Diamond-drilling tool laboratory opens at Satbayev University

“Diamond Drilling Tool” scientific and production laboratory has been opened at Satbayev University, opened on the initiative and under the scientific supervision of Doctor of technical sciences, professor, academician Boranbai Ratov.

The first tests of the new equipment were carried out at Karsakpai field, where Kanysh Satbayev lived and worked. The equipment for the copper smelter at this deposit was brought from England, from Germany, from the Singer factories and has been preserved to this day. It was at this enterprise that new equipment was tested, which showed very high results and high efficiency when drilling the deep wells. The creators of crowns expect that they will bear fruit in the form of fast drilling, high-quality drilling, saving time and money.

Creating the drilling tools is a complex process that unites industries such as metallurgy and mechanical engineering. Scientists use special equipment to process materials without human intervention. They are also studying the various technologies and alloys to improve the quality of future drill bits.

This is an actual elaboration aimed at changing the situation on the global market of drilling tools and creating domestic analogues for expensive foreign developments. The opening of the laboratory will accelerate the commissioning of abrasive deposits and strengthen the mineral resource base of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

KATRU students have “Afternoon Tea” with British Ambassador

The joy of having British tea, British cookies, and British cheese in Astana…!

“It is so amazing to have British tea, British cookies, British cheese in Astana, and that too with the British ambassador at her home. It was like a dream come true,” said Danil Akramov, a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics of the Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATRU) in Astana.

Danil was among the 21 KATRU students invited to the residence of the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan for “Afternoon Tea with the Ambassador”.

Ambassador Kathy Leach invited the participants of a unique event:

“Kazakhstan Student Dialogue: Nurturing SDG Solutions” which was held at KATRU on Tuesday, 28 November with the support of the British Embassy the UNDP, and the FAO.

On Wednesday, December 13, the Ambassador invited the student participants of the event to her residence for ‘Afternoon Tea”. The student loved the invite. They reached the Ambassador’s apartment located on the 30th floor of a newly built building in one of Astana city’s modern districts.

Students used the opportunity to take pictures and film the city from the balcony of the ambassador’s apartment. Ambassador Leach who speaks fluent Russian talked to each student. Students shared their plans, thoughts, and opinions with Kathy Leach in a very friendly, frank, and open way.

Ambassador Leach is an untiring and proactive diplomat who enjoys working with young people for good causes such as protecting the environment.

One example of Ambassador Leach’s enthusiasm for creating awareness and information about the challenge of climate change among the youth was when she decided to personally mentor a team of KATRU student researchers who worked on a research project around one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ambassador Leach gave a question to her students’ team, ‘Ecosystem Renaissance’, and personally mentored their research work for one month. The other two student teams ‘Food Fighters’ and ‘Guardians of Nature’ were mentored by the officials of the UNDP, and FAO.

KATRU wins more than USD 8.5 million in research funding, highest ever won by Kazakhstan university

Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATRU) has won 4000,000,000 billion tenge (USD 8,695,652) in research funding from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is the largest amount of funding a Kazakhstani university has won for research.
The state funding will be provided to KATRU, also known as Seifullin University, to implement a scientific and technical program: “Development of new technologies of organic production and processing of agricultural products”.
Under the plan, within the next three years, new technologies of organic production and processing of agricultural products will be developed that will be based on the principles of “green economy” and regional technological parks and engineering centers of the agro-industrial complex.

The program objectives include:

The development of innovative technologies for feeding, keeping, breeding, and selection of agricultural animals based on the principles of organic production specific to local conditions, creating pilot-module production for widespread distribution in animal husbandry;
– development of innovative technologies in the cultivation, breeding, and selection of plant crops based on the principles of organic farming, creating experimental modular production for widespread distribution in crop production;
– development of innovative technologies for the processing of animal and vegetable raw materials based on the principles of organic agriculture by creating modular production of environmentally friendly products of various assortments;
– development of effective technologies for soil bioremediation and restoration of soil fertility during cleaning of contaminated agricultural areas;
– introducing innovative technologies into the educational and production process in the field of agriculture, creating regional technoparks and high-tech engineering centers in the agro-industrial complex;
– develop an informational and analytical database of innovations in the field of organic agriculture by creating a digital platform for agricultural organizations.

Satbayev University, City University of Hong Kong sign agreement on creating innovative strategic partnership

On the last days of November, Satbayev University was visited by the delegation of Hong Kong City University, also known as CityU University, headed by Chairman of University Board, Lester Huang Yi. During the visit, a trilateral agreement was signed on the opening of CityU’s branch on the basis of Satbayev University. The agreement was signed by CityU President, Professor Freddy Boy, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan Darkhan Ahmed-Zaki and Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev. The agreement was possible owing to Minister of RK Science and Higher Education Sayassat Nurbek.

