Seminar in Astana. Academic integrity in the context of higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan: SDG 4

On March 15, 2024, a critical seminar, “Academic integrity as a factor in ensuring the quality of higher education,” was held within the walls of the Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov in Astana. The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, vice-rectors of universities for academic affairs, heads of departments for academic affairs, and teaching staff.

The seminar format was hybrid, which allowed a wide range of participants to take an active part in discussing issues of academic integrity and its impact on the quality of education. The seminar speakers presented exciting reports. Gulzat Isbasarovna Kobenova, Chairman of the Committee of Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, opened the event with a welcoming speech. Karlygash Zhenisovna Sakenova, head of the external assessment and analysis department of the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented a report on the topic “Academic integrity - aspects of regulatory support.” Sergey Gennadyevich Pen, Provost (Rector) of Narikbayev University, reported, “Legal culture and literacy as the basis for the development of academic integrity of students.” Olga Alekseevna Yanovskaya, Advisor to the General Director of the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, shared her thoughts on “Promoting a culture of quality and academic integrity at the university.” Askhat Eralievich Chukurov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Atyrau University named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov reported on maintaining academic integrity by preparing and defending master’s theses. Gulmira Tyleuberdievna Bekmanova, director of the Department of Digital Development and Distance Learning at L. Gumilyov ENU, spoke about modern approaches, methodology, and tools for ensuring academic integrity. Beibit Bolatgazyevich Abdikenov, Ph.D., assistant professor of the Department of Computing and Data Sciences, Astana IT University, shared his vision of maintaining academic integrity in the era of artificial intelligence. The seminar was a significant event for the academic community of Kazakhstan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of integrity and ethics in education.

Senior lecturer of the Department of International Relations and World Economy Aida Tilektesovna Yerimpasheva, who is the Chairman of the Academic Committee on Teaching Quality of the Faculty of International Relations, actively participated in the seminar.