Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona Take Cooperation to a New Level

The strategic partnership between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona is evolving from an academic project into a large-scale driver of research and industrial development for the region and the country as a whole.

This was the focus of a meeting between Yerbol Issakayev, Chairman of the Executive Board – Rector of Kozybayev University, and a delegation from the University of Arizona led by Ricky Salazar, Senior Director of Educational Partnerships at Arizona International, together with professors from the University of Arizona. According to the Rector, more than four years of cooperation with the University of Arizona have demonstrated the effectiveness of the project. Today, the microcampus in Petropavlovsk is not only training specialists but is also moving toward the practical implementation of applied research projects.

This year, Kozybayev University recorded a record enrollment of 165 students in its dual degree programs. The recently launched programs in business and management are also attracting strong interest.

“This summer, we awarded diplomas to the first graduates of our programs, which was a major milestone. It was also the first international visit by University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella to an overseas microcampus. The academic programs implemented here serve as a kind of center and foundation for our cooperation. However, we are interested in deeper engagement that includes research, industry partnerships, workforce development, cooperation with government agencies, and all other components,” said Ricky Salazar, Senior Director of Educational Partnerships at Arizona International.

The partnership has already expanded well beyond the North Kazakhstan Region. The day before, a delegation of University of Arizona researchers — Charles Gerba, Irina Panyushkina, and Shamil Saiyev — completed a series of research visits to different regions of Kazakhstan.

Several large-scale research and technology projects are now in the pipeline, including a rice genomics project focused on developing new resilient crop varieties and the development of sulfur polymerization technology.

A major event of the year will be a large-scale visit by a University of Arizona delegation to Kazakhstan scheduled for December. During the visit, the parties plan to sign an official agreement launching a dual degree program in chemical engineering, connecting research with the real sector of the economy.