Tribute to a Mentor: A Lecture Hall and Teaching Laboratory Named After Professor K. B. Zhumanov Opened

On February 5, 2026, the Faculty of Physics and Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University held a ceremonial opening of a new lecture hall, an educational laboratory, and a coworking center for students in honor of the 90th anniversary of the distinguished scientist, Professor Kenes Bolatkulovich Zhumanov.

During the event, guests were introduced to the renovated lecture hall, the educational laboratory “Atomic Physics and Nanotechnology,” as well as a modern coworking area for students. The presentation of the educational and infrastructural facilities was conducted by the Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Technology, Nurzada Beisen. The ceremony was attended by a Member of the Board of KazNU – Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, Margulan Ibraimov, the faculty’s academic staff, representatives of the Kazakh Physical Society, Professor Kenes Zhumanov, his family members and relatives, colleagues and friends, as well as students.

Kenes Bolatkulovich graduated from the Faculty of Physics of S. M. Kirov Kazakh State University in 1959 and continued his academic and pedagogical career at the same faculty starting in 1962, demonstrating himself as a highly qualified specialist and true professional. From 1994 to 1996, he served as Head of the Department of Optics and Plasma Physics, making a significant contribution to improving the quality of the educational process.

Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Kenes Zhumanov delivered lectures at Kazakh National University on such disciplines as “Fundamentals of Atomic Physics,” “Atomic Spectroscopy,” and “Physical and Nonlinear Optics,” and also supervised master’s theses and bachelor’s graduation projects.

Professor Zhumanov K.B. is the author of a number of fundamental textbooks and teaching materials in the field of atomic physics and optics. His works have become key educational resources for several generations of students and master’s degree candidates and continue to be widely used in the academic process of higher education institutions.

The newly opened educational spaces are equipped in accordance with modern standards and are aimed at ensuring high-quality education for students, supporting scientific research activities, and fostering a creative environment. Sponsorship support for equipping the classrooms and laboratory with modern equipment was provided by the professor’s son, a graduate of the Faculty of Physics and Technology, Nurlan Kenesovich Zhumanov.

During the event, special emphasis was placed on Professor Kenes Bolatkulovich Zhumanov’s significant contribution to the development of national physics and higher education, his care for students, and his outstanding personal qualities, for which he was honored with deep respect and recognition.

In the concluding part of the ceremony, Professor Kenes Zhumanov expressed his gratitude to the university community, young scientists, and students, and gave them his blessing.