give rise to them. During my stay, I also took part in several academic seminars and conference that enriched my knowledge and provided me with new skills aligned with contemporary research standards.
Beyond academic growth, this experience also contributed to my personal development. I returned home with not only deeper knowledge, but also a broader outlook on life and academia.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rustamjon Urinboev, Sherzod Eraliev, Dilaver Khamzaev, and Chekhros Kilichova for their invaluable support throughout my research secondment. I sincerely hope to continue collaborating with this exceptional team on future projects and academic publications that will contribute meaningfully to the development of our Academy and our country.
