As part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Federal Republic of Germany, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University expanded its cooperation with leading German universities and research institutions.
EKTU representatives joined the delegation of Kazakhstani universities led by Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek. The delegation held meetings with German academic and research partners and participated in a dialogue between the rectors of Kazakhstani and German universities attended by the Head of State.
As a result of the visit, agreements were reached to further develop cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (Fraunhofer IPK), Ruhr University Bochum, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, and Nuremberg Institute of Technology Georg Simon Ohm.
The new initiatives cover joint research and applied engineering projects, professional training, the development of double-degree programmes, technology transfer, and stronger links between universities and industry.
One of the key outcomes was the signing of a trilateral Letter of Intent between D. Serikbayev EKTU, Kazzinc Ltd., and Ruhr University Bochum. The agreement is aimed at developing cooperation within the K’ADAM International Programme and brings together the expertise and resources of a Kazakhstani technical university, a major industrial company, and a German academic partner.
This partnership model creates new opportunities to train engineers in line with industry needs, implement joint educational and research initiatives, and strengthen the involvement of industrial partners in human capital development. For EKTU, the agreement represents a continuation of the University’s systematic efforts to advance the “university–science–industry” model, which is particularly important for the industrial development of East Kazakhstan.
Another important part of the visit focused on cooperation with Fraunhofer IPK. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for joint research, technology transfer, and applied engineering projects. EKTU and Fraunhofer IPK signed a cooperation document laying the foundation for further scientific and technological partnership.
The architecture of the Production Technology Center in Berlin gave the meeting additional symbolic meaning. Its circular design reminded the Kazakhstani delegation of the shanyrak - a traditional symbol of a shared home, unity, and openness. This image also reflects the philosophy of the center itself, where scientific research, engineering development, and practical application come together under one roof.
The agreements reached in Germany expand EKTU’s international network and create new opportunities for the University’s researchers, faculty members, and students. The key objective is to move beyond academic contacts toward concrete joint research projects, educational programmes, and technological solutions that respond to the needs of industry.
Thus, under the symbolic Berlin “shanyrak of science,” a new space for Kazakhstan–Germany cooperation is taking shape, bringing together education, research, and industry to implement joint projects and technological initiatives.
