KazNARU’s International Summer School 2024 focuses on climate change

The Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) hosted an International Summer School-2024 from June 3-15. The event attracted over 400 students, both online and offline, from 14 countries including China, Turkey, South and Central Asia. The summer school offered 10 sections focusing on innovative approaches to addressing climate change and technology adaptation for sustainable agricultural development. Topics included agribusiness development, dry land and forest management, food security, and veterinary issues.

The event featured more than 20 speakers from 12 countries who delivered lectures on the major challenges related to climate change. Additionally, practical seminars provided participants the opportunity to work on developing innovative “green” startups in the agro-industrial sector and food processing and preservation.

During the seminars and brainstorming sessions, students discussed the adaptation of new technologies and technology transfers to Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics. Foresight sessions focused on exploring future challenges related to the introduction of new technologies in the agricultural sector and capacity building for sustainable livelihood and food security.

Akhylbek Kurishbayev, the Chairman of the Board and Rector, emphasized that the International Summer School serves as a unique opportunity for leading scholars and experts from around the world to address complex issues related to the transformation of agriculture in response to global realities. He highlighted that KazNARU provided students with access to labs, experimental stations, and greenhouses, offering both theoretical learning and practical experience.

The International Summer School aims to bring together lecturers and students from the region to discuss the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national and regional levels. With challenges such as water shortages, deforestation, and desertification transcending national boundaries, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and effectively implement SDGs.

International Youth Conference “Model UN – New Silk Road” 2024 held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

On June 8, 2024, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) launched the international youth conference “Model UN – New Silk Road” 2024, dedicated to empowering youth in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference, which underscores climate action, gender equality, and the attainment of all 17 SDGs, also commemorates the 90th anniversary of the university and the 10th anniversary of its designation as a Global Hub for the United Nations Academic Impact program.

Yerkin Duyssenov, Chairperson of the Sustainable Development Committee and Vice-Rector for Operational Activities at KazNU, inaugurated the event. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the crucial role of youth as a vital component of human capital and the evolving demands on universities. He highlighted the need for universities to go beyond imparting academic knowledge and focus on preparing graduates to adapt to change and embrace continuous development. Today’s students, he noted, must be leaders capable of making unconventional decisions and addressing contemporary challenges.

“As a Global Hub of the UN Academic Impact program on sustainability since 2012, KazNU has actively supported the international youth platform Model UN ‘New Silk Road’ and has been committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals through education, scientific research, and cooperation with international organizations,” stated Vice-Rector Duyssenov. He also noted the successful operation of two UNESCO chairs at the university, the Academic Regional Resource and Information Center of the UN at the Faculty of International Relations, and the reinstatement of the Ban Ki-moon Institute for Sustainable Development.

The conference aims to educate students in international diplomacy and develop their skills in addressing global issues through international law. Participants are tackling critical topics such as climate action, gender equality, and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Esteemed speakers at the conference included Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan; Dr. Amir Piric, Acting Director of the UNESCO Cluster Office; Dr. Vlastimil Samek, Head of the UN Department of Global Communications; Dr. Serik Naryssov, Chairman of the Asian Diplomatic Society; Mr. Fayzulla Nurullayev, Consul of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Almaty; Dr. Rustem Kurmanguzhin, Associate Professor at Narxoz University; and Dr. Rafis Abazov, Vice-Rector of KazNARU.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in three committees to discuss the significance of education in promoting human rights and reducing inequality, enhancing the resilience of Central Asian economies amidst climate change, preserving cultural heritage, and amplifying the role of women.

The conference concluded with all active participants receiving certificates and commemorative prizes, underscoring the pivotal role of youth in solving global problems and strengthening international cooperation.

KAZNMU Pharmacy Team Developed a Plant-based drug

At the School of Pharmacy of the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, was completed the scientific project “Development of a phytosubstance from domestic plant raw materials with a cardiotonic effect”, funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan to develop a plant-based drug of medicinal herb Ziziphora bungeana Juz., which has many pharmacological effects.

