An Olympiad that has become a tradition
On February 19-20, 2026, the third LUKOIL CHEM CUP Olympiad was held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, organized by Lukoil Lubricants Central Asia and the Department of Physical Chemistry, Catalysis, and Petrochemistry. This year, the Olympiad focused on sustainable development issues, which play a key role in the petrochemical industry and in addressing global environmental and economic problems. The competition brought together 46 participants from seven leading universities in Kazakhstan, including the Kazakh-British Technical University, Almaty Technological University, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, K.I. Satpayev Kazakh National Research Technical University, E.A. Buketov Karaganda National Research University, and Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University. As part of the competition, participants considered issues related to the efficient use of natural resources, waste and pollution minimization, and the development of innovative technologies that contribute to reducing carbon footprints and increasing energy efficiency.
Special attention was paid to the topic of sustainable development, which is fully consistent with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN.
• SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all — discussion of innovative approaches to the production and processing of hydrocarbon resources, with a focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing negative environmental impacts.
• SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production — issues of sustainable production, waste minimization and lubricant recycling, as well as hydrocarbon processing with minimal environmental risks.
In addition, the prize fund of 400,000 tenge became an important incentive for students, and participation in the competition became not only a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, but also an opportunity to become part of global efforts to achieve sustainable development in the petrochemical industry. The winners of the competition received not only cash prizes, but also unique offers for internships and employment at Lukoil Lubricants Central Asia. This was an excellent opportunity for students not only to demonstrate their theoretical and practical skills, but also to join the circle of professionals working on the implementation of sustainable and innovative solutions in the petrochemical industry. Internships and employment at the largest company in the industry open up real career prospects for the winners of the competition and allow them to gain valuable work experience at a leading international company.
F.M. Kanapieva – Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Chemistry, Catalysis and Petrochemistry
