«Development of university science as a necessary condition for innovative development of Kazakhstan»

On January 20-21, 2023, the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a scientific and practical conference “Development of University science as a necessary condition for innovative development of Kazakhstan” with the participation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek. Also, an exhibition of scientific and innovative achievements of leading Kazakhstani universities was organized within the framework of the conference. Minister Sayasat Nurbek delivered a welcoming speech at the opening of the conference. In his report, he stressed the importance of developing science and innovation, creating a diversified, technological economy, which the Head of State spoke about. He also spoke about how universities are developing today and what conditions and opportunities are being considered at the moment. As it was said, by now branches of five leading foreign research universities have been opened in the Republic of Kazakhstan. For sustainable financing of university science, the concept of a separate law on endowment funds and a roadmap for the opening of endowment funds in five pilot universities in 2023 have been developed. The development of university science will be promoted by the program of internationalization of the higher education system,” the head of the department noted.

Before the plenary session, an exhibition of the main achievements of scientific and innovative activities of domestic universities was organized. 11 universities of the country were involved. At the exhibition, along with successful scientific developments of university scientists, student startups were presented. Scientists of al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Asfendiyarov KazNMU, K. Satpayev KazNTU, M. Auezov SKSU, Science Foundation, Institute of Combustion Problems, Institute of Zoology, Institute of Information and Computing Technologies presented their achievements.

Chairman of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Ahmed-Zaki in his speech spoke about plans for 2023. In order to improve the system of implementation of state policy in the field of science and scientific and technical activities, the “National Council for Science and Technology” will be created. It is planned to resume the activities of the National Center for Scientific and Technical Information. We will also continue to work on increasing R&D funding to 1% of GDP in the next 3-5 years,” and the main priority task is to develop the Law “On Science and Technology Policy,” Darkhan Ahmed–Zaki said.

The conference participants noted the need to exchange best practices, expand cooperation between scientific organizations and universities. Also, issues of transformation of universities into research universities, improvement of legislation in the field of scientific and technological development were discussed at various sections of the conference. The conference participants noted the importance and timeliness of this event to increase research activity in the country.