Students of the Faculty of Physics and Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Won Silver Medals at the International Innovation Competition in China. SDG 4 and SDG 9

Second-year students of the “Materials Science and New Technologies” program at the Faculty of Physics and Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Maksat Sunggyly and Zhanatuly Zhankeldi, won silver medals at the Central Asia Regional Stage of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2025, organized with the support of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.

The competition brought together 198 innovative projects presented by doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s students from leading universities across Central Asia. The project presented by the KazNU students competed in the bachelor’s category and stood out for its scientific novelty, practical significance, and interdisciplinary approach in the field of new materials and nanotechnologies, earning the team a well-deserved place among the top young researchers of the region.

Thanks to their high level of preparation and professionalism, the KazNU team earned silver medals and was recognized among the winners of the regional stage. Following the competition, the Chinese side invited the Kazakhstani students to participate in the final round, which will take place from October 12 to 19, 2025, in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.

The organizers of the final — Northwestern Polytechnical University (Xi’an, China) and the School of Materials Science and Engineering — commended the strong research potential of KazNU students and extended an official invitation for participation in the final and academic exchange programs.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The success of the students of the Faculty of Physics and Technology reflects Al-Farabi Kazakh National University’s strong commitment to the principles of sustainable development in education, science, and innovation, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Participation in international innovation competitions enhances students’ global academic competencies, critical thinking, creativity in solving engineering challenges, and scientific mobility. KazNU ensures equal access to modern educational opportunities, shaping a new generation of researchers capable of addressing challenges of global significance.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The project presented by the students focuses on the development of advanced materials and technologies applicable to energy-efficient systems, microelectronics, and smart manufacturing processes. This aligns with the university’s strategic mission to support Kazakhstan’s innovation-driven economy and strengthen international scientific collaboration.