A ceremonial award presentation of scholarships from the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region was held in Petropavlovsk at the Sabit Mukanov Regional Library for representatives of the literary community. The event took place on the third day of the Nauryznamа decade, dedicated to culture and national traditions. The event aimed to support and develop regional literature, as well as to encourage talented writers, poets, and literary figures. In a festive atmosphere, authors who have made a significant contribution to the development of literary творчество and the cultural life of the region were honored. A total of five residents of North Kazakhstan were selected and awarded certificates worth 500,000 tenge each. Among them was Professor of Kozybayev University, Zarkyn Taishybay. Zarkyn Syzdykovich is an Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, an academician, a labor veteran, a well-known scholar and writer, and an Honorary Citizen of the North Kazakhstan Region. Since 2000, he has been teaching at our university, leading the research center for ethnocultural studies and generously sharing his knowledge with students of the Department of Journalism and Social Sciences. It was through his initiative that in 2001 the university began training journalists in the state language, which became an important step in the development of regional journalism. He is the author of more than 200 scientific articles, 12 учебные пособия, and 11 monographs dedicated to the history and culture of Kazakhstan. Zarkyn Syzdykovich is not only an outstanding scholar and educator but also a true example of dedication to his profession and service to society. His life path inspires young people to strive for knowledge, preserve cultural values, and contribute to the development of the country. We sincerely congratulate Zarkyn Syzdykovich on this well-deserved award! We wish him good health, many more years of life, inexhaustible energy, new academic achievements, and continued inspiration. May his wisdom and experience guide future generations for many years to come!

At Kozybayev University, the discussion platform “Otbasу Talks” was held as part of the Nauryznamа decade and dedicated to the Day of Shanyrak. The aim of the event was to strengthen family values, promote open dialogue between generations, and discuss the role of the family institution in modern society. The meeting was organized in the format of an open talk show, where participants shared personal life experiences, views on family traditions, and approaches to upbringing. The discussion platform was moderated by Dilbar Begalina, a history teacher at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Petropavlovsk, and Lyudmila Grivennaya, Head of the Department of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The event brought together representatives of the university, the public, and students. Guests shared personal stories about family values, mutual support, raising children, and maintaining harmony in the family. A particularly engaging moment for the audience was the story of Alexander Nikiforov, who spoke about more than 50 years of family life. During the meeting, students actively asked questions to participants and experts, discussing the role of family in a person’s life, the influence of parental upbringing, and the modern challenges faced by the family institution. Experts also shared their professional perspectives on family relationships and psychological support. The event featured musical performances by students of the Yermek Serkebayev Specialized Boarding School for Gifted Children in Arts, as well as an original performance by student Sergey Dubrovsky. A special moment of the meeting was when a student called her father to express gratitude and love, symbolically highlighting the importance of family bonds and respect for the older generation. At the end of the event, guests, experts, and performers were presented with letters of appreciation and commemorative souvenirs. The “Otbasу Talks” discussion platform became a warm and sincere space for communication, reminding participants that family is the foundation of society, a source of support, love, and life energy.

An assistant professor from Balıkesir University and PhD in Special Education, Abdulla Eker, has arrived at Kozybayev University. The Turkish scholar has come for a long-term stay to work with students enrolled in the double-degree program “Special Education and Inclusive Practice.” He will teach 2nd–3rd year students courses related to speech therapy and special education, as well as conduct practice-oriented classes. In addition, the professor provides consultations on special education, speech and language disorders, and modern inclusive teaching practices. Abdulla Eker began his professional career as a teacher and coordinator of educational programs. Over the years, he has gained extensive teaching experience in sign language, speech therapy, and speech and language therapy programs. The researcher is actively engaged in academic work. His studies focus on hearing impairments, autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. His publications appear in academic journals; he regularly speaks at international conferences and is the author of a number of national and international scientific works. Summing up his first three weeks at the university, the professor noted that he quickly adapted to the new environment and found common ground with students. “I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly atmosphere at the university and the openness of the students. Almost all students have a good command of English,” Abdulla Eker shared. The arrival of the international professor marks an important step in the university’s internationalization and expands educational opportunities for students.

