Faculty of Physics and Technology Representatives Invited as Lecturers for KazNU PhD Orientation Week

From 8 to 11 September 2026, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University held its PhD Orientation Week, a university-wide programme designed to introduce doctoral students to the key stages of their studies, the organisation of research activities, and opportunities for academic and professional development.

Among the invited lecturers were two representatives of the Faculty of Physics and Technology: Svetlana Peshaya, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and International Relations, and Marzhan Sultangazina, Research Associate Professor at the Department of Plasma Physics, Nanotechnology and Computer Physics. Drawing on their professional experience, they shared practical guidance on organising doctoral research, planning academic progress, and making effective use of the international opportunities available to PhD students at the University.

On 9 September, Svetlana Peshaya delivered a lecture entitled “PhD Studies at KazNU: Key Documents, International Opportunities and Academic Mobility.” Her presentation focused on issues that are particularly important for doctoral students from the very beginning of their studies, including planning an individual academic and research trajectory, completing the required documentation on time, identifying international research internships, and taking part in academic mobility programmes and international scientific and educational initiatives.

Special attention was given to the practical aspects of developing as a researcher in an international academic environment. Today, a successful PhD journey involves not only completing a strong dissertation project, but also building professional networks, participating in international schools, research visits, competitions and collaborative projects. Such experiences allow doctoral students to engage with overseas research groups, gain exposure to modern research infrastructure, strengthen their professional competencies, and gradually develop their own international academic networks.

On 11 September, Marzhan Sultangazina delivered a lecture entitled “Organising a PhD Research Journey: From the Beginning of the Study to the Dissertation Defence.” The session addressed the step-by-step organisation of doctoral research, from setting research objectives and planning the work to analysing results, preparing publications, and progressing towards the final defence.

Drawing on her own research and teaching experience, the lecturer shared practical approaches to effective time and research management. For early-stage researchers, it is especially important to establish a balanced workflow from the first year of study, combining coursework, experimental or theoretical research, data analysis, publication activity, and the formal requirements of the doctoral programme. Consistent planning helps reduce pressure at the final stage and supports the development of a coherent and high-quality dissertation.

The PhD Orientation Week programme also covered other essential aspects of doctoral training. Participants received guidance on the PhD training process at KazNU, working with scientific information and research texts, research ethics, academic databases, and modern research tools. In this way, the programme combined institutional guidance with practical recommendations from experienced academics and researchers.

The participation of Faculty of Physics and Technology representatives as invited lecturers provided an opportunity to share practical expertise accumulated through research, teaching, and international academic cooperation. This format also created a valuable platform for direct professional dialogue between experienced researchers and early-stage doctoral students.

For the Faculty of Physics and Technology, supporting young researchers, strengthening research competencies, expanding academic mobility, and encouraging participation in international scientific collaboration remain important priorities. The involvement of faculty representatives in university-wide initiatives such as PhD Orientation Week contributes to the wider exchange of academic experience and to the continued development of a strong research culture at Al-Farabi KazNU.