“Today we are signing the historic document, the agreement on cooperation between the two leading universities,” Minister said in his video message in honor of signing the agreement. “We expect that the partnership will be long-term, fruitful and beneficial for both sides.”

Within the framework of cooperation, it is planned to train the highly qualified specialists in such fields as engineering and artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstani students enrolled in new international programs will have the opportunity to receive Bachelor\’s and Master\’s degrees and spend a year in Hong Kong based on \”3+1+1\” format. The programs will be developed under the academic supervision of CityU University using the CityU virtual learning environment, and the final exams will be held according to the international standard. A program of joint research in such areas as digitalization, logistics, urban planning, digital medicine and agriculture is being planned as well.

“Both universities share the idea of inspiration, innovation and internationalization,” Mr. Huang said at the signing ceremony. “Together we will define the future of higher education and create an environment for innovation, cooperation and cultural exchange.”

On the first day, representatives of the two universities had the opportunity to get to know each other better and finalize the future agreement details. CityU’s representatives presented in detail their work and achievements and shared their vision of cooperation with Kazakh colleagues. \”We don\’t need templates, we need talents,\” said Freddie Boy, President of CityU, in the conversation. Hong Kong delegation also got acquainted with the rich scientific infrastructure of Satbayev University, its achievements and projects, as well as with the abundant culture of Kazakhstan.

Kozybayev University’s historical science and education

The teaching staff of Kozybayev University, who has significant experience in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, every year increases the topics of research work in line with historical science, continuing the good traditions of the legendary North Kazakhstan archaeological expedition, founded by archaeologist Zdanovich B.G. way back in 1967. It is worth adding that over the 55 years of its existence, the expedition discovered more than 2000 archaeological sites within the North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, and Akmola regions.

The largest contribution to Kazakhstani and world archeology was the discovery of 1980, when the above-mentioned expedition discovered the Botai settlement near the village of Dolmatovo in the North Kazakhstan region, in the past the place of residence of the oldest horse breeders on the Earth. This historical achievement contributed to the development of the scientific concept of the origins of the steppe civilization, the study of the historical precedent of the interaction of a large number of peoples living on the territory of Eurasia.

In 1997-1999 the temple complex of the early Iron Age of Baikar was opened, which had no analogs for many years. In 2001, the archaeological research laboratory carried out excavations at the burial grounds near the Baganaty village of the Shal Akyn district. As a result of archaeological work, 17rnburial mounds of the Bronze Age, the Early Iron Age, and the Middle Ages were excavated, the finds of which made up the richest collection of ceramics, gold and bronze jewelry, and religious items. In 2004, fieldwork began on the large settlement Akirii near the Dolmatovo village. The finds made it possible to assert that the early medieval tribes of Northern Kazakhstan could live on the site of the destroyed Saka settlement.

A sensational discovery of the Northern region was the discovery of a medieval monument of the era of the Golden Orda – Kyzyl oba in the Ualikhanov district of the North Kazakhstan region. The expedition, studying the given historical and cultural object, was organized in September 2019 together with the “Margulan center”. As a result of two archaeological seasons, unique historical artifacts have been discovered that illuminate the history of Northern Kazakhstan in a new light.

At the university, activity on the development of historical science and education, and the formation of historical consciousness is carried out jointly with organizations in the region. Communication is established with scientific and educational organizations and institutions of the URPAQ region, \”Tugyryl khan\”, the International Association of researchers of the Golden Orda, the State Archives of the North Kazakhstan region, and the regional museum of local history. These measures will undoubtedly give impetus to the development of fundamental scientific research in the fields of history, archeology, and social sciences.

Satbayev University’s specialist took part in SciVal users’ meeting

The annual meeting of SciVal user group was held in the UAE. Gulziya Burshukova, head of Publication Activity and Scientific Publications Department at Satbayev University, made a report on behalf of Kazakhstan.

Her report was devoted to the nuances of working in the SciVal system and how Satbayev University systematically analyzes its work results both at the basic and in-depth levels with its help.

If you look at University’s data as a whole in the period from 2018 to 2023, the following is seen:

  • the total number for 5 years is 2076 publications;
  • the number of authors who participated in the writing of publications – 1502;
  • the total h-index is 25.

The review may include information on the structure of research activities based on disciplines. This helps to identify the strengths of University and its expert areas, and it is also possible to find data on international cooperation and partnerships in these expert areas. This is useful for strategic planning and identifying the future research directions of scientists and University as a whole.

