Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev received the country’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat
Nurbek, who reported that the Digital University model is currently being
developed by the ministry. The Head of State was briefed on the adopted Concept
for the Development of Higher Education and Science, which determines strategic
objectives and indicators of the industry development, for three years. According
to Nurbek, Kazakhstan is actively advancing in the world educational space. 21
higher education institutions are included in the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds)
ranking of the world’s best universities, and four universities in the Times
Higher Education global ranking. Branches of eight leading foreign universities
will start operating in the country by the year-end. Besides, training of
personnel for the field of artificial intelligence started in cooperation with
international companies. The role of the National Academy of Sciences is also
strengthening, as noted by the minister. The National Council for Science and
Technology under the President has already begun its work. In addition, direct
funding has been introduced for research institutes engaged in fundamental
research. The total science budget for 2023-2025 increased more than threefold
and totaled 643 billion tenge.
“Special engineering centers will
be built at four regional universities. Additionally, 15 universities will
establish academic and research centers. Funding has been allocated to equip
laboratories. The new draft law on science and technology policy envisages
support for scientists, infrastructure development, and creation of systemic
conditions for attracting business to the science commercialization,” said
Nurbek.
