Prospects for Biotechnology Development in Kazakhstan Through 2036 Discussed at Al-Farabi KazNU

On November 3, 2026, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a roundtable discussion entitled “Prospects for the Development of Biotechnology in the Republic of Kazakhstan Through 2036,” bringing together representatives of government agencies, the scientific community, higher education institutions, and biotechnology companies.

The event focused on discussing strategic priorities for the development of Kazakhstan's biotechnology sector, strengthening cooperation between science, education, and industry, and addressing the training of highly qualified specialists in line with the sector's future needs.

Representatives of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at Al-Farabi KazNU actively participated in the roundtable under the leadership of Meiramkul Narmuratova, Dean of the Faculty, Candidate of Biological Sciences and Associate Professor, and Fariza Sarsekeyeva, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, PhD and Associate Professor.

The participation of the academic staff of the Department of Biotechnology highlighted the Faculty's commitment to advancing biotechnology research in Kazakhstan, expanding professional cooperation, and improving the quality of education and training for future specialists.

The plenary session was moderated by Alina Galeyeva, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Al-Farabi KazNU, and Meiramkul Narmuratova, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology.

During the plenary session, representatives of relevant ministries, leading research institutions, and biotechnology companies discussed the development of the bioeconomy, the introduction of innovative technologies, international scientific cooperation, and the strengthening of human resource capacity in the biotechnology sector.

Particular attention was paid to the practical application of biotechnological innovations in medicine, agriculture, energy, and environmental protection.

Representatives of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology delivered scientific presentations. Irina Savitskaya, Research Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Doctor of Biological Sciences, presented a report entitled “Bacteria as Therapeutic Tools and Biofactories for Biomaterials: From Probiotics to Regenerative Technologies.”

Professor Nuraly Akimbekov delivered a presentation entitled “Synergy of Science and Education in the Development of Bioenergy and Environmental Technologies: Experience of the Bioconversion and Applied Microbiology Laboratories at Al-Farabi KazNU,” emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific research with educational activities.

One of the significant events of the roundtable was the signing ceremony of a memorandum of cooperation between Al-Farabi KazNU and the Central Asian Association of Biotechnology, aimed at expanding scientific and professional collaboration in the biotechnology sector.

In the afternoon, a strategic session entitled “Biotechnology 2036: From a Vision of the Future to the Competencies of Future Specialists and Solutions for the Education System” was held. Faculty members of the Department of Biotechnology, M.A. Abdulzhanova, D.Kh. Shokatayeva, A.B. Talipova, G. Doktyrbay, G.Zh. Abdiyeva, S.K. Turasheva, A.B. Bolekbayeva, and A.A. Meldebekova, actively participated in the session.

During the strategic session, participants discussed promising areas of specialist training, modern requirements for graduates' professional competencies, and the need to adapt educational programs to the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector.

The event also featured an exhibition of biotechnology companies presenting modern scientific developments, innovative solutions, and products. Participants were also offered an opportunity to become acquainted with the university's laboratory infrastructure.

At the conclusion of the roundtable, the outcomes of the strategic session were summarized, and the adoption of a resolution outlining key directions for the further development of the biotechnology sector and improvement of specialist training was envisaged.

The event served as an important platform for strengthening cooperation among government institutions, research organizations, universities, and business representatives.

The Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at Al-Farabi KazNU continues to play an active role in shaping the country's scientific and educational agenda, advancing innovative research, and preparing competitive specialists capable of making a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan's biotechnology sector.

Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology

PhD, M.A. Abdulzhanova