Each year, Non-profit limited company "M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University" places increasing emphasis on the development of international cooperation and the expansion of language programs. The university is actively strengthening academic ties with foreign partners, creating opportunities for meaningful intercultural interaction and knowledge exchange. One of the most vivid examples of this cooperation is the study of the Turkish language at the Department of Germanic and Romance Philology. Since October 2025, Professor from Turkey Göktürk Cebecioglu has been working here, invited under a program implemented with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This program involves inviting Turkish lecturers to foreign universities with the aim of developing language education, strengthening cultural ties, and expanding academic cooperation between countries. The professor will continue his work at our university next year as well. From his very first classes, Professor Cebecioglu has managed to create a special atmosphere in working with students. In his teaching, the Turkish language is not just an academic subject, but a living process of communication and cultural immersion. Göktürk Cebecioglu places strong emphasis on practical language use, develops students’ speaking and comprehension skills, and helps them feel confident in a linguistic environment. The professor pays special attention to introducing students to Turkey — its traditions, way of life, and cultural heritage. Thanks to this, learning becomes deeper and more meaningful, and students’ interest in the language continues to grow. Kazakhstan and Turkey share close historical and cultural ties, which makes the study of Turkish naturally engaging and relevant for students. A vivid example of cultural interaction was the introduction of faculty members and students of the department to the traditional craft of the city of Sivas — “Çubukçuluk Sanatı,” which allowed participants to experience the living cultural heritage of the professor’s native region. The professor also took part in career guidance meetings with school students and in the Open Days of Kozybayev University. At a specially organized stand dedicated to Turkey, materials about the language, culture, and traditions of the country were presented. As we can see, the work of Göktürk Cebecioglu at the Department of Germanic and Romance Philology has become an important contribution not only to the study of the Turkish language, but also to the development of cultural dialogue between Kazakhstan and Turkey.

Zarkin Syzdykovich Taishybay is a Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, academician, well-known scholar, writer, researcher, Honorary Citizen of the North Kazakhstan Region — a person who dedicated his life to the development of national journalism and the humanities. However, for several generations of students and colleagues at our university, he is прежде всего a wise mentor, an intellectual educator, a person of high culture, and a true professional. A republican conference titled “Atyńnan ainalaıyn, Qyzyljarym!” dedicated to Z.S. Taishybay was held at the university. Zarkin Syzdykovich belongs to a rare generation of people for whom a profession was never just a job, but a form of service — to the word, to science, to the memory of the people, and to the future of the youth. His path has become part of the history of Kozybayev University, built over years of honest labor, wisdom, student respect, and deep dedication to his cause. Colleagues, associates, and students of Zarkin Syzdykovich from different regions of the country attended the conference, along with scholars from Turkey and France. “Your life path and many years of fruitful activity are a vivid example of devoted service to national spirituality, science and education, journalism, and public thought. You have always remained faithful to the truth, consistently defended national values, and tirelessly worked for their preservation and promotion. Devoting yourself to science, you have made a significant contribution to the development of national history and literary studies, Abai studies, Alash studies, Magzhan studies, and research related to the heritage of Abylai Khan. Your deep scientific research, based on unique archival materials and new historical sources, contributes to restoring the historical memory of the people and strengthening national identity,” noted the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, in his congratulatory letter. Zarkin Taishybay was born on March 31, 1942, in the Kuv (Karkaraly) district of the Karaganda region. The future scholar’s destiny was shaped during years when diligence, responsibility, and respect for knowledge were especially valued. After graduating from a Kazakh secondary school, he worked as a machine operator in a collective farm, then as a literary staff member, deputy editor, editor of a district newspaper, and head of departments of the regional newspaper “Ortalyq Qazaqstan.” After graduating from the Faculty of Journalism at S. M. Kirov Kazakh State University and completing postgraduate studies in the history of journalism, Zarkin Syzdykovich devoted himself to teaching and research. An important milestone in his career was his work at E. A. Buketov Karaganda University, where he was among the founders of the Journalism Department. However, a particularly significant place in his biography belongs to Non-profit limited company "M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University". Since 2000, Zarkin Syzdykovich has been working at our university. Over these years, he has made an invaluable contribution to the development of the university, the training of specialists, and the establishment of journalism education in the region. “In 2000, you came to M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University and gave a new impetus to the development of regional journalism. Your many years of pedagogical work deserve special respect. Many journalists and researchers who passed through your school are now successfully working across the country, contributing to the development of national science, education, and mass media. You have instilled in your students dedication to serving the people, respect for national spiritual values, and a strong sense of responsibility to society,” reads the congratulatory letter from the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, Gauez Nurmukhambetov. It was thanks to Zarkin Syzdykovich’s initiative that journalism education in the state language began at the university in 2001. This decision became not only an educational milestone but also an important historical event for all of North Kazakhstan. In fact, a new school of Kazakh-language journalism was being formed here, based on professionalism, respect for national values, and high educational standards. The conference was attended by university graduates and representatives of national media, including Zhasyn Birkenov, Deputy Press Secretary of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Suyindik Zhanysbay, member of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan and Honored Journalist of Kazakhstan; Erlan Atambay, Director of the “Khabar” TV channel; as well as well-known journalists, publicists, and writers. Prior to the conference, the university held a competition of multimedia projects dedicated to the works of Z.S. Taishybay. During the ceremony, winners and prize recipients were awarded cash prizes and certificates: — 1st place — Sandugash Kaiyrbek, group Zh-25k; — 2nd place — Amina Sirgebayeva, group PvO-24 (kz-us); — 3rd place — Kristina Slapinskaite, group Zh-24. A Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, and author of more than 100 scientific articles, monographs, and textbooks, Zarkin Taishybay has made a significant contribution to academic literature. A special pride for the university was the opening of a classroom named after the professor at Kozybayev University — a symbol of recognition of his immense contribution to the development of national education and science. Conference participants also had the opportunity to visit it. And a commemorative spruce tree named after Professor Z.S. Taishybay was planted on the alley near the ULC building. But undoubtedly, the main award of Zarkin Syzdykovich is the respect of colleagues, gratitude of students, and sincere love of learners. He belongs to those who shape not only a professional school but also the moral atmosphere of the region. His name has long become part of the intellectual and spiritual history of our university and region.   On behalf of the university staff, we express our deep appreciation to Zarkin Syzdykovich for years of impeccable service, mentor wisdom, dedication to the university, loyalty to science, and native culture. We wish him strong health, warmth, well-being, and many more years of life. May new books, new discoveries, joy of creativity, and happiness of communication with loved ones and students await him in the future.

