The National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a ceremonial award presentation honoring women scientists with the Nailya Bazanova Award, established to recognize the achievements of female researchers in Kazakhstan.
The event brought together leading women scientists who have made significant contributions to the development of national science, as well as researchers, university faculty members, and leaders of higher education and research institutions. A total of 66 outstanding women scientists and researchers were honored for their notable achievements and contributions across various scientific fields.
Opening the ceremony, President of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of Kazakhstan, A.Kurishbayev, emphasized the important role of women in the development of science and education. According to him, the number of women engaged in scientific research in Kazakhstan continues to grow annually and currently accounts for about 56% of the country’s scientific workforce (12,893 researchers). Among them are 898 Doctors of Science, 2,859 Candidates of Science, 2,229 PhD holders, and 185 professional doctorates. These figures demonstrate that a significant share of Kazakhstan’s scientific achievements is driven by the work of women researchers.
Among the award recipients were three representatives of Nazarbayev University: Aida Sagintayeva, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School of Education; Damira Kanayeva, Assistant Professor; and Yulia Safarova, Senior Researcher at National Laboratory Astana.
The award ceremony became an important symbol of recognition for the achievements of women scientists and their significant role in strengthening the country’s scientific potential. The scientific legacy of Academician Naila Bazanova continues to inspire young researchers and encourages them to pursue new discoveries and advances in science.
Background
Academician Nailya Bazanova was an outstanding Kazakh physiologist and the first female academician in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. She is recognized as the founder of a new field in biological science—the physiology of farm animals. Bazanova was also the first Kazakh woman to earn a Doctor of Biological Sciences degree, become a professor, and be elected as an academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR.
The Nailya Bazanova Award recognizes women scientists who have achieved outstanding research results, made important discoveries, or contributed significantly to the development of applied research. The award aims to highlight and promote the achievements of women in national science while supporting and motivating the next generation of researchers.
