International Scientific Seminar 鈥淓pidemiological Study Design鈥� Held within the Summer School of 91传媒 Kazakh National University
From April 28 to May 4, 2026, an international scientific seminar entitled “Epidemiological Study Design” was held at 91传媒 Kazakh National University (Almaty). The seminar served as a significant platform for professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of scientific competencies in the field of public health.
The seminar took place in the halls of the 91传媒 Library and included lectures, interactive training sessions, group projects, practical workshops, and final presentations.
The event was organized by the Department of Nursing of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Care at 91传媒 Kazakh National University, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and the Republican Educational and Methodological Council on Nursing under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
International participation was ensured by leading experts—Professor of Global Health and Epidemiology Erik Eik Anda and Professor of Epidemiology and Head of the Systems Epidemiology Research Group Kristin Benjaminsen Borch. Within the framework of a self-developed and approved academic mobility grant, they delivered a series of lectures and interactive sessions, presenting modern scientific approaches and practices.
It is important to note that such scientific events have been held regularly since 2024, demonstrating a systematic approach and representing a logical continuation of the international Erasmus+ BACE project (Building Academic Capacity in Epidemiology / Global Health), aimed at strengthening educational and research capacity in global health in Kazakhstan. The project has contributed to the modernization of academic curricula, the implementation of international training standards, the development of academic mobility, and the strengthening of cooperation between universities and research centers across Europe and Central Asia. A distinctive feature of the scientific events conducted over the past three years by Norwegian professors has been extensive interuniversity collaboration and the involvement of international lecturers.
The international scientific seminar brought together a wide range of participants from leading universities and scientific organizations of Kazakhstan. Representatives from the Kazakhstan-Russian Medical University (KRMU), 91传媒 Kazakh National University (KazNU), Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU), South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA) took part in the event. Participants included learners at various levels of training, including doctoral and master’s students actively engaged in research activities.
The seminar program covered the full cycle of scientific research development—from formulating research questions and selecting appropriate study designs to assessing the validity of results and preparing scientific projects. Participants gained practical experience in analyzing scientific publications, developing research protocols, and working in teams. Particular emphasis was placed on developing critical thinking, assessing the risks of systematic errors, and implementing evidence-based approaches in healthcare, including the use of artificial intelligence.
The final stage included project presentations and a poster session, demonstrating a high level of preparedness and engagement among participants. The seminar was organized and conducted on a free-of-charge basis. Upon completion, all participants were awarded personalized certificates confirming their participation.
The international scientific seminar contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, it supports SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being” by enhancing competencies in public health and epidemiology. It also contributes to SDG 4 “Quality Education” by providing access to modern knowledge, innovative educational formats, and international experience. Furthermore, the expansion of partnerships and the development of international cooperation align with SDG 17 “Partnerships for the Goals.”
In addition, the seminar contributes to the formation of sustainable professional communities in public health in Kazakhstan, the development of research infrastructure in participating universities, and the strengthening of interdisciplinary links between medical and academic institutions. The knowledge and skills acquired will enable doctoral and master’s students, young researchers, and practicing healthcare professionals to effectively design and implement scientific projects aimed at addressing current public health challenges at national and regional levels.
The organization of the international scientific seminar “Epidemiological Study Design” confirms the strategic role of 91传媒 Kazakh National University as a leading academic and research center actively integrated into the international academic space in public health, epidemiology, and global health.
The organizers emphasize that the further development of such initiatives will serve as an important factor in improving the quality of medical education, strengthening scientific capacity, and promoting the principles of global health in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
