Kazakhstan has long been one of the important hubs of economic cooperation and cultural communication along the “Silk Road”, and one of China's most important partners. Kazakhstan and China have been cooperating in science and education for many years. In recent years, the countries have made great strides in cooperation in science, higher and vocational education. This partnership includes joint developments, research projects and experiments, student and teacher exchange, etc. What opportunities does this cooperation open up?
China and Kazakhstan officially established diplomatic relations in January 1992. Today, the countries' cooperation in education is constantly developing and strengthening, which has a positive impact on scientific and educational progress in both countries. Here are some examples of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.
Cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in the field of education
A branch of the Northwestern Polytechnic University, which cooperates with the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi, has opened in Kazakhstan. The branch offers a master's degree in IT, materials science and telecommunications, and students will receive two diplomas – one in China and one in Kazakhstan. In July of this year, a branch of the Beijing University of Language and Culture was also opened in Kazakhstan, where the first 100 students will begin their studies, opening up opportunities for the development of language skills and intercultural communication.
China and Kazakhstan are also actively cooperating in the field of vocational education. In Kazakhstan, the Lu Ban Workshop was opened at the D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University. The agreement was signed at the state level and between the university and the Tianjin Vocational Institute. The workshop is equipped with modern Chinese equipment and is taught by teachers from both countries.
The Confucius Institute is a popular platform for the dissemination of Chinese culture and language in Kazakhstan, with 5 institutes (Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, Aktobe) and about 20 Chinese teachers. Every year, competitions, exams and cultural events are held, such as the “Chinese Language Bridge” and the “International Chinese Language Day”. For example, the Confucius Institute of KazNU has more than 300 students and has organised more than 300 events for 50,000 participants. The Institute helps to train specialists and strengthen cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China.
Joint projects of Kazakhstan and China
In 2024, many meetings, agreements, and contracts were signed. Here are some of them.
- Memorandum with China on the construction of a joint research base on the Moon. The signed agreement provides for joint scientific activities, exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as strengthening cooperation in the field of space technology and science. Kazakhstan intends to make a significant contribution to the construction of the International Science Lunar Station (ISLS) project, including the development and launch of a national lunar telescope, participation in joint research and development of new technologies. Kazakhstan's contribution also includes strengthening the scientific and technical infrastructure and sharing experience with Chinese experts.
- Research on environmental and land resources. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Beijing between the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Under the agreement, the parties plan to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, medicine and space research. In addition, it was decided to establish a research centre to introduce innovative water-saving technologies aimed at combating drought.
- Joint Kazakh-Chinese scientific laboratory. An agreement was signed in Almaty to establish a joint Kazakh-Chinese scientific laboratory as part of the expansion of scientific cooperation. The project was initiated by the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan and the University of Shenzhen. The agreement provides for the opening of two branches of the laboratory in Kazakhstan and China. Scientists from both countries will conduct research in the fields of molecular biology, biomedicine, bioengineering, genetics, and other advanced areas of modern science. The joint laboratory will provide opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange. The programme will include an internship lasting from three months to one year at the University of Shenzhen. It is also planned to develop academic mobility through the exchange of teachers and professors and research in various fields.
- Creation of artificial forest plantations on the drained bottom of the Aral Sea. The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan met with scientists from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to discuss the possibility of creating artificial forest plantations on the drained seabed of the Aral Sea. The aim of this project is to reduce the negative environmental impact on the region. In addition, it was proposed to establish a joint Kazakh-Chinese centre to address environmental issues on the drained Aral Sea bed, which would be an important step in restoring the region's ecosystem.
Co-authorship to publish a scientific article in Web of Science
Web of Science is not only a platform for publishing, but also a powerful tool that helps scientists gain international recognition. The main features of Web of Science include 2.2 billion citations, 92 million records, more than 22 thousand peer-reviewed journals, and more than 250 research fields.
For Chinese students and researchers studying and working in Kazakhstan, publishing in Web of Science can be a decisive factor for successful completion of their studies and careers in China. Although publications in Scopus are also recognised in Kazakhstan, Web of Science has a higher status. That is why for Chinese students, publications in this database are not only necessary for obtaining a degree, but also an important step in the development of their professional career in China.
International recognition
Collaboration with Chinese researchers can be a significant step for Kazakhstani scientists in their quest for international recognition. Chinese scientists often have access to resources and funding that may not be available to their Kazakh counterparts, which opens up new opportunities for joint research.
Chinese young scientists studying in Kazakhstan are strengthening their academic reputation through publications in scientific journals indexed in databases such as Web of Science and Scopus. At the same time, Kazakhstani scientists are able to use this experience to expand their research and gain international recognition. The joint activities of the two scientific communities are an important step in the development of science in both countries.
Benefits of cooperation with Chinese scientists
Collaboration with Chinese scientists can significantly enhance research activities in Kazakhstan. Firstly, joint publications in Web of Science increase the prestige of both Kazakh and Chinese authors, opening up new opportunities for scientists and increasing the chances of obtaining funding for further research. Web of Science is an important tool for professors and doctors of science, as publications in this database provide access to numerous opportunities in the scientific field.
Publication in Web of Science is a necessary requirement for obtaining academic titles and degrees in Kazakhstan, which is enshrined in such regulations as “On Approval of the Rules for Awarding Academic Titles (Associate Professor (Associate Professor), Professor)” and “On Approval of the Rules for Awarding Degrees”. These documents define the requirements for scientific activities and emphasise the importance of publications in international scientometric databases, including Web of Science. This requirement helps to improve the quality of research and international recognition of scientific achievements, which, in turn, increases their contribution to the development of science.
Increasing the level of citation
Co-authorship of scientific articles improves individual scientific performance by increasing the citation rate of works, as articles written jointly usually attract a larger audience, which increases the likelihood of citation. This, in turn, has a positive effect on scientometric indicators such as the Hirsch index and improves the author's scientific rating. In addition, collaborating with renowned scientists and researchers from other institutions and countries helps to strengthen professional relationships, enhancing reputation in academic circles, which can be useful for future collaborations and career development.
Financial benefits
The financial benefit of research collaboration is to reduce the financial burden on each author by sharing the costs among several participants. This is especially important for covering the costs of experimental research and publication, which require significant financial investments.
Kazakhstani scientists should actively seek opportunities to collaborate with Chinese colleagues and write and publish scientific articles in co-authorship. Such a partnership not only raises the scientific status of both parties, but also significantly expands the horizons for research. Cooperation between scientists from Kazakhstan and China contributes to the development of new ideas and innovations in various fields of science, which can lead to important scientific achievements and mutually beneficial research results.
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