A pedagogical forum dedicated to the development of regional education was held at Kozybayev University. More than 500 participants attended the large-scale event, including teachers, school principals, methodologists, students, and representatives of government institutions. The forum focused on teacher training, career guidance for school students, and the modernization of educational programs in педагогical fields at the university. Held for the second time, the forum became an important platform for discussing current issues in education and exchanging professional experience. Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gulzat Kobenova, who participated online, emphasized that the state policy aimed at enhancing the status of teachers is being consistently implemented. According to her, strengthening social and professional support measures, improving working conditions, expanding opportunities for professional growth, and protecting teachers’ rights are among the key priorities of state educational policy. “Kozybayev University occupies a special place in Kazakhstan’s educational landscape due to its successful implementation of modern educational technologies. Today, the university brings together thousands of students and educators, develops scientific schools, digital technologies, inclusive education, and pedagogical innovations. The forum made it possible to exchange best practices, discuss current issues in teacher training, and generate new ideas aimed at improving the quality of education,” the Vice Minister noted. As part of the forum, a number of practical activities aimed at developing the human resources potential of the regional education system were organized. These included a training session for career guidance specialists from the North Kazakhstan Region, meetings between students of pedagogical specialties and heads of district education departments, a discussion platform involving teachers from innovative schools, and excursions to the university’s modern laboratories. In addition, Nurgul Nurlan, Head of the Project Office of the Republican League of Academic Integrity, conducted a refresher session for school principals titled “School DNA – Manifesto of Integrity,” introducing participants to the core principles of academic integrity standards. One of the key highlights of the forum was the job fair for graduates of pedagogical programs. Around 20 educational institutions from Petropavlovsk and districts of the North Kazakhstan Region participated in the fair. Deputy Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region Zhusup Zhumagulov emphasized that such forums contribute to the employment of young specialists and strengthen cooperation between the university and educational organizations. “Following the results of the forum first organized last year, 490 out of 493 university graduates were employed. Around 500 future teachers participated in this year’s job fair,” he noted. During the forum, particular attention was paid to the training of modern teaching professionals, support for young specialists, the development of specialized education, and the implementation of innovative practices in the regional education system.   It is worth noting that teacher training at the university has been conducted since 1937. Currently, 2,433 students and 187 master’s degree students are studying in 38 pedagogical educational programs.

