The Strongest Defined at KazNU: Results of the 'PhysChem 2026' International Olympiad Qualifying Round

The Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University recently hosted the qualifying stage of the annual International Physical Chemistry Olympiad, a cornerstone event in the country's academic competition calendar.

This year's "PhysChem 2026" Olympiad is named after the distinguished Academician Kh.K. Ospanov and is dedicated to a significant milestone-the 90th anniversary of the prominent scholar, Professor Gulzhan Khasenovna Shabikova. The themes of generational continuity and deep respect for the work of predecessors served as the leitmotif for the entire event.

The Intellectual Challenge

The intellectual battle brought together 2nd to 4th-year students specializing in key academic areas:

·         Chemistry

·         Chemical Technology of Organic Substances

·         Chemical Engineering

The competition tasks demanded profound knowledge in fundamental fields. The questions covered complex sections of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, testing not only the students' theoretical foundation but also their ability to solve intricate applied problems.

Organization and Leadership

The event was conducted at a high methodological level under the leadership of Associate Professor Alma Saparovna Tusupbekova from the Department of Physical Chemistry, Catalysis, and Petrochemistry. Experienced faculty members, including R.N. Azhigulova, S.M. Narenova, B.S. Bakirova, and S.M. Bekisanova, played an active role in organizing and executing the round.

Professor E.A. Aubakirov, Head of the Department, addressed the contestants with welcoming remarks and words of encouragement. He emphasized the vital importance of such competitions in shaping the future scientific elite of Kazakhstan and wished the students perseverance in achieving their goals.

Meet the Finalists

Following a period of intense competition and a rigorous grading process, the following students emerged as the top performers:

Zhansaya Amanbayeva

Gulsim Asilbekova

Yersultan Bolekbayev

Amirali Ilyas

Ibrayeva Sabina

Sanat Kalaubay

Simonov Michail

These students have earned the distinct honor of representing Al-Farabi Kazakh National University at the international stage of the Olympiad. The faculty staff congratulates the winners and wishes them great success in defending the honor of their alma mater on the international arena.

Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Chemistry, Catalysis and Petrochemistry Zhusupova A.K.