Teachers of schools in the North Kazakhstan Region, heads of educational institutions, as well as university and college lecturers gathered at the university for the international scientific and methodological seminar “Digital Transformation in Teaching Natural Science Disciplines.” The participants discussed current trends in education, technologies for teaching natural sciences, as well as the prospects and opportunities for using digital and GIS technologies in educational practice. “Today, within the framework of the seminar, we came to exchange experience with fellow teachers. The topic of my presentation is ‘GeoSTEAM: Science Learned Through Practice.’ At present, it is important to introduce and use artificial intelligence in the educational process. Therefore, in the context of digital transformation, school and university students should acquire knowledge that meets the demands of the time,” shared Zhibek Zhamuldinova, a geography teacher at Z. Tashenov Secondary School No. 20. Following the results of the seminar, participants will be awarded certificates.

The traditional Spartakiad among teaching staff and employees has started at Kozybayev University. Every year, during the students’ winter holidays, teachers compete in various sports events. Such activities create a friendly atmosphere and help develop teamwork skills, the ability to support colleagues, distribute roles, and work toward a common result. This time, about 50 participants will compete in 8 sports. The competition program opened with table tennis. Eight teams took part, representing faculties, the Institute of Language and Literature, the International Campus, and administrative and managerial staff. Serious battles unfolded at the tables, with no one willing to give up victory. The games were played in a round-robin format. Each team consisted of two men and one woman. As a result of the matches, the team of the Military Department (Rabirt Sarzhanov, Alexander Kirichenko, Irina Kuntaeva) claimed a confident victory. Second place went to the Faculty of Education. The administrative and managerial staff finished third. Congratulations to the winners and prize-winners!

As part of a working visit to the North Kazakhstan region, Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Anas Bakkozhaev visited Non-profit limited company "Manash Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University". He familiarized himself with the activities of the joint Kazakhstan–China laboratories in plant biotechnology, animal husbandry, and crop production. In the feed quality analysis laboratory, the guest was shown how moisture, fat, protein, and other parameters of grain and oilseed crops are determined. The university also has a milk quality analyzer, liquid and gas chromatographs. This equipment makes it possible to determine the quality of agricultural products, water, pesticides, and other plant protection products. In the plant biotechnology laboratory, whose equipment was provided by Chinese partners, scientists are engaged in developing healthy varieties resistant to the conditions of the North Kazakhstan region. As noted by Anas Bakkozhaev, this is highly relevant equipment for the region, where the agricultural sector traditionally occupies one of the leading positions. The guest was also shown the medical laboratories. An emergency ambulance simulator, modern simulation mannequins, and IT programs help students practice their professional skills. This equipment also makes it possible to train and improve the qualifications of practicing medical professionals. This year, 70 emergency doctors completed such training. In addition, Anas Bakkozhaev was shown the laboratory of robotic systems in mechanical engineering, where future engineers acquire mechanical engineering and robotics skills. All this, together with elements of dual education, already after the third year of study helps students cooperate with regional enterprises for subsequent employment. At the exhibition of the university’s scientific projects, the Mazhilis deputy became acquainted with the main research areas of the university’s scientists. The scientific projects are focused on the key needs of the region and the country: agriculture, water resources, sulfur polymerization, the search for IT solutions, and others. In addition, the university has reoriented the topics of diploma projects using artificial intelligence and taking into account regional needs.

We congratulate Vitaliy Tyukanko, Candidate of Technical Sciences, PhD, Associate Professor, Senior Researcher of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, on being awarded the “Best Researcher – 2025” prize. This is a high recognition of the scientific talent and real achievements of our colleague. The award is an annual measure of support for researchers provided by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It aims to encourage scientists and research staff who have made a significant contribution to the development of science and technology. A total of 358 applications were submitted to the competition, and only 50 applicants became winners. We wish Vitaliy Yuryevich further success, inspiration, and inexhaustible energy for the implementation of new ideas and projects. May his professional path be filled with meaningful discoveries, recognition from colleagues, and new achievements, and may the results of his scientific work continue to make a significant contribution to the development of science.

