Kazakhstan has recently seen a series of legislative changes aimed at enhancing science and education in the country. On May 6, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law introducing amendments and additions to certain legislative acts.
The first set of amendments focuses on improving the financial status of educators and researchers in the country. 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). Additionally, monthly stipends will 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. The government has introduced quotas for educational grants to support their training at higher education and postgraduate institutions after completing their mandatory military service.
The third part of the legislative changes addresses projects aimed at commercializing scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities. This aims to encourage private sector investment in scientific research and development, which could lead to innovative products and services that benefit society as a whole.
Finally, local executive bodies have been given responsibilities to implement state policies concerning science and scientific activities in their regions. The focus is on creating favorable environments that support advancements in these fields, such as investing in infrastructure and providing resources for research projects. By empowering local leaders to take action, it is hoped that this will lead to more meaningful progress at a grassroots level.
Overall, these legislative changes reflect a commitment from the government to prioritize science and education as key drivers for economic growth and social development in Kazakhstan.