President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has recently signed a law introducing amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of Kazakhstan related to science and education, as reported by the press service of Akorda on May 6.
The first set of amendments aims to enhance the financial status of educators and researchers in the country. In particular, a monthly salary supplement will be provided to individuals with specific academic degrees and titles. Those with degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Science, Candidate of Sciences, and the academic title of Associate Professor will receive additional payments ranging from 92,300 tenge (US$210) to 184,600 tenge ($419).
Furthermore, monthly stipends will also be available for scientists conducting research at their primary workplaces, with scholarships funded by the investment income of higher and postgraduate education institutions’ endowment fund for promising young scientists under the age of 40.
The second aspect of the amendments focuses on educational benefits for military personnel, including quotas for educational grants to support their training at higher education and postgraduate institutions after completing their mandatory military service. This measure is aimed at improving the quality of military personnel and enhancing their skills in various fields.
The third part of the legislative changes addresses projects aimed at commercializing scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities. By doing so, Kazakhstan aims to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in these fields while also promoting economic growth.
In the fourth segment, local executive bodies are given responsibilities to implement state policies concerning science and scientific activities in their regions. The focus here is on creating favorable environments that support advancements in these fields and promote collaboration between researchers across different regions in Kazakhstan.
Overall, these legislative changes aim to enhance Kazakhstan’s position as a leader in science and education while also promoting economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.