By decision of the Republican Commission for Training Personnel Abroad, 182 citizens of Kazakhstan have been awarded scholarships to undertake research internships at leading global scientific and research centers. Among them are five staff members of our university: Banu Beisenovna Doskenova, Head of the Department of Geography and Ecology, Candidate of Biological Sciences; Ernaz Yermekovich Yermekov, Assistant to the Rector for Research and Innovation, PhD; Askar Aitzhanovich Tadzigitov, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Physics, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Kulbarshin Isaevna Ibraeva, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Primary, Preschool and Special Education, Candidate of Philological Sciences; Aldiyar Eralievich Bakirov, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Agronomy and Forestry, Master’s degree holder. Research internships are an important tool for the transfer of modern knowledge and best practices, contributing to the development of national science and industry. Participation in these internships opens up new opportunities, including access to advanced knowledge, cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and the world’s best practices. Congratulations to our colleagues! We are proud of your achievements and wish you continued productive work, bold ideas, and new scientific discoveries.

A large-scale Huawei Annual Awarding Ceremony 2025 took place in Astana, where the results of the year in the field of digital technologies and education were summed up. The team of the Huawei ICT Academy at Kozybayev University became a vivid participant of this event. We have something to be proud of: Leadership in AI: in the spring of 2025, our university became the first in the country among universities in completing basic courses and mastering skills in the field of artificial intelligence. Recognition of professionalism: the culmination of the evening was the awarding of Galina Savostina with the honorary title “Instructor of the Year”! Galina Vladimirovna is an Associate Professor of the Department of Power Engineering and Radio Electronics, PhD. The ICT Academy at Kozybayev University has been operating since April 2024, and in this short period has proven that Petropavlovsk is one of the leading centers for training IT specialists in Kazakhstan. More to come! Congratulations to Galina Vladimirovna and the entire academy team on the well-deserved recognition!