The object of the study was the annual or perennial, herbaceous or sub-shrub plant Ziziphora bungeana, which grows in central Asia, western China, Altai, Mongolia and other countries.

The genus Ziziphora L. of the Lamiaceae family includes about 30 plant species.

Plants of Ziziphora are rich in essential oils, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, resins, tannins, and organic acids are also isolated.

As part of the project, joint scientific research to study the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of this herb was carried out with the State Medical University of Lublin (Poland), St. Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University (Russia), and Masaryk University (Czech Republic). Based on the results of research using in vivo methods, The antimicrobial, antioxidant and cardiotropic properties of Z. bungeana extracts have been established in vitro. The cardiotropic activity was confirmed by the results of Echocardiography, Electrocardiogram, and histological analysis. The results obtained confirm the prospects of the research object for the development of effective drugs from natural raw materials.

The results of studies on the medicinal herb by Z. bungeana were published in the highly rated scientific journals: Ethnopharmacology, Molecules with quartiles Q1, Q2 and a patent was received from the Eurasian Patent Office.

Medicines based on domestic natural raw materials help reduce import dependence and allow expanding the arsenal of domestic products on the pharmaceutical market of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Republican scientific and practical conference with international participation at Children’s City Clinical Hospital

In Almaty, at the Children’s City Clinical Hospital No. 2, the two-day (April 18-19) Republican scientific and practical conference with international participation “Barlybaev Readings” completed its work today. Dedicated to the 135th anniversary KazNMU and the 100th anniversary of the outstanding pediatrician, scientist, one of the founders of the national pediatric school and science of Kazakhstan Nina Barlybaeva.

It should be noted that the conference was held to support the scientific interest of practical healthcare doctors in the health problems of the children’s population. Pediatricians, pediatric anesthesiologists and resuscitators, and pediatric cardiologists took part in it.

The main scientific directions of the conference covered clinical aspects of childhood pathology; rare diseases in pediatric practice; socially significant diseases in pediatric practice; vaccine prevention in pediatrics; medical rehabilitation in pediatric practice; nutrition of a healthy and sick child; emergency conditions in pediatrics and pediatric surgery.

As part of the conference, a master class was held with the participation of the director of the National Children’s Specialized Hospital ” Okhmatdit ” of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, pediatric resuscitator, professor Vladimir Zhovnir on the topic “Heart rhythm disorders in children – according to ECG.”

The organizers of the conference were Children’s City Clinical Hospital No. 2 of Almaty, the School of Pediatrics and the Department of Childhood Diseases named after Professor Barlybaeva of the KazNMU. As the organizers noted, the conference will be annual and will become a traditional platform for the exchange of experience and innovative technologies in pediatrics between leading experts, young scientists and practicing physicians.

Grant-based education at top foreign universities: New horizons for entrants, students of Satbayev University

In 2024, about two hundred students and teachers of Satbayev University will have the opportunity to study and work at top universities in the world: Pennsylvania State University, USA, Songyungwan University, South Korea, Glasgow University, Great Britain, as well as in CIS countries and neighboring countries. The signing of Memorandum of strategic partnership with CityU in Hong Kong also allows National Research Technical University to train bachelors and doctoral students, exchange personnel and conduct research with one of the best universities in the world.

“Satbayev University and CityU are preparing the younger generation for society evolvement of their countries and the whole world. We are proud to cooperate with the oldest technical university in Kazakhstan,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of CityU Board.

Mr. Lester Huang noted that after several months of fruitful dialogue and preparation for launching the double-degree programs, universities are ready to start their implementation.

During working meetings at CityU, the working groups including Rectors and Vice-rectors of universities, departments’ and laboratories’ heads worked out in detail further steps to organize a joint educational process in artificial intelligence, materials science, construction spheres and implementing the scientific projects.

