Postgraduate and doctoral students: The future of science

The new generation of researchers is the driving force behind not only Kazakh but also global science – they are the ones who generate innovative concepts and determine future directions of scientific research.

Science in Kazakhstan

Over the past 4 years, funding for Kazakh science has tripled. The President of Kazakhstan pays special attention to the development of science, as it plays an important and strategic role in the country's development. The scientific achievements of the younger generation of researchers will have a significant impact on the development of society and the well-being of mankind in the future. Their work is a key driver of innovation, ensuring sustainable progress at both the national and global levels. 

Although Kazakhstan pays a lot of attention to the development of science at the government level, there are still some problems that Kazakh scientists point out. One of the issues is the development of the scientific sphere in the regions of Kazakhstan. Currently, science is concentrated in only two large cities – Astana and Almaty. The Law “On Science and Technology Policy” provides for the elimination of this trend, but, according to scientists, there are some shortcomings.

The Council of Young Scientists of Kazakhstan

Today, the term “young scientist” is used without definition in the law on science and other bylaws. In order to involve young scientists in addressing issues of science and technology development, building the scientific potential of the republic, and to improve the effectiveness of solving the problems of young scientists and involving young people themselves in solving them, permanent councils of young scientists are being established in scientific organisations and higher education institutions.

For example, the Council of Young Scientists at the National Academy of Sciences was established in 2024 and received the official status of a specialised body in 2025. The draft regulation on the Councils of Young Scientists in scientific organisations and higher education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides some definitions and specifics. 

Young scientists are scientists, research trainees, applicants, postgraduates, master's and doctoral students, and university professors engaged in scientific activities who are under 35 years of age.

Key objectives of the Council of Young Scientists

1. Promoting the professional development of young scientists within the research institution, involving them in basic and applied research.
2. Performing representative functions, protecting the rights of young scientists in the academic council, governing bodies of the institution, government agencies and public organisations, and communicating their position on professional issues and social and domestic aspects.
3. Initiating the creation of youth research and innovation centres on a commercial basis, as well as other organisational formats for research activities.
4. Consolidating the efforts of young scientists to address current scientific challenges and priority research tasks.
5. Stimulating the research activity of young professionals through specially designed events and initiatives.
6. Improving the mechanisms for involving young scientists in research projects, grants, competitions, programmes, internships, and scientific schools.
7. Expanding the network of cooperation with the Councils of Young Scientists of other scientific institutions and higher education institutions.

The Council of Young Scientists plays a key role in supporting and developing scientific youth by creating opportunities for professional growth, exchange of experience, and implementation of innovative ideas. The Council not only represents the interests of young researchers at various levels, but also facilitates their integration into the scientific community, involvement in important research initiatives and international cooperation. The active work of the Council helps to create a dynamic and competitive scientific environment that promotes the development of new research areas and strengthens the position of young scientists in the modern scientific space.

Rights of the Councils of Young Scientists

1. To make proposals on all aspects of the Council's activities, including improving the material and technical support for the scientific work of young scientists.
2. Participate in the development, analysis and examination of documents and regulations related to scientific youth.
3. Initiate support and encouragement of individual young scientists for their scientific achievements.
4. Nominate young scientists to participate in scientific conferences, seminars, symposia, etc.
5. Organise sports, recreational, cultural and leisure activities for young scientists.

The rights of the Councils of Young Scientists are aimed at creating favourable conditions for the professional development of young researchers, their integration into the scientific community and active participation in the management of scientific processes. The opportunity to influence the material and technical support, participate in the development of regulations and nominate candidates for prestigious scientific events helps to raise the status of young scientists and their career growth.

Areas of activity of the Council of Young Scientists

1. Organisation of conferences, seminars, scientific schools, lectures by leading scientists, as well as support for the participation of young researchers in national and international scientific events, symposia and internships.
2. Providing information to young scientists on opportunities to receive grants, participate in competitions, conferences and other scientific initiatives both in Kazakhstan and abroad, as well as on government programmes to support young scientists.
3. Collecting, analysing and systematising information on national and international funds that provide funding for young scientists.
4. Supporting scientific publications of young researchers by providing methodological, organisational and financial assistance.
5. Initiating and coordinating joint research projects of young scientists from Kazakhstan with foreign universities and research centres.
6. Providing young scientists with access to high-tech equipment, as well as training in modern methods of working with advanced technologies.
7. Creating a database of young scientists working abroad, establishing links with them for joint research and engaging them in scientific activities in Kazakhstan.
8. Addressing the social and domestic issues of young scientists, including housing and other pressing problems.
9. Organising sports, cultural and educational events for young scientists.

The development of science and innovation depends on the active participation of young scientists who bring fresh ideas, innovative approaches and interdisciplinary thinking. The activities of the Council of Young Scientists help to create a favourable environment for their professional growth, scientific cooperation and international exchange. By organising scientific events, supporting research initiatives, and expanding access to resources, the Council helps young scientists realise their potential, making a significant contribution to the development of the scientific community and society as a whole.

Support for young scientists: opportunities and incentives

The Law “On Science and Technology Policy”, mentioned above, states that young scientists under the age of 40 who work in accredited scientific institutions and have at least three years of experience in scientific and pedagogical or research activities may receive state support for the purchase of housing or improvement of housing conditions in accordance with the current legislation of Kazakhstan.

In addition, young scientists who are actively engaged in scientific research and have gained recognition in the scientific community may apply for state research scholarships. An additional incentive for the development of young researchers is the possibility of receiving scholarships from the investment income of endowment funds of higher education institutions and research institutions

For example, in December 2024, the National Academy of Sciences, after completing the competition for awards in science and state research scholarships, announced that the competition commission had recommended 6 research papers and 75 candidates for state scholarships, including 50 talented young scientists.

Such initiatives help to attract promising scientists to scientific activities, stimulate their professional growth and promote the development of science.

Young scientists are the driving force behind scientific progress and the future of science. They bring new ideas, modern research methods and innovative approaches to solving scientific challenges. Creating favourable conditions for research, including access to modern equipment, funding for research projects, and internship opportunities, are key factors in motivating young scientists. Investing in young scientists is not only about supporting their careers, but also a strategic investment in the country's future, which will help ensure the sustainable development of science, technology and society as a whole. 

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