Al-Farabi KazNU Researcher Participates in STS Forum 2026 in Japan

From 2 to 9 October 2026, Zhandos Tauanov, Head of the Department of Chemical Physics and Materials Science and Associate Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, visited Japan to participate in the Science and Technology in Society (STS Forum 2026) in Kyoto and hold academic meetings at Nagoya University.
STS Forum is a major international platform for discussing global challenges in science, technology and innovation. It brings together leading researchers, Nobel Prize laureates, government representatives, university leaders, international organizations and technology companies.
At the forum, Zhandos Tauanov participated in the Young Leaders Program, which supports emerging scientific leaders and international collaboration. The program provided opportunities to exchange ideas directly with Nobel Prize laureates, distinguished researchers and young scientists from around the world.
Key discussion topics included artificial intelligence and its implications for science and education, the future of fundamental research, sustainability, researcher training and cooperation among universities, governments and industry.
A highlight of the forum was Zhandos Tauanov’s address at the concluding session, “Takeaways from STS Forum.” Selected by the organizing committee, he presented key reflections on behalf of more than 150 participants in the Young Leaders Program.
In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of supporting fundamental research, maintaining human responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence, developing critical thinking and creativity, and expanding international scientific cooperation.
Participation in the forum was supported by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC).
Strengthening Scientific Cooperation with Nagoya University
On 7–8 October 2026, Zhandos Tauanov visited Nagoya University, where he met Professor Anatoly Zinchenko and members of the Sustainable Materials Research Group led by him.
The discussions covered the joint research proposal “Biochar and Hydrochar from Agricultural and Marine Waste for Pharmaceutical Micropollutant Removal from Water Systems,” submitted to ISTC for funding. The proposal passed the first selection stage and is currently undergoing second-stage review of the full application.
A key outcome was an agreement for Professor Zinchenko to serve as a foreign scientific co-supervisor of a PhD student at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University from the 2026–2027 academic year throughout the doctoral program. Both parties also agreed to pursue joint applications for national and international research grants.
Zhandos Tauanov delivered a presentation introducing the university, the Department of Chemical Physics and Materials Science, and his research group’s main activities and findings. Professor Zinchenko provided a tour of the laboratory facilities, followed by individual scientific discussions with members of the research group.
Participation in STS Forum 2026 and the visit to Nagoya University strengthened Al-Farabi Kazakh National University’s international scientific connections and opened further opportunities for collaborative research and the training of young scientists.

Zhandos Tauanov
Head of the Department of Chemical Physics and Materials Science, Associate Professor
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University