“We are interested in close cooperation. The joint work of our students, undergraduates and doctoral students will ensure not only the exchange of knowledge, but also intercultural interaction,” says Professor Freddy Boy, President of CityU HK.

Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev, and CityU President Freddy Boy, signed documents that make it possible to open joint degree programs for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees.

In his speech at the signing ceremony, Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev noted: “From this moment on, a new era in the development of Polytech begins, which we open with the partnership agreement in the field of science and higher engineering education with one of the best universities in the world.”

Satbayev University delegation also got acquainted with the activities of CityU laboratories. Kazakh scientists have agreed with the heads of the best of them to conduct joint scientific research.

The project is being implemented with the support of Minister of RK Science and Higher Education Sayassat Nurbek. The signed memoranda were witnessed by Lester Huang and Mr. Almas Seytakynov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in SAR Hong Kong and Macao.

Satbayev University is actively working in the academic mobility field – in 2023-2024, the range of international partners of University was expanded at the expense of the USA, Hong Kong, Britain, South Korea and other countries’ universities.

Scientific and Technological Park and Hall opens at Asfendiyarov KazNMU

On the eve of Science Day, the grand opening of the Albina Leonovna Kotova Hall and the KazNMU Science and Technology Park took place.

The idea of launching the Technopark was implemented in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, regarding the importance of systematic development of university science, integration of innovative technologies into the economy, and the establishment of business incubators, commercialization centers, technoparks, and design bureaus in the country\’s universities. The KazNMU Technopark will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the medical field and the enhancement of education in healthcare. This strategic initiative aims not only to support and promote the development of advanced technologies and research in medicine but also to improve the quality of education in this area, strengthening Kazakhstan\’s position in the field of medical science, practice, and education.

On the eve of Science Day took place the grand opening of the Albina Leonovna Kotova Hall and the KazNMU Science and Technology Park.

The idea of launching the Technopark was implemented in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, regarding the importance of systematic development of university science, integration of innovative technologies into the economy, and the establishment of business incubators, commercialization centers, technoparks, and design bureaus in the country’s universities. The KazNMU Technopark will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the medical field and the enhancement of education in healthcare. This strategic initiative aims not only to support and promote the development of advanced technologies and research in medicine but also to improve the quality of education in this area, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the field of medical science, practice, and education.

The Technopark at the Kazakh National Medical University represents an innovative hub that will bring together academic and scientific resources with industrial and commercial opportunities. This facility will foster collaboration among academic and research groups, startups, pharmaceutical companies, and other participants in the innovation ecosystem. The opening of the KazNMU Technopark marks an important step in the development of medical education and science in Kazakhstan, strengthening the country’s role in the global community of scientific and medical innovations and reaffirming our commitment to excellence in education and innovation.

Layered corneal transplant starts at KazNMU University Clinic

The Ophthalmological Clinic of the Center for Primary Health Care and Diagnostics of the Sanzhar Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University continues to successfully perform corneal transplant operations, the university’s press service reported.

The series of operations started in May last year. With the help of the Kazakhstan Khalkyna Public Foundation, the Ministry of Health and foreign partner companies, corneal transplants were revived in the country. Corneal transplantation or keratoplasty is the only way to restore vision for patients with serious pathologies: keratoconus, corneal ulcer, chemical and traumatic injuries and other pathologies.

At the same time, it is usually impossible to delay the transfer. With the support of the Kazakhstan Khalkyna Public Foundation, 304 corneal transplants were planned, the total cost of the program is 373 350 280 tenge. In less than a year, 116 operations have already been performed at the KazNMU University Clinic.

MIT plans to conduct research in conjunction with Satbayev University

Collaboration of Satbayev University with one of the most prestigious technical universities in the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, USA), will allow creating the innovations aimed at ensuring the scientific and technological development of Kazakhstan’s economy.