Report Meeting on the Results of Kozybayev University for the 2024–2025 Academic Year At Kozybayev University, a report meeting was held to present the outcomes of the university’s work for the 2024–2025 academic year. Upholding the principle of transparency, Chairman of the Executive Board - Rector Yerbol Issakaev addressed the public, sharing key results and the tasks ahead for the university. “Last year was full of important decisions and remarkable achievements. For the first time in history, we, among only 20 Kazakhstani universities, entered one of the most prestigious global rankings - QS World University Rankings 2026. We also improved our position in QS Asia 2025, entering the top-50 universities in Central Asia and taking 32nd place out of 65. According to the national ranking ‘Atameken’, 24 of our educational programs ranked from 1st to 10th places,” said Yerbol Isakaev. The student body for the reporting year consisted of 5,749 students. Today, we have increased it to approximately 6,500 students, studying across 138 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. In partnership with the University of Arizona (USA) and the North-West University of Agriculture and Forestry (PRC), 7 double-degree and 11 joint programs are implemented. Currently, more than 1,200 students study under programs with the University of Arizona, taught by the best educators, 30% of whom are international scholars. Twenty-nine students from double-degree programs went to the USA for studies. This spring, the first graduation of 133 students under double-degree and joint programs with the University of Arizona will take place. A total of 484 academic staff were involved in the educational process at Kozybayev University. Over the past three years, the number of PhD holders among faculty has increased by 50%. Key achievements include: 14 faculty members completed international internships; 2 new positions introduced: Researcher and High Researcher; 14 academic degrees awarded, 5 academic titles conferred; More than 180 staff members received awards at various levels. In 2024, the average salary of faculty increased by 27.2%. For the first time in Kazakhstan, a branded university bus conducted a career guidance tour across southern regions, covering over 6,500 km and visiting around 30 settlements - cities, towns, and villages. To implement the university’s strategy, the International Campus, the Digital Transformation Office, and the Serpin Qoldau Office were established. The Institute of Continuing Education successfully operated in 2024, training 1,663 participants. To ensure quality education with the support of the MNVO RK, students have access to the international platform Coursera, with 2,180 students completing courses during the reporting period. Professional certification programs were also implemented: BAYDALA – 31 students certified; 1C – 18 students certified. The university entered the Register of Programs for Teacher Professional Development and received permission to conduct courses for medical professionals. One of the strategic directions is internationalization. The university maintains partnerships with organizations and universities from more than 20 countries, including China, the USA, Finland, Turkey, Italy, and France. There are 102 international agreements, and the number of partners continues to grow. During the reporting period, 28 international students joined the university, mainly from China. Forty students completed internships at environmental enterprises in Germany and Poland. Twenty-one international scholars from Bulgaria, the UK, China, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, the USA, Turkey, and Finland participated in the educational process. Our ambitious goal for the coming years is to transform into a research-intensive university with a high level of international integration. In the reporting period, two research projects were implemented under joint program-targeted funding totaling 19 million tenge. The university received an Erasmus+ Diana grant. The “Industrial PhD” project was launched, with 4 doctoral students currently enrolled. In 2025, research funding significantly increased to over 1.3 billion tenge. In 2026, we plan to reach about 3 billion tenge. The key driver of research in 2025–2026 will be the implementation of a program-targeted project on the development and introduction of high-tech solutions for monitoring, cleaning, and rational use of water resources in the North Kazakhstan region, with funding exceeding 4 billion tenge. Additionally, in the summer, the university won funding for three major research projects: Study of the role of bai communities in North Kazakhstan, their economic potential, and confiscation processes; Improvement of state policy in food security in Kazakhstan’s border regions; Development of technology for processing rotational composites from secondary polyethylene to produce a wide range of technical products. Kozybayev University participated in the International Forum of Strategic Partners with the President of Kazakhstan. Special recognition was given to the support of the Head of State for university research projects in partnership with the University of Arizona, including research on sulfur polymerization led by world-renowned Professor Jeffrey Poon. The project aims to develop and implement innovative materials based on recycled sulfur, enabling a shift from raw material export to the production of high value-added products - eco-friendly plastics, fertilizers, and polymers. An important focus is the implementation of the third mission - social partnership, civic education, and contribution to society. Student involvement in student government increased from 23% to 40%. A healthy educational environment is supported by the university’s 24-hour Psychological Service call center. Over the past three years, the university has actively developed students’ sports and cultural activities, with achievements confirmed by medals at national and international competitions: 25 gold, 28 silver, and 34 bronze. Currently, the university has 6 dormitories with a total capacity of 2,704, providing a surplus of 750 places. For convenience, the MyNKU mobile application allows applicants and students to apply for accommodation, view available dormitories, select rooms, and book places online. As part of digital infrastructure development, the computer park has been upgraded, including three new servers, over 200 computers, around 200 cameras, and 27 multimedia devices. Last year, the university actively participated in the AI-Sana innovation program in artificial intelligence, resulting in 100% of students completing courses on Huawei, Coursera, and Astana Hub platforms. Over the past year, the university significantly expanded its campus with a new building and two dormitories. Renovations included roofs, halls, entrances, classrooms, restrooms, assembly halls, and sports halls. A new football field was built near the ULC. Campus design improvements, including arches, sports halls, the Abai Kunanbaev mural on Building 2, and the first floor of the ULC with a café, were completed over the summer. Soon, a new outdoor area with small architectural forms will be added near the ULC, expected to become a new location for city residents. The rector also outlined tasks for the coming year and answered questions from the audience. “Every achievement I mentioned today is the contribution of our faculty, staff, students, and partners. I sincerely thank everyone for their work, initiative, and dedication to the university! Kozybayev University carries special responsibility. We are the only civil university in North Kazakhstan, which is why our role in the region extends far beyond the educational process. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to be an intellectual center of education, science, and culture, and a driver of socio-economic development in the region,” concluded Yerbol Issakaev.

The Spiritual Forum “Shaping and Strengthening Kazakhstani Identity: the Consolidating Role of Leaders,” held today under the leadership of the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, Gaukhar Nurmukhambetov, at the Palace of Schoolchildren, brought together members of the public, experts, opinion leaders, representatives of business, and government institutions. The forum served as a platform for dialogue on shaping Kazakhstani identity and strengthening interethnic harmony.Our university was represented at the event by Chairman of the Management Board–Rector Yerbol Isakayev, Member of the Board of Directors Anatoly Bashmakov, and Head of the Department of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Lyudmila Grivennaya. At the 34th session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted: “Such important values as patriotism, civic responsibility, mutual trust, and a sense of responsibility define the unique national identity of our people.” Today, the Non-profit limited company “Manash Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University” has everything necessary to provide students not only with high-quality education and scientific knowledge, but also to strengthen friendship and unity among young people. The university attracts students from all regions of Kazakhstan as well as from abroad - China, India, Türkiye, South Korea, Central Asian countries, and Russia. Currently, students from 19 countries study at Kozybayev University, and our student body and academic community include representatives of 36 ethnic groups of Kazakhstan. This makes the university a space of genuine intercultural communication - a place where young people learn to understand and value diversity as a fundamental social value. A significant role in shaping this atmosphere is played by the Department of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, opened in 2014. It integrates educational, scientific-methodological, and educational (upbringing) functions, serving as a platform for dialogue, meetings, discussions, and the study of the languages of the peoples of Kazakhstan. Speaking at the forum, the Rector emphasized that today it is especially important not only to talk about values, but also to create real mechanisms for their formation. The following initiatives were proposed: To establish the Regional Center for Civic Education of Youth “Adal Azamat” at the university, which will implement programs aimed at developing critical thinking, media literacy, and a culture of dialogue. To launch the regional project “The ‘Tolyk Adam’ Model” for university and school youth - a practice-oriented program including volunteer initiatives, leadership schools, courses in emotional intelligence, and project-based activities. To jointly develop with the Department of Internal Policy a calendar of intercultural events “Mәdenietter mozaikasy” (Mosaic of Cultures) - a series of festivals, educational lectures, and interethnic initiatives. “I express my sincere gratitude to the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, Gauez Nurmukhambetov, and regional structures for their extensive work with a systematic and in-depth approach to issues of national identity, interethnic harmony, and cultural development, as well as for their continued support of our university. It is an honor for us to be part of the common cause - strengthening unity, educating young people, and developing the region,” Yerbol Issakayev noted.  

