Ministry of Research and Innovations

🌍 Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 | Fully Funded Fellowship The Hurford Youth Fellows Program 2027 offers young leaders worldwide an opportunity to conduct independent research and gain professional experience in Washington, D.C.! Location: Washington, D.C., USA Duration: May 1 – August 31, 2027 (4 months) Funding: Fully Funded Deadline: November 30, 2026 What’s Covered? • Round-trip economy-class airfare • Monthly stipend for accommodation and living expenses • Basic health insurance • Networking with policymakers, NGOs, universities, and democracy experts What Will You Do? Selected fellows will conduct their own research projects focused on democracy and civil society, participate in seminars and roundtables, and develop a practical output such as a policy guide, toolkit, podcast, or digital resource. Eligibility Requirements: • Aged 30 or under • Open to applicants worldwide, including Kazakhstan • Experience in democracy, human rights, civic engagement, or youth initiatives • A research idea addressing challenges in your country or region • No minimum educational qualification required Only up to 3 fellows will be selected worldwide! Apply here: https://www.ned.org/fellowships/hurford-youth-fellows-program/

Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 Interested in climate policy, sustainability, or international relations? The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), together with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, is inviting applications for its Climate Leadership Programme! The programme will select 8 young climate leaders for an intensive learning and networking experience, including a fully funded week in Brussels. 📌 What to expect: - Online masterclasses and skills training (December 2026 – February 2027) - Sessions on EU climate governance, diplomacy, policy writing, and communication - A week in Brussels (28 February – 6 March 2027) - Participation in the CEPS Ideas Lab (4–5 March 2027) - Travel, visa, and accommodation expenses covered for the Brussels week 👥 Who can apply? Applicants must be 20–30 years old, actively involved in climate policy, advocacy, or entrepreneurship, and have a specific climate-related initiative, such as a policy proposal, advocacy campaign, or business venture. 🎓 Relevant fields: Political Science & International Relations, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics, Law, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship. Deadline: 10 November 2026, 23:59 CET 🔗 Apply here: https://www.ceps.eu/ceps-news/call-for-applications-climate-leadership-programme/

CALL FOR PAPERS | CASSConf2027 Interested in presenting your research in the social sciences and humanities? The Central Asian Social Sciences Research Conference 2027 (CASSConf2027) invites high school students and early undergraduate researchers to submit their work to a peer-reviewed academic conference! 🎓 Conference Theme: “Architecting Academic Cooperation Across Disciplines and Nations in Times of Uncertainty” 📌 Conference Details: Date: January 12, 2027 Location: Almaty Management University (AlmaU), Kazakhstan Format: Hybrid (in-person & Zoom) 👥 Who Can Apply? High school students and early undergraduate researchers interested in social sciences and humanities. Abstract Submission Deadline: December 1, 2026 Conference Details & Submission Information: https://caass-edu.github.io/CASSResearchConference2027/

Dear students, We are starting soon in several minutes. Come join our info session! It will be super helpful! 💙

🚀 OPEN CALL | CENTRAL ASIA POLICY BRIEF BOOTCAMP 2026 Interested in turning your academic research into real-world policy impact? The SDU Central Asian Research Center (CARC), in partnership with Heartland Analytical Center, invites young researchers to join the Central Asia Policy Brief Bootcamp 2026! 📚 What does the programme offer? • 3-day intensive training in policy analysis and policy brief writing • 5 months of individual mentorship with policy experts • Professional editorial support and potential publication in the CARC Policy Brief Series Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students from all academic disciplines. No prior policy analysis experience required. Location: SDU University, Kaskelen, Kazakhstan Bootcamp: November–December 2026 Application Deadline: November 8, 2026 Participation Fee: FREE 🔗 Apply here: Application Form

Dear students, A friendly reminder that our second Research for Smarties session is happening TOMORROW Oct 28th at 17:00! 🎤 Meet our speakers: 🔹 Sayat Abdikul (4th year Computer Science): Hardware Design/Verification Engineer and Researcher at TEXER.AI; One Student One Chip trainee in Shenzhen China. 🔹 Meruyert Askhat (2nd year Doctor of Medicine): systematic review researcher; Lab Assistant at NLA; Mangystau Regional Healthcare Department intern; Honors in multiple MD courses & tips 📍 Venue: 7E.529 🕔 Time: 17:00 📝 Register here: Registration Form Join us to hear about their experiences and explore research opportunities at the intersection of tech and medicine. See you there! Warmest regards, Ministry of Research & Innovations 💙

Dear students, 🔔 Friendly Reminder: Research for Smarties is TODAY at 18:00! ✨ Before the main speakers’ presentations, MRI will share useful insights on becoming a Research Assistant (RA) at NU, including how to apply, the benefits, paid opportunities, and more. 🎓 Freshmen, don’t miss this chance! If you haven’t registered yet, sign up here: https://forms.gle/pvh5yvwgayAxg5b36 See you today at 18:00, Room 7E.529 🚀

