Head of State Praises Kozybayev University’s Partnership with the University of Arizona

The Kozybayev University team took part in the International Forum of Strategic Partners “Kazakhstan – a Territory of Academic Education” with the participation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Chairman of the Executive Board – Rector Yerbol Issakayev informed the Head of State about the outcomes of cooperation with University of Arizona.

At the President’s initiative, joint educational programs with leading global universities are being successfully implemented in Kazakhstan, and this project holds a worthy place among them, as Kozybayev University was the first in the country to launch such a collaboration.

Today, more than 1,200 students from all regions of Kazakhstan, as well as from the United States, China, and Russia, are enrolled in these programs. The partnership has not only provided Kazakhstani students with access to world-class education standards but has also become a driver for the development of scientific research.

One of the key areas of research cooperation is the establishment of the first sulfur polymerization laboratory in Kazakhstan under the supervision of Geoffrey Pyun. The research focuses on developing innovative materials from processed sulfur, enabling Kazakhstan to move from a resource-based economy toward the production of high value-added products, including eco-friendly plastics, fertilizers, and next-generation polymers.

The Head of State emphasized that one of the main priorities is ensuring a direct link between education, science, and the real sector of the economy.

“Thanks to the partnership between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona, an advanced technology for converting sulfur into innovative polymers has been developed. This is a highly important project for our country, which possesses significant sulfur reserves. It will provide a strong impetus for the development of the chemical industry and, importantly, contribute to addressing a number of environmental challenges,” the President noted.