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.

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.