PhD Students of the Faculty of Physics and Technology Joined PhD ORIENTATION WEEK at KazNU. SDG 4 and SDG 17

On September 8, 2025, PhD ORIENTATION WEEK — the orientation program for first-year doctoral students — officially started at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The event, held in the Malachite Hall of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, brought together more than 100 new PhD students. It marked an important milestone in the integration of young researchers into the academic and scientific environment of the university. Doctoral students from all 16 faculties, including the Faculty of Physics and Technology, met with vice-deans for research and representatives of the Department for Training and Certification of Scientific Personnel (UTANK), received clarifications on key regulatory documents, and learned about opportunities for international cooperation and academic mobility.

Keynote Speakers of the First Day

• Laura Aibolovna Kuanova, Head of the Department for Training and Certification of Scientific Personnel — with a report “On the Process of Training Doctoral Students at Al-Farabi KazNU.”

• Svetlana Leonidovna Peshaya, PhD, Associate Professor, Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and International Relations of the Faculty of Physics and Technology — with a presentation “Doctoral Studies at KazNU: Key Documents, International Opportunities, and Academic Mobility.”

Main Highlights of the Doctoral Program:

• Regulatory framework: doctoral studies regulations, requirements for academic supervisors (minimum h-index, publications in Q1–Q3 journals, approval of dissertation topics by the Faculty Academic Council).

• Scientific supervision: mandatory tripartite agreement between KazNU, domestic and foreign supervisors; funding of joint publications with foreign scientists and support during the dissertation defense.

• International internships: language requirements, duration of internships, mandatory participation in universities ranked in the world top 1000 or top 200 by subject; coverage of travel, accommodation, per diem and health insurance expenses.

• Academic mobility: participation in Erasmus ICM programs, summer internships in leading laboratories, and involvement in international initiatives such as TechWomen.

• Career prospects: graduates can work in government bodies, universities, research institutes, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools and colleges; mandatory employment for targeted grant holders.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 4 “Quality Education” — KazNU’s doctoral programs ensure world-class researcher training, promote academic mobility, and facilitate integration into the global educational space.

• SDG 17 “Partnerships for the Goals” — through Erasmus projects, academic exchanges, and participation in global research consortia, KazNU strengthens cooperation with leading universities and research centers worldwide.

The information provided enabled doctoral students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, opportunities, and resources available at KazNU, creating a solid foundation for their further academic and professional development.