Today, knowledge, technology and innovation determine the future of countries, and young scientists are becoming a real catalyst for development. Kazakhstan is actively integrating into the international scientific community, and in recent years, it has become clear that the government is allocating more and more funds to support and develop science. The younger generation of scientists plays a key role in shaping competitive science and the economy, building intellectual capacity and ensuring sustainable development in general.
The generation of young scientists is the driving force behind the development of Kazakhstani science, as they play a key role in shaping new scientific approaches. They generate innovative concepts, propose bold ideas and actively introduce modern technologies into various fields of knowledge. Their potential, openness to interdisciplinary cooperation and desire for global scientific dialogue contribute to the renewal of scientific approaches and increase Kazakhstan's competitiveness in the international scientific arena.
Science in Kazakhstan in 2025
Science is defined as one of the key areas of Kazakhstan's strategic development. Particular emphasis is placed on creating favourable conditions for attracting talented young people to scientific activities. The country is seeing growth in research funding, modernisation of scientific institutions and expansion of opportunities for international internships. All this contributes to raising the prestige of scientific careers among young people, developing global scientific partnerships and strengthening the research base.
Between 2025 and 2027, state funding for applied scientific projects will reach 531.1 billion tenge. To improve the social status of scientific workers, scientists' salaries have been increased by 18%, and bonuses for scientific titles have been increased to 50 times the monthly calculation index (MCI). In addition, 50 ‘Best Researcher’ awards are presented annually in the amount of 2,000 MRP, which serves as an important incentive for the scientific community.
Today, more than 25,000 researchers work in the scientific field in Kazakhstan, and there are 425 scientific institutions. Over the past six years, state budget funding for science has increased sixfold, reaching 252.5 billion tenge in 2025. According to the Concept for the Development of Science until 2029, it is planned to increase funding to 1% of the country's gross domestic product.
To attract the private sector to invest in science, tax incentives will be introduced from 1 January 2025. The state is also implementing a number of measures aimed at providing social support to scientists. Direct funding is provided for scientists conducting fundamental research in specific priority areas of science.
The Prime Minister has given the following instructions to the relevant institutions:
- The Ministry of Science, together with interested state bodies, has been instructed to develop a concept for the creation of science cities, taking into account the territorial concentration of scientific institutes and innovative manufacturing enterprises.
- Local administrations, together with the ministries of national economy, science and finance, are to work on decomposing indicators and measures for the development of science in the regions. Each local administration is to take comprehensive measures to develop regional science by holding scientific and technological sessions.
- The ministries of science and digitalisation are to launch a digital science portal by the end of this year. It should integrate databases of all scientific projects, grants, research results and publications.
AI technologies should also be used to accelerate the implementation of innovative projects, scientific research and development.
Young scientists in Kazakhstan: Education, internships and support
The proportion of young people among scientists in Kazakhstan has grown significantly – as of March 2025, it accounts for 46% of the total number of scientists. To further engage the younger generation in scientific activities, emphasis is being placed on the active development of university science. The number of educational grants for doctoral studies is increasing, and opportunities for international internships are expanding: every year, more than 250 young researchers undergo internships at leading scientific institutions around the world.
Today, science requires not only in-depth knowledge, but also flexible thinking, the ability to see global challenges and act at the local level. Young Kazakh scientists fully meet these criteria: they actively participate in international research initiatives, collaborate with leading universities, scientific laboratories and businesses. Every year, 500 scientists are given the opportunity to study abroad. Currently, 1475 such internships have already been awarded, which contributes to the introduction of advanced methods and technologies into Kazakh science. This promotes the introduction of the latest technologies and methods into domestic science.
Young scientists are already demonstrating significant results: they are the authors of patents, scientific discoveries and publications in prestigious international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. The number of such publications is constantly growing, which strengthens Kazakhstan's scientific image at the international level and broadens the horizons for scientific cooperation.
Among the initiatives to support young scientists, the housing programme is particularly noteworthy. At the beginning of 2025, 36 young scientists received apartments free of charge – this is not only a solution to everyday problems, but also a strategic investment in the future scientific potential of the country.
Comprehensive support through educational grants, internships and housing programmes provides a solid foundation for the professional growth of young scientists. At the same time, the achievements of Kazakhstani researchers have a positive impact not only on science and the economy, but also on the development of human capital as a whole.
Council of Young Scientists of Kazakhstan
The Council of Young Scientists under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which operates as part of the non-commercial joint-stock company “National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, is an advisory and consultative body. Its main goal is to represent the interests of young scientists, protect their rights and promote the development of professional careers in the scientific field.
The main objectives of the Council of Young Scientists of Kazakhstan:
- To develop proposals for improving legislation and state programmes and to monitor their implementation.
- To initiate and support interdisciplinary and international cooperation among young researchers.
- Formulating and implementing recommendations on promising scientific areas based on global trends, best practices and Kazakhstan's national priorities.
- Identifying problems in the social and professional lives of young scientists and developing ways to solve them.
- Promoting the achievements of young scientists and popularising scientific knowledge and the latest achievements.
- Encouraging the active participation of young scientists in fundamental and applied research, as well as providing conditions for their professional growth.
Functions of the Council of Young Scientists of Kazakhstan
The functions of the Council of Young Scientists of Kazakhstan cover a wide range of tasks aimed at supporting and developing the scientific potential of the younger generation. In particular, the Council is engaged in identifying key areas for improving the regulatory, legal and methodological framework within the priorities of the country's scientific development, as well as developing recommendations for improving the functioning of the scientific sphere.
An important part of its activities is to unite the efforts of young scientists to jointly solve pressing scientific problems and stimulate their research activity through the implementation of specialised measures. The Council also compiles a list of problematic issues in priority scientific areas and initiates the development of proposals to popularise national science and enhance its international authority.
Considerable attention is paid to the development of international scientific and technical cooperation, the organisation of sociological studies and surveys on the state of science in the country, as well as the development of new areas of scientific research and technologies that will contribute to the overall progress of the state. The Council prepares recommendations on supporting and encouraging young scientists, including nominating candidates for scientific awards and honours, participates in the preparation of the National Report on the State of Science, approves its own Development Strategy on the basis of a submission by the Presidium, carries out the instructions of the executive bodies of the Society, the Presidium, as well as other tasks that do not contradict the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
State support, the growing activity of young people and the strengthening of interaction between science and the manufacturing sector create favourable conditions for the development of Kazakhstan. Science is gradually becoming a key tool for the implementation of innovations and the strategic development of the state.
Young people are not afraid of difficulties; on the contrary, they are the first to seek new approaches to solving pressing problems. In a world where everything is changing rapidly, from climate to technology, it is young researchers who offer fresh, unconventional ideas that respond to contemporary challenges.
Thanks to their perseverance, creative thinking and openness to new ideas, Kazakhstani researchers are shaping modern scientific culture. Young researchers work at the intersection of different fields, establish international cooperation and offer practical solutions. Their daily work contributes to technological development, strengthens the economy and increases competitiveness.
Thanks to their perseverance, creative thinking and openness to new ideas, Kazakhstani scientists are shaping modern scientific culture. Young researchers work at the intersection of different fields, establish international cooperation and offer practical solutions. Their daily work contributes to technological development, strengthens the economy and increases Kazakhstan's competitiveness.
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