Kazakhstan is bolstering support for its scientific community with a new round of housing provisions, aiming to attract and retain talent within the country’s growing research sector. The initiative, spearheaded by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has recently seen young scientists awarded housing certificates, a move officials say is designed to address social support issues and foster a more competitive scientific landscape.
The latest awards, presented in both Almaty and Astana, build on a program that has already provided housing for 587 young scientists, according to Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek. , ten researchers in the capital received certificates, while earlier, in , ten scientists were similarly recognized in Almaty. The program is directly linked to instructions from President Tokayev, emphasizing the importance of supporting scientists and encouraging young professionals to pursue careers in science.
Among those recently awarded housing in Almaty were Yerali Kurmanov, an Associate Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and Samet Bayzhuma, a teacher at the same institution. In Astana, Daliya Kaskyrbayeva, an Associate Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University, was a recipient. Further awards were given to Moldamuratov Zhangazy Nurzhanovich, dean of the “General Construction” Faculty at the International Educational Corporation (IEC), and Kultaeva Shynar Malikyzy, a coordinator at the IEC’s Science Department. These awards represent a tangible effort to address a critical need for social support within the scientific community.
The focus on housing is not merely a social benefit, but a strategic investment in Kazakhstan’s future competitiveness. President Tokayev has repeatedly stressed the need to prioritize science and education for national prosperity, stating that “for the prosperity of our Motherland, we must pay special attention to the development of these spheres.” He further emphasized the goal of becoming a leading country, rather than remaining reliant on others, and highlighted the importance of increasing scientific potential. The current bill “On Science and Technology Policy,” recently approved in the first reading by the Senate, aims to improve science management systems and address the social needs of scientists.
The recipients of these housing certificates represent a diverse range of scientific disciplines. Guldaana Maratova, a researcher at the Scientific and Production Center of Fisheries, expressed her gratitude, noting that the apartment represents not only a significant social benefit but also recognition of her 12 years of professional work. Other recipients work in fields such as geography, information technology, physics, chemistry, and agriculture, demonstrating the broad scope of the government’s support.
The initiative comes as Kazakhstan seeks to strengthen its position in the global scientific community. The provision of housing is seen as a key component in creating a sustainable scientific environment, attracting and retaining qualified researchers. Minister Nurbek underscored this point, stating that young scientists are “the foundation of Kazakhstan’s innovative development and intellectual potential.”
While the specific financial details of the housing program haven’t been fully disclosed, the move signals a commitment to increased investment in the science sector. The program’s expansion to include 587 young scientists suggests a substantial allocation of resources, though the overall cost remains unclear. The focus on affordability, as highlighted in state construction results from , suggests a broader government strategy to address housing needs across various sectors.
The timing of these announcements, coinciding with the New Year in Astana and following a meeting with young scientists in Almaty, underscores the government’s intent to demonstrate its commitment to the scientific community. The awards are not simply symbolic; they represent a concrete step towards improving the lives of researchers and fostering a more vibrant scientific ecosystem in Kazakhstan. The success of this program will likely be a key indicator of Kazakhstan’s ability to attract and retain top scientific talent in the years to come.
The focus on young scientists is particularly noteworthy. By providing housing, the government aims to alleviate financial burdens and allow researchers to concentrate on their work. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to increased research output, publications in leading academic journals, and a stronger competitive edge for Kazakhstan’s science sector. The program’s emphasis on researchers actively involved in scientific projects and publishing their findings suggests a focus on quality and impact.