Dear Students, We want to directly address the post recently published by the Ministry of Research and Innovations regarding the START 2027 internship program at JINR in Russia. We sincerely apologize for sharing this announcement. The opportunity was initially shared due to the institute’s formal scientific partnerships, but we did not take into account the background of the institute, including its affiliations. It was a mistake in our review process, and we take full responsibility for it. The post has already been deleted. Moving forward, we will review all external opportunities far more carefully to ensure that a mistake like this does not happen again. We are truly sorry for the distress this caused, and we appreciate the students who brought this to our attention. Representing and supporting our student body is always our highest priority, and we remain committed to keeping your trust. Sincerely, Student Government

Fully Funded Research Internship in Russia — START 2027! The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) is accepting applications for the START (Student Advanced Research Training) Winter Session 2027, offering students the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience alongside scientists and engineers in an international team. 📍 Location: Dubna, Russia 📅 Program Dates: February–June 2027 (6–8 weeks) 💰 Funding: Fully funded ⏰ Deadline: October 16, 2026 What does the funding cover? - Round-trip travel from your home or university city - Accommodation - Visa and insurance reimbursement - Daily allowance of 2,000 RUB Who can apply? Students who have completed their third year of a bachelor's degree, master's students, and first-year PhD students. Open to applicants from all countries. Relevant fields: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and related STEM disciplines. What to expect? Participants spend 6–8 weeks working on real scientific and engineering projects under the supervision of JINR researchers, gaining practical laboratory experience and international research exposure. 🔗 Apply here: http://uc.jinr.ru/ru/arhiv-news/904-otkryt-prijom-zayavok-na-zimnyuyu-sessiyu-start-2027

Dear students! We are glad to invite you to join Research for Smarties 🔬, a two-part speaker series by the Ministry of Research & Innovations on research, internships, and international opportunities! ✨ What you'll learn: - 🔬 Getting started with research - 🌍 Finding internships and exchanges abroad - 💼 Building a standout CV - ⚖️ Balancing research and coursework - 💬 Live Q&A 📌 PART 1 | October 19, 18:00 Research & international opportunities 🎤 Aidana Yerkin (Political Science & International Relations) — PaperLab, Carleton University & HKU 🎤 Aiziya Paizulla (Biological Sciences) — Max Planck Institute, UTMB, FU Berlin & iGEM Gold Medalist 📌 PART 2 | October 28, 17:00 Research in tech & medicine 🎤 Sayat Abdikul (Computer Science) — Hardware Design Engineer & One Student One Chip Trainee (China) 🎤 Meruyert Askhat (Medical Doctor, MD) — Capstone Researcher, MD experience & tips 🌟 Don’t miss your chance! 📍 Room 7E.529 📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/pvh5yvwgayAxg5b36

🔬 Ministry of Research & Innovation | NU Student Government Welcome to the official space of the Ministry of Research & Innovation (MRI). Our goal is to make research at NU more accessible, transparent, and student-oriented. 📖 MRI Handbook (2026 | 2027) A quick guide to MRI, our initiatives, resources, and how students can engage with research at NU. 📊 Full Action Plan (2026 | 2027) Explore our full list of projects, priorities, timelines, and goals for the academic year. 💬 Feedback & Research Issues Share research-related problems, suggestions, or ideas. We regularly review submissions and use them to improve the student research experience. 👥 Research Peers Group A student community for discussing research, sharing opportunities and experiences, asking questions, and learning from other NU researchers. We encourage you to use this channel not only to follow opportunities, but also to share your ideas and tell us what can be improved. Instagram Follow us for announcements, opportunities, events, and research updates. 📩 Contact us: ministry.innovations@nu.edu.kz

🔬 RA Bootcamp Series is back! Join four practical sessions led by the NU Library team and strengthen the skills you need for research, RA work, and academic projects. 📍 Location: 5E.438 Active Learning Room October 12 | 4:00–6:00 PM Navigating Research Resources October 13 | 6:00–7:45 PM Research Methodologies: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Bibliometric Approaches October 16 | 4:00–6:00 PM Finding and Managing Research Data October 19 | 6:00–7:45 PM Publishing Your Research in Open Access ☕ Coffee, snacks, and drinks will be provided for registered participants on October 19. 👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/a4zGPtBPWLnFvdDU9 If you want to build stronger research skills and feel more confident working on academic projects, we highly encourage you to join!

📢 Call for Papers: Green Corridors, Contested Ground: Infrastructure, Power and Sustainability in Central Asia and Mongolia Format: Two-day in-person workshop in Nuremberg, Germany Dates: April 15–16, 2027 About the workshop: The workshop examines how infrastructure projects and different financing arrangements affect land, water, livelihoods, and local communities across Central Asia and Mongolia. Particular attention is given to questions of just transition, human rights, participation, and access to remedy. Possible topics include: • Human rights in infrastructure finance • Just transition: critical minerals, hydropower, nuclear energy, and renewables • Soviet-era infrastructure legacies • Shifting trade and transit corridors since 2022 • Project life-cycle risks • Participation and access to remedy • Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) • Second World approaches to international law • Infrastructure, power, and sustainability in Central Asia and Mongolia Who can apply: Researchers from any discipline are welcome. The workshop may be particularly relevant for students and researchers in international relations, political science, law, economics, development studies, environmental studies, geography, sociology, anthropology, and related fields. Workshop format: • 15–20 participants • No parallel sessions • Each paper will receive a dedicated discussant • Extended papers may later be considered for publication in an edited volume or special issue Funding: • Accommodation is provided • Travel costs are covered either fully or up to 50%, depending on the circumstances 📅 Deadline: November 15, 2026 🔗 Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedTEy3LJ8uGV5zHlCbikTHccSOKHJGZcXFjRfFB4wy_L-PRQ/viewform

