II International Congress of Young Scientists
On 11–12 December 2025, Almaty hosted the II International Congress of Young Researchers of Kazakhstan. The event was organized by the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and was held within the framework of UNESCO’s thematic focus, “Trust, Transformations and Tomorrow: The Science We Need by 2050.” The plenary session took place at the Gylym Ordasy complex, while sectional meetings and master classes were conducted across five leading universities of the city. The Congress brought together more than 1,000 early-career scientists, over 80 international researchers from 24 countries, representatives of the scientific diaspora, academicians, members of parliament, and heads of scientific institutions.
State Counsellor Erlan Karin addressed the participants with a congratulatory message, emphasizing the strategic priorities of national science policy and the key support measures implemented at the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He highlighted the increased funding for science, the expansion of internship programmes, and new social initiatives aimed at supporting young researchers. The State Counsellor also underscored that nearly half of the country’s research community is composed of scientists under the age of 40, which makes the Congress a crucial platform for empowering the next generation of scholars.
A significant response was elicited by the keynote delivered by the Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhuldyz Suleimenova, who stressed that “science begins at school.” The Minister presented initiatives aimed at fostering a research-oriented environment in educational institutions, developing STEM laboratories, and strengthening Olympiad and project-based learning activities. She also outlined plans to enhance cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences in supporting gifted students. In her address, she encouraged young researchers to take a more active role in mentorship and regional educational initiatives, nurturing early interest in scientific inquiry.
Representing the Faculty of Oriental Studies, members of the Council of Young Scientists — PhD, Associate Research Professor Dinara Bakhytkereikyzy Dauen and Senior Lecturer Laila Duisengalievna Nurseitova — participated in the Congress. They contributed to scientific discussions and engaged in the exchange of views on pressing research challenges, thus presenting the faculty at a high professional level.
Following the Congress, young scholars expressed their support for the President’s strategic course prioritizing the development of science and emphasized the importance of implementing the “Ghylym Zhastary” (Youth in Science) Concept. Participants also proposed using the scientific and technical assignments developed by the National Academy of Sciences as a foundation for national research funding competitions, improving the PhD training system, and expanding interdisciplinary research efforts. The Congress materials will be compiled into a collection of infographic abstracts and published on the website of the National Academy of Sciences.