University can identify the key publications that attract the attention of the world scientific community and form strategies to promote scientific research. SciVal provides real-time information, which allows University to quickly respond to changes in the scientific environment and quickly adapt its strategies.

SciVal is an analytical system designed to analyze publication activity in Scopus bibliographic database. It empowers to process huge amounts of statistical data and is intended for scientists and University staff. With the help of this system, it is possible to analyze publications, the results of researchers and groups of scientists, research areas, countries, arrays of publications and visualize the results.

Satbayev University strives to maintain the high standards of scientific research and with the help of SciVal conducts a comparative analysis of its productivity in comparison with other universities. This not only helps to identify competitive advantages, but also creates opportunities for collaboration and exchange of experience.

Virtual reality laboratory opens with support of Porsche at Satbayev University

On September 22, Satbayev University hosted the grand opening of a VR laboratory that allows students to visually study high technologies owing to virtual reality systems. The project was implemented within the framework of cooperation between Satbayev University and the official importer of Porsche in Kazakhstan. German manufacturer representatives noted that the support of education and culture is a long tradition of Porsche.

Equipped with the support of auto brand specialists, the virtual reality laboratory was named Porsche Learning Centre. Students of the “Transport Engineering” degree program are already studying the practical aspects of modern mechanical engineering technologies here. Now, wearing virtual reality glasses, students can use the example of Porsche cars to study the entire process of creating the car – from design and testing to the assembly of serial samples. Training takes place directly in the classroom due to the same VR laboratory: wearing virtual reality glasses, university students can hone their skills in car maintenance and repair. Virtual reality technologies allow each student to fully immerse themselves in the learning process, and in the most realistic conditions, directly interacting with 3D objects: for instance, to look inside the assembled engine or gearbox, to examine all the details up close from all sides, to understand the device and principles of operation of all the main components of the car.

At the opening ceremony of the laboratory, the University’s Rector, Meiram Begentayev, noted that within the framework of cooperation with the automaker, the University receives valuable opportunities both for effective technical practice and for real “immersion” of students in the high technologies world.

— Last year, together with Satbayev University’s teachers, we developed and introduced into the educational process a digital laboratory for the repair and maintenance of electric vehicles and cars with internal combustion engines. In turn, the official importer of Porsche in Kazakhstan supported the idea and provided the University with a platform and its specialists for shooting the training videos used in the VR laboratory. To date, more than 110 students have already been trained in these modern technologies at Satbayev University. In addition, using virtual reality technologies, we held an Olympiad among college and university students. About 80 students are scheduled to study using the digital VR laboratory for the current academic year, — Meiram Begentayev said.

University talked about the advantages of mastering technical knowledge using virtual reality. According to the teachers, within the framework of cooperation with Porsche, the University got the opportunity to hold regular joint seminars and scientific and practical conferences with the German enterprise. Such a format significantly increases the value of students’ research work and also forms a stable interest among young people in the application of theoretical knowledge in practice.

In turn, the company director – the official importer of Porsche in Kazakhstan Gauhar Gabdrakhimova noted that the importer will continue to provide all the opportunities for filming the training videos in the car center’s workshops. According to her, new 3D videos are needed to ensure that the base of training material in the University’s VR laboratory is always relevant and that students’ knowledge corresponds to the most advanced trends in the global automotive industry. Thanks to the constant updating of information, Kazakhstani students can now study not on archival materials, but on the latest and modern technological achievements of the global automotive industry, being aware of the most relevant innovative solutions.

– The company is pleased to contribute to improving the training of Kazakhstani students in technical specialties. This is a long-standing principle of Porsche – to support innovation, to develop the desire for modern knowledge in society, and to stimulate scientific and research activities. Porsche Kazakhstan always supports talented young people and encourages the introduction of innovative technologies in education. The company does this to improve the quality and practical value of the knowledge received by young people. Internship at the enterprise is also very important, and assist in the further employment of specialists who show the best results. We are happy to help such a prestigious Kazakh University with a remarkable history and deep academic traditions as Satbayev University to improve the training base of specialists. We are focused on long-term cooperation for the sake of the technological development of Kazakhstan, — said Gauhar Gabdrakhimova, director of the official importer of Porsche in Kazakhstan.

It is noteworthy that as a sign of long-term cooperation, the Company placed a life-size model of the Porsche Taycan electric sports car on the main facade of the university. According to Gauhar Gabdrakhimova, this has become one of the symbols of the University’s cooperation with the famous world automobile brand, as well as an additional inspiration for university students. “Life is a road, and the road should lead us to our innermost dreams. No wonder Porsche’s slogan sounds like “Driven by Dreams”. There is a deeply symbolic and philosophical connection here: for many young people, the university is actually the beginning of their life path, which symbolizes the road to the future. Every journey begins with a dream, and everything must be done to make it come true,” said the head of Porsche in Kazakhstan.