Our university has been successfully cooperating with the Northwest A&F University (Yangling, China) for 10 years. The partnership is developing within the framework of the international initiative “One Belt, One Road.” An important area of cooperation has become student academic mobility. Over the years of collaboration, 90 students from China have studied at our university, while 30 Kozybayev University students have studied at the Northwest A&F University as part of exchange programs. One of the largest academic trips to China is the current visit of 35 Kozybayev University students. For the region’s agricultural education, this is a significant event that opens up new opportunities for training internationally qualified specialists. Future agronomists and livestock specialists now have the opportunity to study at one of China’s leading agricultural universities, work in modern laboratories, and participate in field research. A total of 33 undergraduate students will study in the fields of agronomy, livestock production technology, as well as plant science and technology. In addition, starting from this academic year, two master’s students have begun their studies under double-degree programs in “Agronomy” and “Livestock Production Technology” in partnership with the Northwest A&F University. They studied for six months in Petropavlovsk and will complete the remaining 1.5 years of their studies and research in China. Upon completion, the young specialists will receive two diplomas — Kazakhstani and Chinese. The Northwest A&F University is among China’s key universities, supported by national higher education development programs, and is known for its strong scientific schools in genetics and crop breeding, plant protection, agricultural biotechnology, water resource management, and animal husbandry. Today, it is one of the largest research and educational centers of agricultural science in China. Cooperation between the universities is long-term and comprehensive. Currently, three young faculty members from the Faculty of Agrotechnology are pursuing doctoral studies at this university (years 1–2), and two lecturers from the Department of Agronomy and Forestry are undertaking scientific internships. An important aspect of cooperation is practice-oriented training. Every year, within the framework of the partnership, training sessions on modern livestock technologies are held at the Northwest A&F University. These involve not only our university’s faculty members but also farmers and specialists from the Department of Agriculture and Land Relations of the North Kazakhstan Region. It should also be noted that at the end of April, 7 students from the Northwest A&F University are expected to visit our university, and about 30 more students are expected for the autumn semester.  

Today, students of Kozybayev University took part in the national referendum. Young people came to the polling stations wearing traditional clothing, thereby showing respect for the history, culture, and traditions of Kazakhstan. The atmosphere was truly festive and unifying. Special attention was drawn to the university’s symbol - the eagle, which also “took part” in this important event together with the students. International observers were also present at the polling stations, monitoring the voting process. By making their choice, the students demonstrated an active civic position and fulfilled their civic duty, showing that young people do not stand aside from significant events in the life of the country.

The Nauryznama decade has started at Kozybayev University - a period of festive days dedicated to the renewal of nature, unity, and preparation for the Nauryz holiday. The first day of this bright time is Körisu Kuni. On this day, people meet after the long winter and visit relatives, neighbors, and friends. It is an ancient Kazakh holiday of greeting that symbolizes the beginning of spring, the renewal of life, and friendship. On this day, it is customary to visit relatives, shake hands, say warm words to each other, forgive past grievances, wish one another well, and receive blessings from elders. May Körisu Kuni bring peace, prosperity, and harmony to every home!

A student of Kozybayev University, Yerbol Khamitov, has won the first gold medal for Kazakhstan at the 2026 Paralympic Games. Khamitov claimed the gold in para biathlon in the 4.5 km pursuit race in the sitting category. In the final, the Kazakhstani athlete finished with a time of 9 minutes 39.0 seconds, missing only one shot at the shooting range. This is already Yerbol Khamitov’s second medal at the current Paralympic Games. Earlier, he won bronze in the 1500-meter classical sprint in para cross-country skiing. Yerbol is a fourth-year student at Kozybayev University, majoring in Physical Education and Sport. He already has an impressive sporting career. In 2023, Yerbol Khamitov became the world champion in seated sprint cross-country skiing, and in 2025 he won the world championship in the 12.5 km individual race and the overall Para Biathlon World Cup title. This achievement became a historic victory for Kazakhstani sport after 31 years. The last time the Crystal Globe was brought to the country was in 1994 by skier Vladimir Smirnov. And now, a year later, Yerbol Khamitov has reached the pinnacle of sport and delivered an outstanding achievement for the country — the first Paralympic gold medal for Kazakhstan.