During the visit of Satbayev University delegation to MIT, the university leaders discussed ways of cooperation in education and science sphere. Organization of joint research projects, the exchange of students and teachers, open up new opportunities for evolving the education and science in Kazakhstan and technology transfer.

Enjin Deng, senior program manager at MIT Center for Quantum Engineering (CQE), shared the prospects for cooperation in the field of quantum engineering and scientific projects. Tom Girty, Director of Communications and Initiatives, presented MIT’s laboratory capabilities for collaborative research in nanotechnology sphere.

Also, an agreement was signed within the walls of MIT on the accession of Satbayev University to the Fab Lab Network, an international network of laboratories that brings together research engineers and practitioners from all over the world using digital technologies. The agreement, signed by Sherry Lassiter, founder and head of Fab Foundation, and Satbayev University Board Chairman-Rector Meiram Begentayev will provide the talented youth and scientists with access to tools, knowledge and financial resources for learning, innovation and inventions.

“Cooperation with the world’s leading universities allows Satbayev University to fully implement “learning through research” principle, as well as advance the practical skills of future engineers, combine the efforts of inventors and researchers to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all,” says Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the most prestigious technical educational institutions in the United States, a university and research center with the world’s largest research infrastructure. It occupies 1st place in the global ranking of universities of QS World University Rankings.

Children with butterfly syndrome underwent surgery at Aksai University Clinic of Asfendiyarov, KazNMU

Jewelry operations are carried out these days at the Aksai University Children’s Clinical Hospital of the Sanzhar Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University. On the operating table, children developed a second form of epidermolysis bullosa, a disease more severe as Butterfly syndrome.

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic congenital disease. It is not infectious and does not pose any danger to others. To date, 108 people live with this diagnosis in Kazakhstan, 63 of them are children.

Young patients with this diagnosis are called “butterfly children”, all because their skin is very vulnerable and sensitive to even the lightest injuries. Relentless pain and daily bandages almost all over the body are what such children live with. And because of the constant injury to the skin, the limbs often appeared. The method of complete cure of this principle does not yet exist in the world, but finger and toe separation operations are practiced to make life easier for such children.

The first operations for such children in Kazakhstan began at the Aksai University Clinic in Almaty last year. Today, another master class on the separation of fingers and toes is being held here. There are 3 children among the patients. Two of them are from the same family: 8-year-old Tanat and 5-year-old Kuanysh. Both boys have a severe dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa, in which the fingers and toes fuse into a cocoon.

Specialists train doctors in the technique of using microsurgical instruments, moving blood-supplied skin and fat flaps. Lectures will be held on the topic: “General principles of surgical treatment of pseudosyndactyly in children with epidermolysis bullosa” (lecturer Firsova Anna Andreevna, doctor of the orthopedic Department of reconstructive Microsurgery and hand Surgery of the G.I. Turner Federal State Medical University NIDOI); “Modern technologies of anesthesiological means for operations on extremities” (lecturer: Novikova Veronika Sergeevna anesthesiologist-intensive care unit of Anesthesiology and the intensive care unit of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution NIDOI. G.I. Turner).

Competence Center for Orphan Neurological Diseases opens in Aksai Children’s Clinic of Asfendiyarov KazNMU

A unique Competence Center for Orphan Neurological Diseases has opened in the Aksai Children’s Clinic of Asfendiyarov KazNMU.

The Orphan Neurological Diseases Competence Center consists of several rooms, where comfortable rooms are equipped for therapy, treatment, entertainment and rehabilitation of children with rare diseases. It will provide assistance in the diagnosis, prescribing therapy and support for patients with neuromuscular pathologies.

By the way, the equipment for the rehabilitation of patients is manufactured in Kazakhstan and is in no way inferior to foreign analogues.

An important component of the Center’s work will be the training of neurologists, rehabilitologists, as well as general practitioners and pediatricians from the regions of Kazakhstan and other specialists, including nurses. The center will also carry out research projects on rare neurological diseases.