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.  

Kristina Borisova, a fourth-year student of the dual degree educational program “Biotechnology,” has received an official invitation to pursue a master’s degree at the School of Plant Sciences of the University of Arizona. She will begin her studies in August 2026. Kristina graduated with honors from a rural school in the Mamlyut District of the North Kazakhstan Region and became one of the students of the first intake of the international dual degree program between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona. During the fall semester of the current academic year, she studied at the main campus of the University of Arizona in the United States, where she established herself as a promising young researcher. Kristina is the author of several scientific publications and, as part of a team, won third place at the Republican Student Subject Olympiad in the educational program “Biotechnology.” The University of Arizona offered Kristina Borisova a package of academic and financial support covering the main expenses related to tuition, health insurance, and research activities. In the future, she will be able to combine her studies with scientific work through participation in research and teaching assistantship programs. This mechanism is a common practice at leading U.S. universities and is aimed at supporting talented young scientists. Kristina’s research interests are connected with agricultural biotechnology and plant genomic studies. She pays special attention to the resilience of agricultural crops to climate change and to finding solutions of practical importance for agriculture.

Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek met with Rod Wing, Director of the Arizona Genomics Institute, and Yerbol Issakayev, Chairman of the Executive Board - Rector of Kozybayev University. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for the development of agro-genomics, the introduction of modern genomic technologies into agriculture, and the expansion of international scientific cooperation. Special attention was given to the development of new rice and wheat varieties resistant to climate change, less dependent on water resources, highly productive, and possessing high nutritional value. Professor Rod Wing presented a strategic vision for the development of genomic research in Kazakhstan, including both short-term and long-term measures. In particular, proposals were made to introduce the alternate wetting and drying method in Kazakhstan’s rice-growing regions, which would significantly reduce water consumption in rice cultivation. The participants also discussed the assessment of the genetic diversity of Kazakhstan’s rice and wheat collections through sample resequencing, large-scale field phenotyping to identify the most promising climate-resilient varieties, and the establishment of a national training system in genetics, plant breeding, genomics, agronomy, irrigation management, and phytopathology. As Professor Rod Wing noted, the implementation of these initiatives will enable Kazakhstan to strengthen its position as one of the key contributors to global food security in the long term. According to Chairman of the Executive Board - Rector of Kozybayev University Yerbol Issakayev, cooperation with the Arizona Genomics Institute and the University of Arizona is focused on achieving practical results - from training a new generation of specialists to launching applied projects in plant breeding, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The implementation of these initiatives is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s scientific potential and creating a modern genomic platform for the country’s agricultural development.

Kozybayev University welcomed representatives of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), one of India’s leading private multidisciplinary universities founded in 2009. The university is known for its high positions in QS rankings (the No. 1 private university in India in law and social sciences), English-language instruction, and a strong international community. More than 16,000 students from over 100 countries study at JGU. Around 14% of its 1,100 faculty members are international specialists. At our university, Professor Rahul Bhandari, Director of the Office of Institutional Development and Strategic Global Engagement at JGU, spoke about areas of potential partnership with Kozybayev University. The primary focus is academic exchange for students. Currently, there are no Kazakhstani students studying at JGU under this program. Another area of cooperation is an interactive six-day workshop on legal issues organized by JGU for law professors. The Indian side is also interested in scientific collaboration. “We have around 100 professors and lecturers from more than 30 countries. They come for a 30-day research internship during which we conduct joint research projects. Among them are two lecturers from Kazakhstan. We are ready to continue this productive work. At the same time, accommodation, meals, and research expenses are fully covered by us,” noted Rahul Bhandari. Member of the Executive Board for Internationalization and International Programs Mansur Alimkhanov reminded participants that our university had trained students from India at the Faculty of Medicine for several years. This year, the university is preparing to welcome new international applicants. Therefore, cooperation with Indian colleagues will contribute to expanding areas of collaboration as well as strengthening academic and cultural ties.