A working meeting was held between representatives of JSC “NAC Kazatomprom”, Kozybayev University, and the University of Arizona, dedicated to the development of cooperation in science, technology, and personnel training. The participants discussed promising areas of collaboration in the fields of critical minerals, nuclear technologies, and new materials. At a meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology, the Head of State paid special attention to the development of the domestic nuclear industry. The President emphasized that strengthening human resource capacity in this sector should be a top priority. Today, Kazakhstan accounts for about 43% of the world’s natural uranium production and also possesses significant production capacities for rare metals, including beryllium and tantalum. Kazatomprom is Kazakhstan’s national atomic company and the world leader in natural uranium production. Cooperation with such a global enterprise opens broad prospects for Kozybayev University. During the meeting, the parties considered opportunities for cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. Special attention was given to training specialists of a new generation. The discussion included the organization of internships and practical training for students at industrial facilities, as well as the implementation of joint educational and research programs. The participants noted that cooperation between universities and industry partners is shaping a new model of collaboration that brings together science, education, and high-tech industry. Such partnerships create additional opportunities for advancing cutting-edge research, training highly qualified professionals, and integrating Kazakhstan’s scientific community into the global scientific and technological landscape.

A North Kazakhstan athlete and student of Kozybayev University, Islam Evloev confidently won the gold medal at the Kazakhstan Freestyle Wrestling Championship in the 97 kg weight category. In the final bout, Islam demonstrated a high level of preparation, technical skill, and strong determination to win. He defeated the representative of Astana, Baglan Kuanysh, with a score of 8:0. His impressive performance and clear technical advantage allowed him to finish the match early with a convincing victory. This triumph became an important achievement both for the athlete himself and for the entire university. Kozybayev University is proud of the success of its students and wishes Islam Evloev further victories on the national and international arenas!

Amir Agzamov, a student of the dual-degree Biotechnology program, has received the title and highest award of “Outstanding Graduate” from the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arizona. This title is awarded each semester to one top graduating student in every major. This year, for the first time in history, the Outstanding Graduate is a fourth-year student of the dual-degree program between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona. “You embodied the true spirit of biotechnology through your leadership, research activities, and personal qualities. We hope you will take pride in being selected among your peers - it is truly well-deserved recognition of your high achievements and great potential. All our outstanding graduates across programs will receive individual awards to be presented in due course,” states the congratulatory letter sent to Amir by Dr. A. Elizabeth Arnold, Acting Director of the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona. Amir’s studies are funded through a grant and involve simultaneous enrollment at Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona. Students spend three and a half years studying in Kazakhstan and one semester in the United States. This year, Amir was among the first group of 29 students who visited the main campus in Tucson. He demonstrated a high level of academic and research performance. Amir Agzamov is a bright example of a new-generation young researcher. He has been passionate about science since his school years, and during his bachelor’s studies he has already won internships at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia as well as at the National University of Singapore, where he gained invaluable experience in molecular biology. During his semester in Arizona, Amir not only studied successfully and participated in research and various university activities, but also took part in a talent competition, introducing students from different countries to the Kazakh national instrument — the dombra. He even won a prize. His active student life and strong academic achievements allowed him to receive the title of Outstanding Graduate. “This award came as a big surprise to me. While in the United States, I attended the ceremony honoring Outstanding Graduating Students. I thought that only American students or those studying directly on campus in Arizona could be nominated, not those in dual-degree programs. I am very pleased that my efforts and achievements were recognized by the University of Arizona. It is great motivation to keep moving toward my goals. I strive to continuously develop in science and take advantage of every opportunity to do so,” Amir Agzamov shared. The Kozybayev University & University of Arizona dual-degree programs were launched only four years ago, but they have already shown significant results. The areas of study have expanded to include biotechnology, IT, inclusion in education, business, and management. The student body has grown, and students now come not only from Kazakhstan but also from the United States, China, and Russia. Recognition of the achievements of Kazakhstani students abroad further confirms the high quality of education and research.