The benchmark of morality and intelligence
The Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the international scientific and practical conference "Modern methods and technologies of analysis, assessment and forecasting of water resources", dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor Saken Kalamkalievich Davletgaliev, an outstanding scientist, teacher and founder of the national hydrological school of Kazakhstan.
The event brought together leading scientists and specialists from Kazakhstan, Russia and Europe. Among the participants are representatives of the Russian State Hydrometeorological University (St. Petersburg), L.N. Gumilyov ENU, RSE Kazhydromet, JSC Institute of Geography and Water Safety, as well as foreign partners – Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain) and IHE Delft (the Netherlands). Management of KazNU named after Al-Farabi and the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management, as well as the director of the Institute of Geography and Water Security, congratulated the Hero of the day, noting his invaluable contribution to the development of hydrological science, the establishment of scientific schools and the training of a galaxy of highly qualified specialists.
The conference was opened with bright plenary presentations. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Professor A.R. Medeu, representatives of the Russian State State Medical University and Kazhydromet, as well as foreign scientists Fredric Huthoff (IHE Delft) and Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri (UPV) presented modern approaches to forecasting hydrological processes, stochastic modeling, water resources management and transboundary cooperation in the context of climate change.
Special attention of the conference participants was attracted by the speech of Serik Biyakhmetovich Sairov, Candidate of Geographical Sciences, First Deputy Director General of RSE Kazhydromet, Adviser on Hydrology of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WMO. Sairov S.B. not only presented a scientific report on the development of the national hydrometeorological service and the continuity of Professor Davletgaliev's scientific school, but also presented the hero of the day with a special issue of the scientific collection "Hydrometeorology and Ecology", of which he is a member of the editorial board. This issue was prepared specifically for the anniversary and included articles by the conference participants reflecting current trends in hydrological research and Professor S.K. Davletgaliev's contribution to the development of science.
The key areas of hydrology development were discussed in three thematic sections:
- Methods of analysis and forecasting of water resources;
- Digitalization of hydrology and application of GIS and machine learning;
- Adaptation to climate instability and flood risk management.
The young researchers presented the results of current research on spring floods, climate scenarios for the Caspian region, and assessment of the state of water bodies.
Professor Davletgaliev's anniversary became the heart of the conference. His students– specialists from Kazselezashchita, Kazhydromet, Kazhydro and scientific institutes, recalled their years of study at the university with special warmth. They emphasized the unique role of the professor in shaping their scientific worldview, transferring deep knowledge in the field of forecasting hydrological processes and mathematical modeling.
The second day of the conference was devoted to an excursion program: participants visited the Al-Farabi Museum, the Center for Space Technologies and Remote Sensing, and the innovative laboratories of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management. These visits demonstrated how the ideas of the older generations of scientists are embodied in modern research infrastructures.
The conference has become not just a scientific event, but a real bridge between generations. She united the scientific community in recognizing the merits of Professor Saken Kalamkalievich Davletgaliev, a man who has become a benchmark of morality, intelligence and scientific depth for many generations of hydrologists.
Ainur MUSINA,
PhD, Associate Research Professor
Zhanara ZHANABAYEVA,
Senior lecturer Departments of Meteorology and Hydrology
