Tokayev Criticized the Effectiveness of Science Funding in Kazakhstan

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that science financing in Kazakhstan is failing to deliver meaningful results. Despite a sharp increase in spending, scientific projects have produced little practical return, Orda.kz reports.

The head of state noted that funding for science has risen significantly over the past six years.

However, according to Tokayev, these investments have not produced real results. He also said that the Prosecutor General’s Office had uncovered numerous financial violations in the relevant ministry and the Science Foundation, identifying problems at every stage, from the accreditation of grant recipients to project implementation.

In my understanding, science and corruption are antagonisms; they should not stand together. the president said. 

According to Tokayev, the system lacks clear oversight mechanisms, while the focus has shifted toward spending funds rather than ensuring the practical use of scientific work. At the same time, expert evaluations are delayed and project launches are disrupted. The president criticized the work of the Science Foundation, noting that of more than 3,000 applied scientific projects, only 193 produced results suitable for commercialization, and just 29 reached the market.

He also said that investigators had uncovered cases in which grant money was transferred to employees of specialized organizations. As a result of the inspection, 11 criminal cases are now under investigation.

Tokayev stressed that scientific developments must have practical value and be introduced into the economy. He also called for stronger oversight, greater transparency, and an end to the formalistic approach to science development.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

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