ASTANA – Kazakhstan and CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research and a leading global center for particle physics, are advancing a new mechanism that will enable Kazakh scientists to participate in CERN research experiments and scientific internships.
This was discussed at a meeting between acting Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek and CERN Director-General Mark Thomson, reported the ministry’s press service on Aug. 31. The officials discussed next steps to expand scientific and technological cooperation, focusing on high-energy physics, fundamental science and training highly qualified scientific and engineering personnel.
Kazakhstan and CERN’s partnership is based on an international cooperation agreement signed in 2018. A draft protocol to the agreement has been developed to provide a practical framework for Kazakh scientists’ participation in CERN’s scientific experiments and research programs.
The proposed mechanism will allow Kazakh researchers to undertake scientific internships and participate in CERN research through the Bolashak International Scholarship Center’s Scientific Internships program. The initiative is expected to strengthen the expertise of Kazakh specialists, expand international research cooperation and provide new opportunities for domestic scientists to work alongside leading researchers at one of the world’s major scientific centers.
The initiative also aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to connect its universities and researchers with global scientific networks. In a 2025 interview with The Astana Times, Nurbek said international and Kazakh academics were increasingly working together on joint research projects, international grant competitions and the development of new laboratories, helping strengthen the country’s access to global research networks.
“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the task of training domestic engineering and technical personnel in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, taking into account the prospects for Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry,” Nurbek said. He noted that Kazakhstan is transforming its scientific ecosystem and introducing a new model of science management focused on applying research results and their contribution to the economy.
Nurbek also highlighted Kazakhstan’s expanding international partnerships in science and higher education, including cooperation under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program. “Against this backdrop, cooperation with CERN is of particular importance,” he said.
The officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership, noting its potential to advance fundamental science, develop scientific and engineering expertise and expand opportunities for Kazakh researchers.