On May 6, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law introducing amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of Kazakhstan related to science and education. The changes include several sets of amendments aimed at enhancing the financial status of educators and researchers in the country, providing educational benefits for military personnel, commercializing scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities, and implementing state policies concerning science and scientific activities at the local level.
The first set of amendments aims to improve the financial status of educators and researchers in Kazakhstan. 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 ($210) to 184,600 tenge ($419). This will help attract top talent in these fields and promote research excellence.
Monthly stipends will also be available for scientists conducting research at their primary workplaces. Scholarships funded by the investment income of higher and postgraduate education institutions’ endowment fund for promising young scientists under the age of 40 will also be provided. These scholarships will help foster innovation and creativity in scientific research by supporting young scientists who are passionate about making a difference in their field.
The second aspect of the amendments focuses on educational benefits for military personnel. Quotas for educational grants to support their training at higher education and postgraduate institutions after completing their mandatory military service have been introduced. This will ensure that military personnel have access to quality education that prepares them for future careers outside the military service.
The third part of the legislative changes addresses projects aimed at commercializing scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities. This will encourage businesses to invest in research and development initiatives that can lead to new products or services that benefit society as a whole.
In the fourth segment, local executive bodies are given responsibilities to implement state policies concerning science and scientific activities in their regions, with a focus on creating favorable environments to support advancements in these fields. This will help decentralize decision-making processes related to science and technology policy, allowing local governments to tailor policies that meet the needs of their communities specifically.
