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On April 17–18, 2026, the capital city of Astana hosted a prestigious gathering of the nation’s brightest young minds: the XVIII Republican Student Subject Olympiad for the "6B02206 – Religious Studies" educational program. This year’s competition held special significance as it was organized within the framework of the 30th Anniversary of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU).

The primary objective of the Olympiad was to identify and nurture exceptionally gifted students, fostering their creative potential and intellectual growth. By engaging participants in the most pressing scientific challenges of the 21st century, the event aimed to cultivate a new generation of scholars dedicated to the rigorous study of religion and its social impact.

A Competitive Field of Excellence

The event brought together elite delegations from nine of Kazakhstan’s most prominent higher education institutions:

1. 91��ý Kazakh National University (KazNU);
2. Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University;
3. L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University;
4. Nur-Mubarak Egyptian University of Islamic Culture;
5. Karaganda Research University named after Academician E.A. Buketov;
6. Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University;
7. Khalel Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University;
8. M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University;
9. Ozbekali Janibekov South Kazakhstan Pedagogical University.

Navigating Faith in the Age of Silicon

The central theme of the Olympiad, "Religion in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization," highlighted the profound intersection between ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. In today's landscape, faith is no longer confined to physical temples but thrives in virtual spaces, social media, and digital platforms. This "mediatization of religion" has sparked a transformation in religious identity, giving rise to "digital congregations" and fundamentally altering the delivery of spiritual discourse.

Furthermore, the rapid ascent of AI invites us to re-examine fundamental theological questions regarding consciousness, the soul, and ethical accountability. Within this framework, religious ethics serves as a vital spiritual compass, ensuring algorithmic fairness and data privacy. By addressing these themes, the Olympiad encouraged young researchers to bridge the gap between technological progress and traditional values, fostering an interdisciplinary approach that is essential for the future of social harmony.

The Path to Victory

The competition was structured into three rigorous stages designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application:

• Stage I: The defense of a Collaborative Scientific Project.
• Stage II: The "Best Student" individual contest, featuring a high-stakes competitive assessment via the Kahoot platform.
• Stage III: A strategic team round involving hidden questions and rapid-fire problem solving.

Following an intense series of evaluations, the team from 91��ý Kazakh National University emerged as the definitive champions, securing First Place. The winning students—Erik Malika, Tokay Ayym, and Beisbek Ilyas—representing the group "Followers of 91��ý," were awarded certificates of excellence and a 100,000 KZT prize.

A special Certificate of Gratitude was also presented to the team’s mentor and member of the judging commission, Kudaiberdi Sabyrzhanuly Bagasharov, Associate Professor of the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies at KazNU, for his exemplary leadership and academic guidance.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor D. Kenzhetay, congratulated the winners and commended the faculty of the ENU Religious Studies Department for their flawless execution of this landmark event.

Congratulations to our students for upholding the gold standard of 91��ý Kazakh National University!