Today in Astana, at the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, an important event is taking place - the Erasmus+ Regional Info Day and the conference “Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education,” organized within the framework of the technical assistance mission. Representatives of Kozybayev University are actively participating in discussions dedicated to the development of the academic environment in the era of AI. We are not just discussing trends - we are implementing them in the life of our university. This is not only an exchange of experience, but also real opportunities for every member of our community. We would like to remind everyone that advanced tools for work and learning are already available to all students and faculty members: What tools do you already have at your fingertips? Google AI & GPT Edu: use them as personal tutors. They can help structure scientific articles, analyze massive datasets, write code, or translate complex documentation within seconds. AI-Sana Platform: your space for turning ideas into reality. Explore the platform, test your developments, learn through real-world cases, and integrate AI into your coursework and graduation projects. Where should you start today? Visit the AI-Sana platform and explore the latest tools. Log in to GPT Edu / Google AI using your university corporate email (instructions and links have already been sent to every employee and student). Start using AI in your tasks today. Technology is your key resource in the era of Erasmus+ and global digital transformation. Don’t wait until tomorrow to try what is already available today!

Scientists, researchers, educators, and experts in the field of sustainable development were invited to participate in the event. Representing our university as speakers were Marina Pogrebitskaya, Director of the Department of Strategy and Development and Head of the Sustainable Development Coordination Group, and Anna Kornilova, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Head of the Environmental Division of the Coordination Group. “Kozybayev University is a university that transforms regional challenges into global solutions. What does sustainable development mean for us? It is not just about reports and rankings. It is a choice - what kind of science to develop, which regional problems to solve, and what partnerships to build. Our principle is simple: we do not adapt projects to fit the SDGs; we create projects that naturally address sustainable development goals,” the speakers noted. Today, the university is implementing projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals: Strategic partnership with the University of Arizona - the first of its kind in Kazakhstan; International project on digital water monitoring and purification in the North Kazakhstan Region; School of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics for developing sustainable wheat and rice varieties; Kazakhstan-China Agrotechnology Park; Technologies for converting sulfur into useful polymers and fertilizers. Our goal is to create science that works for people, the region, and the future.

Students of Kozybayev University had a unique opportunity to meet the People’s Hero of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pilot-cosmonaut, and Major General of Aviation Aidyn Akanovich Aimbetov. The event was also attended by Ruslan Alishev, Head of the Office of the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, and Anatoly Bashmakov, member of the Board of Directors of Kozybayev University. A special atmosphere filled the hall. For the young audience, this was not simply a lecture or an official meeting - standing before them was a man whose name is forever inscribed in the history of independent Kazakhstan. A man who proved that even the boldest dreams can become reality through hard work, discipline, and belief in one’s goal. Aidyn Akanovich is the first cosmonaut of independent Kazakhstan to fly to the International Space Station. In 2015, he took part in the mission aboard the Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft. He spent nearly ten days in space, conducting scientific experiments and representing Kazakhstan at the international level. Today, Aidyn Aimbetov serves as Chairman of the Executive Board of the Baiterek Joint Venture JSC, continuing to contribute to the development of the national space industry. During the meeting, the cosmonaut spoke to students about his life journey, the childhood dream that once led him to the stars, the demanding training process, the challenges, and the responsibility carried by a person traveling into space. Students showed great interest in asking questions about the future of Kazakhstan’s space exploration, scientific research prospects, and the development of space technologies in the country. The students were especially impressed by Aidyn Akanovich’s memories of his flight to the International Space Station. “When you look at the Earth from space, you see a sphere surrounded by darkness, emptiness, and vacuum. There is no such black color on Earth - it simply does not exist here. Earth is our common home. When I was aboard the ISS, there were representatives of six countries there. We lived as one family,” shared Aidyn Aimbetov. He also emphasized that Kazakhstan today is among the world’s spacefaring nations. It is on Kazakh land that the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome is located - the place from which humanity first ventured into space. Modern space projects continue to develop there, future technologies are being created, and space equipment is being tested. “Today Kazakhstan is among the seven spacefaring nations. We have an assembly and engineering complex where space technology is designed and tested. I invite young people who want to become involved in the space industry to work with us at the Baiterek enterprise,” noted Aidyn Akanovich. For the students, the meeting became a powerful source of motivation and a vivid example of how professionalism, perseverance, and dedication help achieve outstanding results. Many noted that the stories they heard made them look at their own goals and opportunities in a completely new way. The event was made even more solemn by the award ceremony. For the first time in the university’s history, students who demonstrated exceptional achievements in academics, science, and public life received Aidyn Aimbetov honorary scholarships. University staff members were also presented with letters of appreciation by the People’s Hero of Kazakhstan. Another symbolic moment was the planting of a commemorative spruce tree by Aidyn Aimbetov in the alley near the university’s educational and laboratory building. The young tree became a symbol of continuity between generations, aspiration for growth, development, and the conquest of new heights. Kazakhstan holds a special place in the history of global space exploration. It was from Baikonur that the era of space exploration began, and today our country continues to strengthen its position in this strategically important industry. It is especially significant that modern youth have the opportunity not only to read about heroes in books, but also to personally communicate with people whose achievements glorify Kazakhstan around the world. Such meetings inspire students to dream bigger, believe in their own abilities, and strive for knowledge. It is through communication with outstanding individuals that a generation capable of advancing science, society, and the future of independent Kazakhstan is formed.

