The traditional International Winter School for Sociologists and Social Workers has commenced at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Today, January 14, 2026, the International Winter School for Sociologists and Social Workers officially commenced at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The event is hosted by the Faculty of philosophy and political Science and organized by the Department of sociology and social work.

The theme of the Winter School is “Research Practices in Sociology and Social Work for Ensuring Inclusive and Quality Education in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kazakhstan.”

Over the course of two days, January 14–15, participants will discuss key methodological and applied issues in social research, the role of sociology and social work in SDG implementation, as well as contemporary research tools and approaches.

The event is organized within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 4 — “Quality Education,” which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, as well as Sustainable Development Goal 17 — “Partnerships for the Goals,” focused on strengthening sustainable international and inter-institutional cooperation.

At the opening ceremony, welcome addresses were delivered by Bekzhan B. Meirbayev, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science; Ainur N. Karybayeva, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Cooperation; Gulmira S. Abdiraiymova, Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Work; and Aizhan B. Shabdenova, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology and Social Work.

A key highlight of the first day was a practical seminar conducted by Alexey V. Belyanin, PhD (University of Manchester), Professor at AlmaU University, Director of the Laboratory for Experimental and Behavioral Economics, and Member of the Academic Council of the National Research University “Higher School of Economics.” In addition, a problem-oriented lecture and discussion was delivered by Dmitry E. Serebrennikov, Academic Director of Kazakhstan Sociology Lab and Researcher at the Institute for the Rule of Law, European University at St. Petersburg.

The first-day sessions focused on the analysis of causal relationships in sociological research, the discussion of the crisis in contemporary social sciences, and the search for new methodological solutions, generating lively discussions and strong interest among Winter School participants.

The second-day program includes discussions on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Kazakhstan, professional practices in sociology and social work across various sectors, as well as a practical workshop on using MaxQDA software for qualitative data analysis.

The International Winter School has become a platform for professional dialogue, exchange of research experience, and strengthening academic cooperation among scholars, faculty members, early-career researchers, and practitioners in the fields of sociology and social work.

The event is taking place in Room 123 of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science at Al-Farabi KazNU and brings together participants from Kazakhstan and abroad.

Organizers: A.B. Shabdenova, D.A. Aryn