Kazakh entrepreneurs, scientists agree to implement joint projects

RK Science and Higher Education Ministry represented by Science Foundation, together with Satbayev University and Autonomous Cluster Fund “Park of Innovative Technologies” – Tech Garden, organized a dialogue platform on integrating the science and business “Reactor of Technology Commercialization.”

Within the framework of the platform, Kazakh scientists presented 10 projects in subsoil use field. Each participant’s task was to convey the commercial value of their scientific development to potential business partners and investors in 3 minutes.

Among the submitted projects – technology of enhanced oil recovery for hard-to-recover reserves, installations for processing hydrocarbon-containing waste, a system for forecasting deposits and sediments, the introduction of devices for cleaning the geo-technological and oil wells, monitoring of the flooding front of oil and gas fields “NOAH”, bio-meliorant based on industrial waste, a highly efficient mill for fine and ultrafine grinding of ore materials, cry-adsorbent for metal extraction, technology for treating the wastewater contaminated by subsurface use, method of complex processing of large data arrays of areal and borehole geophysics “Pollok”.

The event was attended by representatives of Association of Organizations of oil-gas and energy complex “Kazenergy”, “Kazmunaygas”, Republican Association of Mining and Metallurgical Enterprises, Association of producers and consumers of petrochemical products, experts, scientists, inventors and business representatives.

In his welcoming speech, Chairman of Board of Science Foundation Abdilda Shamenov noted the practical effect of holding such meetings – “according to the results of the commercialization Reactors conducted earlier, 31 out of 63 scientific projects have found their potential business partners for joint implementation.”

Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev noted in his speech: “Currently the whole world is promoting sustainable development goals and in this regard Satbayev University is no exception. The commercialization reactor, which is carried out within the walls of University, is also an indicator of SDG achievement, the unification of business and science, the topic of environmentally friendly subsoil use is one of the active goals of sustainable development and ESG.”

By the way, Satbayev University, today, is implementing 24 projects through Science Foundation. Among them are the serial production of charging stations for electric vehicles with the improved characteristics, intelligent unmanned lethal systems, the production of modules for solar electric panels, as well as other projects in the agro-industrial and mining sectors, construction and pharmaceuticals.

In turn, Autonomous Cluster Fund “Park of Innovative Technologies” – Tech Garden has the potential for active development and implementation of innovations in digital technologies and industrial solutions sphere. “Technology Commercialization Reactor” was another step in achieving the given goal.

Following the results of the event, an agreement was reached on joint activities between business enterprises and scientific organizations.

From Olympic Champion to ministers, senators, and actors – KATRU Alumni, a galaxy of stars

Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATRU) Astana also known as Seifullin University has been producing not only world-class scientists, but the University graduates are also shining stars in sports, politics, and the entertainment industry at national and international levels.

Daniyar Maratovich Yeleussinov, the winner of the 2016 Olympic Boxing Championship, is a graduate of KATRU. Daniyar is a graduate of our economics faculty. He is also the winner of the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and the 2013 World Championships. Like all Kazakhstanis, KATRU is proud of Kazakhstan’s superstar and the University’s graduate who is still winning international contests. Many KATRU graduates are members of Kazakhstan’s parliament. Some have been ministers, city mayors, rectors of various universities, and successful businessmen.

Senator Akimov R. K. was a member of Kazakhstan’s Upper House of the Parliament, the Senate. He was a member of the Senate Committee on Agrarian Issues, Environmental Management, and Rural Development. Senator Akimov graduated from KATRU in 1980 specializing in veterinary sciences.

Another Senator, S.S. Bilyalov, is also our graduate. He, too, was a member of the Senate Committee on Environmental Management and Rural Development. Senator Bilyaov graduated from the Tselinogard Agriculture Institute in 1983. He also served as a chief specialist in state farms in North Kazakhstan.

Akhmetbekov Zh.A, was a member of Kazakhstan’s lower house of the parliament, the Mazhilis. He was a member of Mazhilis’s Committee on Socio-Cultural Development. Akhmetbekov is the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist People\’s Party of Kazakhstan. A KATRU graduate Akhmetbekov, graduated in 1983 from the Faculty of Agriculture Mechanization.

Tursynov S.T. was a member of the Mazhilis’s Committee on International Affairs, Defense and Security. Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Tursynov graduated in 1975 specializing in veterinary sciences.

