The German-Kazakh Science Day, which was jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, took place on 12 and 13 October in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This joint platform was dedicated to the topic of “New perspectives and opportunities for German-Kazakh science and research cooperation”.
Renowned research and funding institutions from Germany took part in the event, including the BMBF, DFG, DAAD, Humboldt Foundation, Max Planck Institute, Fraunhofer Institute, Helmholtz Centre and Leibniz Institute. Representatives from Kazakhstan, representing a broad spectrum of research, science and industry, were also present. They took the opportunity to present the dynamic Kazakh research and science landscape and to draw attention to the available funding opportunities. At the same time, German research institutes presented their current research projects and funding opportunities on stage and emphasised the potential for cooperation with international partners, especially those in Kazakhstan. A notable aspect of the event was the presentation of exemplary case studies showcasing successful international projects from Germany that have made a significant impact in Kazakhstan.
The founding of the German-Kazakh University and the establishment of the Central Asia Sustainable Innovation Bureau (CASIB) in Almaty were particularly noteworthy. Among the high-ranking participants were Dr Muhammad Usman and Dr Peter Liebelt from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, who contributed to the event. The event witnessed a palpable enthusiasm among the participants to expand collaboration between academia, research and industrial development, which is facilitated by mutual fundraising. This collective fervour underlines the commitment to cultivate lasting partnerships to promote scientific progress and innovation.
