Al-Farabi KazNU Master’s Students Participate in an International Radio Astronomy Workshop in Armenia

Master’s students of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Aidana Abdirakhman and Aisulu Mukhan, were awarded grants to participate in the international IAU I-HOW workshop on radio astronomy, which was held from September 1 to 11, 2026, at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory in Armenia.

The IAU I-HOW international workshop serves as an educational and scientific platform for young researchers, students, and specialists working in the fields of radio astronomy and astrophysics. The program was designed to develop practical skills in astronomical data analysis, introduce participants to modern methods of radio astronomical research, and promote international scientific cooperation.

During the workshop, Aidana Abdirakhman and Aisulu Mukhan gained practical experience in processing and analyzing data obtained using modern radio telescopes. Particular attention was given to working with data from two major international radio astronomy facilities, ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) and VLA (Very Large Array). The participants became familiar with the main stages of observational data processing, different analytical approaches, and methods for interpreting scientific results.

One of the important areas of the training was the study of molecular gas in the interstellar medium. The master’s students explored modern methods for analyzing molecular lines, which make it possible to obtain information about the physical characteristics of gas clouds, including their chemical composition, temperature, density, and dynamics. Such data are essential for understanding the processes involved in the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies.

An important component of the program was teamwork within an international scientific environment. The participants had the opportunity to interact with young researchers and specialists from different countries, discuss scientific problems, jointly analyze observational results, and exchange research experience. This format allowed them not only to deepen their professional knowledge but also to strengthen their scientific communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills in an international setting.

Participation in IAU I-HOW became an important stage in the professional and academic development of Aidana Abdirakhman and Aisulu Mukhan. The knowledge and competencies they acquired can be applied in their future research activities, preparation of scientific publications, implementation of independent research projects, and participation in international scientific programs.

For young researchers, the opportunity to work with real observational data from leading international astronomical facilities is particularly valuable. It provides practical exposure to current approaches in radio astronomy and allows participants to better understand how modern observational data can be used in astrophysical research. The participation of master’s students from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in the international workshop also contributes to strengthening scientific ties between Kazakhstan and foreign research institutions.

In addition, the workshop allowed the participants to become familiar with contemporary approaches to organizing scientific research and presenting research findings. During the program, they discussed promising research topics with international colleagues, received recommendations on working with radio astronomical data, and expanded their understanding of how observational methods can be applied to different astrophysical problems.

The international environment of the workshop also contributed to establishing new professional contacts and creating a foundation for future scientific cooperation. Such opportunities are especially important for young researchers seeking to develop an international academic career and participate in collaborative research projects.

The experience gained by Aidana Abdirakhman and Aisulu Mukhan represents an important step in their professional development and expansion of international scientific networks. Participation in programs of this kind provides young scientists with new opportunities for academic growth, cooperation with foreign researchers, and integration into the global scientific community. It also encourages the development of Kazakhstan’s young scientific talent and supports the country’s involvement in international research in modern astrophysics and radio astronomy.