A successful businessman and official, Ivan Adamovich Sauer, is the Director of \”The National Company \”Food Contract Corporation\”, he is a member of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, a member of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs \”Atameken\”, General Director of LLP \”Agrofirma \”Rodina\”. Mr. Sauer In 1980 he graduated from the Tselinograd Agricultural Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering. The Institute is part of KATRU.

Our Alumni include government officials such as M. V. Troshikhin – Deputy Director of the Investment Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture,

Famous Kazakhstanis stars such as Bibayev Bakhytzhan (graduate of the Faculty of Architecture), Bekmaganbetov Daulet and Sazanbayev Rustem (graduates of the Faculty of Land Management), Amangosov Zhandarbek, Kibat Abdrasul, Aman Shyntas, Hozhamkulov Nursultan (graduates of the Faculty of Technology), Aimtorin Dastan, Burankulov Batyrkhan, Kuanyshkanov Shyngys (graduates of the Faculty of Energy), Akhmetov Adilet, Mirzakulov Alibek (graduates of the Faculty of Economics) are our pride.

Members of the KATRU Alumni Club like Vladimir Hartman, Tasbai Simambayev, Samat Eskendirov, Zhanbyrshi Nurkenov, Alexander Mayer, Zhumatai Suindykov, Temirzhan Khamitov, Ivan Sauer, Sergey Kulagin, Serik Bilyalov and many other starts who have been supporting KATRU in various capacities.

An affordable water purification system developed by Satbayev University scientists

Water is the source of life. And this, in general, is not news. But lately, we have been hearing more and more about the shortage of water resources, which can become a global problem. According to World Bank forecasts, the volume of water resources in Kazakhstan will decrease from 90 to 76 m3 per year by 2030. This means that the water shortage in the country in 8 years will be about 12-15 m3 per year, that is, about 15%. By the way, residents of remote Kazakh villages have been living without clean drinking water for decades. And this problem persists to this day.

Slow-acting filters are the first type of filters that have begun to be used in the practice of water treatment. In 1829, John Simpson built sand filters for the London water supply, which were called English, or slow.

“Slow-acting filters are used for non-reactive clarification and partial water discoloration from surface sources if its color does not exceed 35-50 degrees. According to the method of regeneration of the filter loading, the following designs are distinguished: with the removal of the polluting layer and washing it outside the filter, with the washing of the contaminated layer in the filter during mechanical loosening and flushing of impurities,” the scientists explain.

Slow filters have a unique ability to remove not only turbidity and color from the water but also specific organic, and inorganic contaminants and bacteria. At the same time, no chemical reagents are used.

“The filter has a double bottom: its lower part is solid; the upper part is perforated. A drainage space is formed between them, into which the filtered water enters. A layer of crushed stone or gravel (0.4-0.45 m thick) is placed on the upper part of the bottom, and a filter layer of quartz sand (0.8-0.85 m) is placed on it, to which the purified water is supplied. The filtration process on a slow filter approaches the natural one: water passes through the filter slowly, at a speed of 0.1-0.2 m/h. Under such conditions, almost complete clarification of water and its purification from microorganisms by 95-99% is achieved.”

As the water is filtered, a biological film is formed on the surface of the filter layer of sand from the retained organic residues, minerals, colloidal particles, and a large number of microorganisms. It is formed within a few days – this period is called the period of “maturation” of the filter. This film retains a fine suspension that would pass through the pores of the sand. That is, film filtration of water takes place on a slow filter. The film itself also contributes to mineralizing the organic substances, the destruction of microflora, and the reduction of oxidation and color.

The use of crushed shungisite (expanded clay, zeolite, volcanic slags, burnt rocks, clinoptilolite) instead of quartz sand reduces the formation time of a biologically active film by 3-5 times.

The process of “maturation” lasts until the number of bacteria in the filter decreases to 100 colonies (A colony is a visible isolated cluster of representatives of one type of microorganisms. – Note of the author.) per 1 ml of water. That is until the water meets the requirements for drinking water quality. After that, the water can be eaten.

“The useful operation period of the filter continues until the available pressure is exhausted (usually it reaches 15-30 days, sometimes more). After that, the filter is stopped and the regeneration of the upper layers of the load is started, removing a 2-3-centimeter layer or loosening it with simultaneous water supply to the filter surface to flush the impurities into the sewer collector,” say scientists of KazNRTU named after K.I. Satbayev.

Traditional technologies of water treatment and water purification provide a complex technology consisting of several processes: settling, filtering, and disinfection. At the same time, the existing treatment facilities no longer give the desired result due to the heavy pollution of reservoirs. Slow filters, scientists say, are easy to build, and low-cost to maintain, while they can provide clean water to a small village. The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.