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- Supporting science is a strategic direction for national development (SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
Supporting science is a strategic direction for national development (SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
An interview with Ergali Kurmanov, a lecturer at the Department of Electronics and Astrophysics of the Faculty of Physics and Technology at 91ý Kazakh National University, has been published on the information portal Qazaq Uni. The interview focuses on issues related to state support for science and the increasing volume of funding for scientific research in Kazakhstan. It discusses current trends in the development of the national research landscape and highlights the role of the state in creating favorable conditions for conducting both fundamental and applied scientific research.
In the interview, Ergali Kurmanov notes that in recent years Kazakhstan has experienced a gradual increase in funding allocated to scientific research. According to him, strengthening state support for scientific activity is an essential factor for the sustainable development of modern science. Increased funding enables researchers to implement new scientific projects, conduct fundamental and applied studies, and participate more actively in international scientific programs and academic collaborations. This contributes to the formation of a stable research environment and strengthens the scientific potential of universities and research institutions across the country.
Particular attention in the interview is devoted to the expansion of grant-based and program-targeted funding mechanisms, which constitute important instruments of the state policy aimed at supporting science. These mechanisms allow research teams to obtain the resources necessary for implementing scientific projects, conducting experiments, and applying research results in practice. Program-targeted funding, in particular, makes it possible to carry out long-term and large-scale research initiatives aimed at addressing strategically important scientific and technological challenges.
According to Ergali Kurmanov, systematic and consistent support for science plays a key role in the sustainable development of the research sector. Increased investment in scientific research contributes not only to improving the quality of scientific publications and expanding international collaboration but also to the development of advanced technologies and innovative solutions. In the context of global competition, a country’s scientific capacity has become one of the decisive factors determining its economic and technological progress.
The interview also emphasizes the importance of supporting young scientists. In recent years, Kazakhstan has implemented a number of government programs aimed at promoting the scientific careers of early-career researchers. These initiatives include research grants, academic mobility programs, international internships, and participation in collaborative international projects. Such opportunities create favorable conditions for professional growth, contribute to the formation of a new generation of Kazakhstani scientists, and encourage talented young people to pursue careers in research.
Furthermore, increased funding for science contributes significantly to the development of scientific infrastructure. The modernization of laboratory equipment, the establishment of advanced research centers, expanded access to international research facilities, and the integration of scientific results into industry are among the key priorities for the development of contemporary science. The modernization of research infrastructure also improves the quality of education and training for young specialists, enabling students and researchers to gain practical experience working with advanced technologies and modern scientific equipment.
The interview also highlights the importance of strengthening cooperation between science, education, and industry. Expanding partnerships between universities, research institutes, and industrial enterprises facilitates the effective transfer of scientific results into production, increases the efficiency of innovation processes, and stimulates the development of interdisciplinary research.
In addition, the increase in funding for scientific research is closely linked to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, it contributes to the implementation of SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Supporting research activities, fostering innovation, and strengthening international scientific cooperation create favorable conditions for the sustainable technological and economic development of the country.
Overall, as emphasized in the interview, the consistent growth of funding for scientific research strengthens Kazakhstan’s scientific potential, enhances the international competitiveness of national science, and supports the development of an innovation-driven economy.
The full version of the interview is available at:
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