🔬 What is currently not working well with research at NU? MRI is conducting a short survey to better understand the main challenges students face when engaging in research. We would really appreciate it if you could share your feedback through this Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVYyyNRSSRI_VgPDQ8--VfwuPvtKOYkVUyWslgPMBiWc3ciw/viewform We will review the responses regularly and update the form every month to track recurring issues.Your feedback will directly help us shape future research initiatives for NU students.

6th Asian Economic Development Conference 2027 — Call for Papers 📍 Singapore The conference invites submissions of original, unpublished research papers on economic development in Asia and the Pacific. Topics include: • Agriculture and rural development • Health and education • Labor markets and gender • Poverty and inequality • Climate change and environment • Macroeconomics and finance • Regional integration • Infrastructure • Digital economy • Governance • Private sector development • Behavioral and experimental economics Relevant majors: Economics, Public Policy, Finance, Political Science & International Relations, Data Science/Statistics, Environmental Studies, and related fields. Funding: Participants whose papers are accepted for the main AEDC 2027 conference are generally responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and related expenses. However, selected papers may be invited to a Mini Symposium of the Asian Development Review. Authors selected for the Mini Symposium will receive an official invitation, and travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the organizers. ⏰ Deadline: January 15, 2027, 11:59 PM (UTC+8) 🔗 Apply: https://adb.eventsair.com/asian-economic-development-conference-2027/call-for-papers/Site/Register 📖 Application guidelines: https://adb.eventsair.com/asian-economic-development-conference-2027

💼 She’s Next Grant Program for Women — Empowered by Visa Description: A business competition for women aged 18+ who are citizens of Kazakhstan. Participants can apply with a business or project in one of four categories: • Existing Business • Start-up Business • IT Business • Inclusive Business 🏆 Prize: • 5.5 million KZT — Start-up Business & IT Business • 11 million KZT — Existing Business & Inclusive Business Prize amounts are before tax. Majors: Open to all majors; particularly relevant for students interested in business, economics, entrepreneurship, and IT. Eligibility: Female citizens of Kazakhstan aged 18+. Applicants must have a qualifying business or business project. ⚠️ Important: The Inclusive Business category is only available to applicants who already have an operating business at the time of application. 📅 Registration deadline: November 8, 2026 📝 Business plan submission: November 23 – December 13, 2026 🔗 Application: https://shesnext.kz/kz

🚀 Yessenov Launch Pad 2026 Yessenov Launch Pad is a grant competition supporting additional professional development through hard-skill and/or soft-skill training, including courses, certifications, and other educational programs. Training can be completed online or offline and may last up to 10 months. 💰 Funding: 10 grants of 600,000 KZT each will be awarded. 🎓 Eligible fields: • Natural sciences • Mathematics • Engineering, manufacturing and construction • Healthcare and medicine 📌 Selection process: Applicants are required to submit: • an essay • a CV • supporting documents Shortlisted candidates will proceed to an interview stage. 📅 Deadline: October 14, 2026 🔗 Application: https://yessenovfoundation.org/en/about-us/programs/resources/yessenov-launch-pad/%D2%9Baz-yessenov-launch-pad-2026/ 📄 Application guidelines: https://yessenovfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/provisions.pdf

Dear students, 📢 The Ministry of Research & Innovations is looking for NU students to share their research experiences! We’re looking for students from all majors and schools with RA experience or other research-related experiences and achievements. ✨ This is your chance to share your experience and have your research journey highlighted to the NU community and inspire other students to get involved in research. If you’re interested, please fill out this short form 👇 https://forms.gle/hBz6xdv72Z9qebGp7 Warmest regards, Ministry of Research and Innovations

🌿 Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) — Small Grants Program for Central Asia Global Greengrants Fund is offering small grants to support environmental initiatives and grassroots organizations in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.The program supports projects focused on environmental protection, climate action, and environmental justice. 📌 Priority Areas: • Biodiversity and natural resource conservation • Climate change adaptation and renewable energy • Environmental safety and monitoring • Environmental rights and public participation • Cross-border environmental cooperation • Public awareness campaigns and coalition-building 💵 Grant Opportunities: • In-country projects: up to $7,000 • Regional (multi-country) projects: up to $15,000 • Travel grants: up to $4,000 👥 Eligibility: Environmental NGOs and grassroots initiative groups in Central Asia. 📅 Application Deadline: October 2, 2026, at 24:00 (Almaty time). 🔗 Apply here: https://smallgrantca.org/