Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences Expands Cooperation with Michigan State University

On September 4, 2026, the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University held an online meeting with professors and representatives of Michigan State University (MSU, USA).

The meeting was attended by Michigan State University representatives Yadu Pokhrel, Volodymyr Tarabara, Jiaguo Qi, Anne Stanton, and Jennifer Wargo, whose academic and professional activities are related to research in the fields of water resources, remote sensing, geospatial technologies, environmental sustainability, and the development of international scientific and educational cooperation.

The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the prospects for long-term cooperation between the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of Al-Farabi KazNU and Michigan State University in the fields of education and research.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of promising areas for cooperation, including:

- opportunities for faculty staff to undertake research internships and professional development programs at Michigan State University within the framework of the Bolashak Program, Erasmus+, and other international academic programs;

- the involvement of Michigan State University professors as international academic advisors for the Faculty’s doctoral students;

- the preparation and publication of joint research articles in international peer-reviewed journals;

- the development and implementation of joint international research projects in the fields of water resources, remote sensing, and related areas;

- prospects for developing dual-degree educational programs between the two universities;

- participation of faculty members in international seminars and workshops, including events on “Water Diplomacy and Security”.

Special attention during the meeting was given to the international Asia Hub initiative, presented by Professor Jiaguo Qi. Asia Hub brings together universities and research organizations from different countries to promote collaborative research, educational initiatives, and international partnerships. One of the network’s priority areas focuses on the sustainability of water, energy, and food systems, the sustainable use of natural resources, and adaptation to contemporary environmental challenges.

Representatives of Michigan State University also introduced their colleagues from the Faculty to the University’s research capabilities in the fields of remote sensing and GIS, the application of unmanned aerial vehicles in scientific research, as well as integrated water resources studies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed mutual interest in further developing cooperation and agreed to continue working toward the development of specific joint educational and research initiatives.

The meeting marked an important step in expanding the international academic ties of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences and opens up new opportunities for the Faculty’s teaching staff, researchers, doctoral students, and young scientists.

Useful resources of Michigan State University:

MSU Asia Hub: https://asiahub.isp.msu.edu/asia-hub-meeting/

Remote Sensing & GIS Research and Services: https://rsgis.msu.edu/research-and-services/remote-sensing

Drones at Michigan State University: https://research.msu.edu/drones

MSU Water Alliance: https://water.msu.edu/about