INTEGRATION OF KazNARU INTO THE GLOBAL ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Today, Rector Akhilbek Kurishbayev met with Sergey Khristolyubov, the regional director of QS for Central Asia and Eastern Europe, at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU). The meeting focused on discussing the influence of international QS rankings on the internationalization of education, the development of global trends in higher education, and the transformation of KazNARU into a research university.
The Influence of International QS Rankings on the Internationalization of Education
During the meeting, the importance of international QS rankings for universities striving for internationalization was highlighted. Mr. Sergey Khristolyubov noted that participation in such rankings helps increase universities' competitiveness on a global scale, attract foreign students and faculty, and improve the quality of education and research. "International QS rankings play a key role in forming a positive image of the university and its recognition on the global stage,"- he emphasized.
He also spoke about the QS methodology and university evaluation criteria, noting that KazNARU has shown significant progress in the rankings, thereby attracting the international academic community's attention. "Participation in the QS rankings opens up new opportunities for academic exchange and cooperation with leading universities worldwide," - he added.
Global Trends in the Development of Higher Education
One of the key discussion topics was global trends in higher education development. Rector A.K. Kurishbayev noted that modern universities must adapt to rapidly changing conditions and consider factors such as digitalization, internationalization, and sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies into the educational process and preparing students for future challenges.
S.V. Khristolyubov added that global trends include the development of online education, the creation of interdisciplinary programs, and increased attention to research activities. "Modern universities must be flexible and adaptable to meet the demands of the modern era and students' expectations," - he noted.
Transformation into Research Universities Using the Example of KazNARU
Rector A.K. Kurishbayev shared his experience of transforming KazNARU into a research university. He spoke about the university's development strategy, which includes strengthening the research base, attracting highly qualified scientists, and creating modern laboratories. This approach aims to improve the quality of education and significantly contribute to the development of science and technology.
"We strive to create conditions for conducting advanced research and innovation that will benefit not only our country but the whole world," - said the rector. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and experience exchange for the successful implementation of this strategy.
Results of the Meeting and Plans for the Future
The meeting concluded with a discussion of future plans and joint initiatives. The parties agreed on the need for ongoing cooperation and the use of "big data" - including that collected by QS - to optimize university development planning.
Additionally, they discussed the importance of focusing more on research and practical work in sustainable development, water management, and climate research. A.K. Kurishbayev noted that KazNARU is actively working on projects aimed at solving environmental problems and introducing smart green technologies in agriculture.
S.V. Khristolyubov expressed his readiness to support KazNARU's initiatives and provide access to international resources and experts. He also emphasized the importance of strategic planning and monitoring progress to achieve the goals.
In conclusion, Rector Kurishbayev expressed gratitude to Sergey Khristolyubov for the visit and fruitful cooperation. "We appreciate your attention to our achievements and aspirations. Your support and experience will help us reach new heights and significantly contribute to the development of global education and science," - said A.K. Kurishbayev.
Summing Up
The meeting between Rector Akylbek Kurishbayev and QS Regional Director Sergey Khristolyubov marked an important step towards strengthening international cooperation and integrating KazNARU into the global academic community. Discussing the impact of international rankings, global trends in education, and university transformation allowed the participants to exchange valuable experiences and outline prospects for further development. This collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to the university's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and research, fostering a more globally connected academic community.
KazNARU Press Office
