The Path to Science: A Meeting with Scientist and Educator Gulmira Orynbekovna Tureshova as Part of the "Path of an Exemplary Life" Series

On September 30, 2026, a special event titled "The Path to Science: Exploration, Hard Work, and Experience" took place at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University as part of the "Path of an Exemplary Life" (Өнегелі өмір жолы) series.

The event’s guest of honor was Gulmira Orynbekovna Tureshova, a scientist and Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Physics and Materials Science, who has made significant contributions to the development of chemical science and national education. M.E. Suleimenova served as the moderator for the meeting. During the event—which focused on scientific work and a meaningful life journey—Gulmira Orynbekovna spoke about her career in science and education, her student years, and her initial steps into the scientific world. She noted that she graduated with honors from KazGU in 1981 and elaborated on her research regarding the formation of soot and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, her work in materials science, and her published textbooks, patents, and scientific developments. A short film showcasing the scientist's student years and her professional achievements was screened during the event, leaving a strong impression on the participants. One of the most engaging and open segments of the meeting was the Q&A session with students. Students asked their mentor questions of interest to them in both Kazakh and Russian, receiving insightful answers in return. The students were particularly interested in why Gulmira Orynbekovna chose chemistry—specifically the field of combustion—as her path, and why she decided to remain at the department to work after graduating from the university. The conversation also touched upon the practical applications of research into soot and gases in everyday life, her experience working at the Institute of Ergonomics, and the period spent preparing and defending her Candidate of Sciences dissertation in 1991. Furthermore, the students learned how much time the scientist devoted to writing ten textbooks, what she enjoys doing most at KazNU, her views on the use of artificial intelligence in modern education, and which of her teaching aids she is particularly proud of.

To conclude the meeting, the moderator, M.E. Suleimenova, expressed sincere gratitude to Gulmira Orynbekovna on behalf of the faculty for the engaging and informative session, as well as for the valuable guidance and advice she shared with the young audience. The scientist’s academic journey, her years of dedicated work, and her extensive professional experience will continue to serve as a great example and a source of inspiration for future specialists in the field of chemistry.

Suleimenova  Madina Yerzhankyzy, PhD