The President of the country, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has repeatedly emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen the link between leading universities and the real sector of the economy, to synchronize innovation policy with the scientific and technological priorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which will give impetus to sectoral innovations and unlock the potential of applied science in universities. Responding to the challenges of the time, Kozybayev University does not merely implement research projects, but builds a scientific ecosystem capable of generating solutions in the fields of water and food security and green energy, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the region. Based at the university, 11 research projects are being implemented with grant funding from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and 4 projects under the “Zhas Galym” competition. An example of successful science–industry partnership, where the university’s competencies find practical application within business, is the project with LLP “SK Protein” on the commercialization of technology for the disposal and processing of cattle and horse hides into a high-protein feed additive. Another significant result was the establishment of a separate innovative enterprise—LLP “Scientific and Technological Water Center,” which is currently implementing projects on waterbody purification using a developed strain of the microalga Chlorella. This confirms the university’s ability to initiate and bring to implementation technological solutions with high market potential. In December 2024, a Scientific and Technological Session was held at Kozybayev University with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and JSC “Science Fund,” dedicated to the development of agro-industrial complex enterprises of Northern and Central Kazakhstan. As a result: • key problems and challenges in the agro-industrial complex were identified; • priority areas for innovative development were outlined; • research topics and objectives were formulated that will later be recommended for commercialization. In accordance with regional priorities, the university submitted scientific and technological assignments within the framework of program-targeted funding for “Digital Solutions in Livestock Farming” and “Protection of Grain Crops from Excessive Moisture.” The proposed implementation period is 2026–2028. It should be especially noted that there has been steady growth in the volume of funding for scientific projects. In 2025, it increased almost fourfold and amounted to 1 billion 332 million tenge. The university continues to implement applied projects jointly with regional enterprises in the fields of agricultural technologies, ecology, materials science, and engineering solutions, contributing to the innovative development of economic sectors. The university is actively working in the field of IT and digitalization: more than 26 projects are under development, a Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation has been established, and the AI-Sana program is being implemented to train qualified personnel in the field of AI for enterprises of the region and the country. Extensive work, together with an international team of scientists, is being carried out under the program-targeted funding project “Development and Implementation of High-Tech Solutions for Monitoring, Purification, and Rational Use of Water Resources of the North Kazakhstan Region to Ensure Public Health,” the total funding of which amounts to approximately 4 billion tenge. Among the international projects being implemented are also: • a sulfur polymerization project related to the creation of new high-value materials from processed sulfur; • a genomics and bioinformatics project aimed at increasing the resilience of agricultural crop genomes to the climatic conditions of the region; • the Kazakhstan–China Scientific Agrarian Center has been established. Agro-biological research is being conducted aimed at environmental assessment and adaptation of agricultural crop varieties to the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan; • a memorandum was signed on the establishment of a Scientific Center for Water Resources with the participation of Kozybayev University, the University of Arizona, and Northwest A&F University (PRC); • the Akimat of the North Kazakhstan Region allocated 500 hectares of land for a demonstration station for conducting agrotechnical research. We thank the leadership of local executive bodies for comprehensive support of the university’s scientific projects! We always strive to implement scientific initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the region and are inextricably linked with the priorities of the national economic agenda.