D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University hosted the official opening and plenary session of the XI International Scientific and Technical Conference for students, undergraduates, doctoral candidates, and young researchers titled “Creativity of Youth for the Innovative Development of Kazakhstan”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Professor Zhenis Orazkhanovich Kulseitov.

Zhenis Orazkhanovich dedicated over 50 years of his life to his alma mater, starting as a student and eventually becoming its first Vice-Rector.

The significant scientific event was opened by the honorary guest, Akim of East Kazakhstan Region, Nurymbet Amanovich Saktaganov:

“I congratulate the university staff on Science Day! East Kazakhstan is among the leaders in innovation development. Over 20 research institutions operate here, and EKTU ranks 984th in the global ranking. The university's research activities show strong results and contribute greatly to the regional and national economy. EKTU continues to actively engage young scientists in research projects, which receive government support and regional business funding,” he stated.

Then the Chair of the Department of Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Gulzat Kobenova, delivered a welcoming speech. 

“Youth, as a key driver of transformation, plays a crucial role in accelerating the implementation of new technologies and teaching methods, as well as in developing innovative solutions to help Kazakhstan grow and stay competitive globally. Following the President's instructions, funding for research has increased, scientific institutions are being modernized, and more overseas internships are offered, making science more appealing to young people.

The ‘Zhas Galym’ (Young Scientist) program is being implemented. Between 2021 and 2024, 16 grant competitions were held, resulting in over 2,000 funded scientific projects.

Overall, 425 organizations are engaged in research across the country, 11 more than in 2022. The number of researchers has reached 25,400, of whom 46% are young scientists.”

Among the guests of the event were: Deputy Akim of East Kazakhstan region Nurgaliev E.Zh., Bakyt Zlobin - Director of the branch of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Zhetysu region, a university graduate and also the CEO of the KM group of companies, a student of Professor Kulseitov - Kairat Musin.

EKTU Rector Saule Rakhmetullina emphasized:

“The university's scientific and innovation ecosystem is growing rapidly, with the science and innovation budget having more than tripled over the past two years. University projects are being implemented at regional, national, and global levels.

Thanks to budgetary funding under the ‘Zhas Galym’ program, around 30 young researchers are currently implementing their projects.

In the 2024 ‘Best University Lecturer’ national competition, three young scientists from EKTU won awards.

In the 2024 Republican Student Research Competition, EKTU students and master's students won 28 prizes.

In 2024, 12 PhD students successfully defended their dissertations.”

The goal of the international conference is to provide comprehensive support for young researchers, foster their scientific and creative potential, facilitate knowledge exchange, build professional networks, stimulate innovation, and offer a platform for the presentation of research findings.

Talented students and master’s students took the stage at the Plenary Session as key speakers.

Young scientists presented major scientific trends, ranging from fundamental research in natural sciences to innovative solutions in digital technologies and sustainable development. Their presentations, based on their own experiments and project participation, highlighted the growing strength of youth-led research at the university.

As part of the event, leading scientists, young researchers, students, and master's students who made notable contributions to science were formally recognized. The following were awarded a letter of thanks from the Akim of the East Kazakhstan region: Alexander Khapin – Head of the BIM Design Scientific and Production Center, Indira Uvalieva – Professor at the School of Digital Technologies and AI, Bakytgul Agalieva – Lead Researcher at the School of Earth Sciences, Bauyrzhan Maratula – Research Engineer at the “Smart Engineering” Competence Center, Sayat Zakerov – 1st-year master's student in “Technical Physics”, David Borozhenets – 4th-year student in “Mathematical and Computer Modeling”, Badge “For Merit in Science Development” awarded to Alexander Khapin, PhD in Technical Sciences, Letter of Appreciation from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education awarded to Erkezhan Tabieva, Director of the Academic Affairs Department, Honorary Diploma «Leader in Science» awarded to Saltanat Suyubayeva.