On 13–15 October 2026, representatives of D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) participated in the second international Management Board Meeting of the Erasmus+ Edu-Fusion Network for Sustainable Growth (Edu-Fusion NSG) project, held in Portugal and Spain. The main sessions took place at the University of Vigo (Universidade de Vigo, Spain), bringing together representatives of European and Kazakhstani universities to discuss the next steps in modernising Kazakhstan’s higher education system.
The Edu-Fusion NSG project (ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE-STRAND-3, Grant Agreement No. 101179805) is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) programme. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of engineering and technical education, strengthen university teachers’ professional competencies, introduce innovative educational approaches, and foster closer cooperation between universities and industry.
The international meeting began on 13 October with a preparatory coordination session at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP, Portugal). Participants reviewed the overall progress of project implementation, key achievements, the status of work packages, and upcoming activities, as well as quality assurance and project monitoring procedures.
On 14–15 October, the main programme continued at the University of Vigo, where consortium working sessions focused on academic development, strategic planning, and the long-term sustainability of project outcomes.
Particular attention was given to modernising the training and continuous professional development of university teachers in Kazakhstan. Edu-Fusion NSG promotes the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies, the development of digital and entrepreneurial competencies, the integration of STEAM approaches, and practice-oriented learning based on solving real-world engineering and industrial challenges.
Participants also discussed mechanisms for ensuring the quality of educational programmes, certification and recognition procedures for learning outcomes, and cross-cutting priorities, including inclusion, gender equality, accessibility, sustainable development, and internationalisation.
A dedicated part of the programme focused on assessing the project's impact and ensuring the long-term integration of its outcomes into the institutional practices of Kazakhstani universities. Consortium partners explored opportunities to develop continuing professional development programmes, expand the use of open educational resources, and strengthen international academic cooperation.
Bilateral meetings between partner universities formed another important component of the event, providing opportunities to explore joint educational initiatives, academic mobility, and new areas of institutional collaboration.
For EKTU, participation in the Edu-Fusion NSG project creates additional opportunities to advance engineering education, strengthen the professional competencies of academic staff, and integrate international best practices into teaching and learning. Particular emphasis is placed on developing university teachers’ expertise in innovative pedagogy and digital transformation of education, as well as equipping students with the skills and competencies required by modern industry.
EKTU’s participation in the international consortium meeting reaffirms the University's commitment to strengthening international partnerships, enhancing the quality of engineering education, and introducing sustainable educational innovations aligned with Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities for higher education development.
More information about the project: https://www.edufusion-nsg.com/
SECOND YEAR MANAGEMENT BOAD MEETING
