A Step into Science: School Students Explored KazNU Research Laboratories and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Faculty of Physics and Technology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University systematically conducts career guidance and science promotion initiatives in close partnership with secondary education institutions. On November 6, 2026, the faculty hosted another comprehensive career guidance meeting for high school students from the FizTech School, School No. 134, and Global School.

The career orientation session and academic presentation were delivered by Zhanar Shortanbayeva, Deputy Head of the Department of Thermal Physics and Technical Physics for Academic Affairs. She provided a detailed overview of the faculty’s primary educational and scientific directions, current research programs, state-of-the-art laboratory capabilities, and higher education opportunities at KazNU.

The guided tour through the research laboratories was conducted by department expert Mergen Zhumanov. Students were introduced to modern scientific equipment, experimental physics setups, and practical research methodologies. A key feature of the visit was that the school students actively participated in scientific experiments rather than remaining passive observers. They gained hands-on experience operating laboratory equipment and received direct answers to their questions from university researchers. Combining theoretical physics concepts with practical experimentation significantly enhanced the students' enthusiasm for science and engineering fields.

The visitors spent nearly four hours at the Faculty of Physics and Technology, fully immersing themselves in the university's academic and scientific atmosphere. The time passed dynamically, filled with active discussions, engaging questions, and interactive laboratory trials.

This educational and career orientation initiative directly aligns with the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Expands scientific literacy among youth, promotes quality STEM education, and nurtures the intellectual potential of high school students;

• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Introduces students to advanced scientific infrastructure, technological innovations, and applied engineering solutions;

• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthens educational collaboration between secondary schools and the university to prepare the next generation of researchers and engineers.

Such strong institutional links between schools and higher education play a vital role in shaping students' professional career choices and building a new generation of scientists.