Science that changes the future

At the venue of the Regional Communications Service, a briefing was held on “The implementation in North Kazakhstan Region of Kozybayev University’s scientific projects presented to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan during the International Forum of Strategic Partners.”

Member of the Management Board for Internationalization and International Programs, Mansur Alimkhanov, noted that the strategic cooperation between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona (USA) has opened a unique new opportunities for Kazakhstani youth.

“Our partnership is only three years old, but its results are already transforming both the university and the region. Today, more than 1,200 students are enrolled in 11 joint and 5 dual-degree programs. While previously our university mainly attracted students from North Kazakhstan, we now welcome young people from across the country, as well as from the United States, China, and Russia,” said Mansur Alimkhanov.

The next key stage of the partnership is the development of joint research projects. The most promising initiatives were presented at the International Forum of Strategic Partners in Astana and received positive feedback from the Head of State.

One of these projects is “Development of Innovative Polymer Materials from Elemental Sulfur.” It is led by Geoffrey Poon, a professor at the University of Arizona. The research team also includes Altyn Shayakhmetova, Dean of the Agrotechnological Faculty at Kozybayev University.

She noted that Kazakhstan ranks seventh in the world in the production of elemental sulfur, most of which is exported in raw form or used for low-margin sulfuric acid production. This makes the research particularly relevant for the country. “We plan to develop this project in three directions: the production of high-value plastics and mineral fertilizers for the agro-cluster, as well as the use of sulfur-based polymers for metal extraction in the oil and gas industry and subsoil use,” said Altyn Shayakhmetova.

In addition, Dmitry Berillo reported that the university has launched a large-scale project under a program-targeted funding scheme aimed at addressing strategically important public health challenges in the North Kazakhstan Region.

The project focuses on developing high-tech systems for monitoring, purification, and efficient use of water resources, as well as advancing organic agriculture. The program includes five interconnected components, ranging from hygienic assessment of water supply and epidemiological risk evaluation to biological rehabilitation of water bodies and digitalization of water monitoring.

The research will form the foundation for establishing a Center of Academic Excellence in water resources, public health, and sustainable development at the university. Advanced laboratory equipment will be acquired, and the expert team includes scientists from Kazakhstan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and China—ensuring an interdisciplinary approach enriched by global expertise.