Distinguished by panel sessions hosted at NU and Astana IT University, the forum convened a diverse assembly, including educators, scientists, representatives from universities and research institutes, Public Council members, students, and both foreign and domestic experts.
The grand plenary session, held within NU’s main hall, commenced with a video message from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov, who expressed his wholehearted support for the pursuit of scientific and academic advancement.
“The development of science and higher education remains a focal point for our nation’s progress, commanded by the Head of State himself. We are dedicated to rejuvenating our scientific endeavors, transitioning into a novel management paradigm,” shared Prime Minister Smailov.
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister, Tamara Duisenova, underscored the pivotal role of higher education and science in propelling the country towards innovation and enriching the skills of its youth.
“Our government has enacted strategic measures to cultivate higher education and science, addressing key challenges in alignment with the Head of State’s directives. We are collaborating with renowned foreign institutions, a strategic move designed to elevate the quality of education, promote knowledge, and bolster our national higher education’s competitiveness,” Duisenova said.
Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, emphasized the significance of synergistic collaborations across diverse educational institutions and research establishments. He also showcased last big projects that have garnered global recognition.
“In a testament to our dedication, the science budget for 2023-2025 has seen a remarkable 3.5-fold increase, amounting to 643 billion tenge. We’ve undertaken profound initiatives to enhance the status of scientists and fortify our human capital. Scientists’ salaries have been doubled, averaging at 257 thousand tenge, with a ceiling of 1.5 million tenge. To streamline our scientific landscape, the National Council for Science and Technology has been established, harmonizing with international benchmarks. Sector-specific roadmaps for scientific and technological progress in vital economic sectors have been adopted,” Minister Nurbek added.
The event also witnessed the participation of Deputy Vice-Rector of Heriot-Watt University, Tadhg O’donovan; President of De Montfort University in Kazakhstan, Sakina Zafar; Acting President of NU, Dr. Ilesanmi Adesida; Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Askar Dzhumadildayev; and others.
The Higher Education and Science Forum stands as a hallmark event within Kazakhstan’s academic landscape. It serves as a vital platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the formulation of innovative developmental strategies.