For the second consecutive year, the School of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics at Kozybayev University has opened its doors to young researchers. Over this time, it has established itself as a major regional platform focused on working with modern genomic datasets and acquiring practical skills using various genome sequencing platforms. This year, the event is organized by the Agro Competence Center of Kozybayev University in cooperation with the Arizona Genomics Institute (USA). “Food security is an integral foundation of national security. New genomic methods can help Kazakhstan accelerate the breeding of new domestic rice and wheat varieties adapted to the specific climatic and soil conditions of the country’s regions,” noted Professor Rod A. Wing, Director of the Arizona Genomics Institute. Fourteen researchers from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Saudi Arabia will undergo training at the School. “Today, I represent the development program for strategic crops — rice and wheat. Thanks to the initiative of the Agro Competence Center of Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona, we have the opportunity to invite representatives from the member states of the Islamic Organization for Food Security. This is a unique case, because within the framework of the strategic crops program we have the opportunity to study the experience being implemented in Kazakhstan in order to expand these initiatives not only within the country, but also beyond its borders,” said Shakhlo Atabaeva, Program Manager at the Islamic Organization for Food Security. The course is designed for 5 days and consists of several modules on the assembly and annotation of bacterial and eukaryotic genomes, working with genomic browsers, and genomic data analysis. Each day includes 4 hours of lectures and 4 hours of practical sessions. The School’s work is focused on crops strategically important for the country — wheat and rice. Researchers will work on transforming breeding approaches and improving the performance of these agricultural crops. Currently, the Agro Competence Center, together with international partners, is developing an algorithm for implementing genomic selection technologies in rice, wheat, and corn projects, taking into account the needs of specific regions of Kazakhstan. The lecturers include world-renowned scientists in the field of genetics. Among them is Professor Rod A. Wing, a leading geneticist known for his research on plant genomes, especially rice and other agricultural crops. Also participating is Professor Andrea Zuccolo of Kozybayev University, a recognized expert in genomics and bioinformatics with extensive international experience ranging from Italy to the United States. Guest speakers conducting online sessions include scientists from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Such courses are being implemented by the university for the first time not only in Kazakhstan, but throughout Central Asia. The project meets international standards and combines advanced practices, modern technologies, and the participation of globally recognized experts. Today, genomics and bioinformatics extend far beyond the boundaries of fundamental science, becoming strategically important fields for national development. These technologies make it possible to create more resilient and productive agricultural crops adapted to climate change and new environmental challenges. Genetic research contributes not only to strengthening food security, but also to preserving unique biodiversity, which is one of the most important resources for the future.

Around 90% of Kazakhstan’s total rice production comes from the Kyzylorda region, with 35–40% of the output being exported. During a meeting with the Akim of the region, Murat Yergeshbayev, and Mazhilis Deputy Murat Abenov, Chairman of the Executive Board - Rector Yerbol Issakayev of Kozybayev University and Professor Rod A. Wing, Director of the Arizona Genomics Institute (AGI), discussed the development of agricultural genomics and the implementation of modern genomic technologies in rice cultivation. As part of the visit, they also toured Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, where they ознакомились with the university’s research potential, as well as several major agricultural enterprises in the region, including the “Abzal and K” rice processing plant and the “Magzhan and K” partnership. Today, the region is facing particularly pressing challenges related to expanding the cultivation of crops adapted to drought and saline soils, as well as varieties with shorter growing seasons. To address these large-scale challenges, together with the Kazakh Research Institute of Rice Growing, we plan to: • create a complete genomic database of Kazakh rice varieties; • identify varieties best adapted to saline soils and water scarcity in the Kyzylorda region; • study markers of resistance to drought, salinity, and diseases; • reduce the development period for new varieties from 10–12 years to 5–7 years through genomic selection. At the second stage of the project, the installation of a special accelerator greenhouse for rapid rice cultivation is planned. In addition, we are ready to build joint cooperation in training qualified specialists for the agro-industrial sector. The issue of training school graduates from the Kyzylorda region through dual-degree biotechnology programs with the University of Arizona is being considered; Attracting school students to agricultural specialties and dual-degree programs through the “Serpin” program; Bolashak internships at the Arizona Genomics Institute for specialists from the Kazakh Research Institute of Rice Growing and Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University. Such a model, where international partnerships are transformed into technologies for solving specific regional challenges, can bring real benefits to Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector and strengthen the country’s food security.