Toqayev Acknowledges Setbacks in Science, Highlights Reforms

During a meeting with researchers ahead of Science Workers’ Day, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev acknowledged that the domestic scientific sector has been underprioritized in recent years and noted the presence of corruption within the field, Orda.kz reports.

He stated that the number of scientists in Kazakhstan has decreased threefold, which has negatively affected the country’s intellectual capacity.

The President also mentioned growing concerns about integrity in the sector, citing the case of "a well-known academic who headed the 'Parasat' holding, essentially looted it, and fled abroad with his family after acquiring U.S. citizenship."

While Toqayev did not name the individual, the reference appears to be to Nuraly Bekturganov — former Minister of Education and Science (2000–2002), Doctor of Technical Sciences, professor, and laureate of two state science and technology awards.

From 2008 to 2013, Bekturganov chaired the board of the National Scientific and Technical Center “Parasat.” As of 2023, both he and his son Aidoss were listed as board members of the New Generation Foundation, a U.S.-registered nonprofit based in Las Vegas, which funds Nazarbayev University and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools.

Toqayev emphasized, however, that efforts are now underway to reform and modernize the scientific system. He highlighted the recent adoption of the Law "On Science and Technological Policy" and the reorganization of the Academy of Sciences, which was officially dissolved at the end of March 2025.

The document includes provisions aimed at improving the science management model and defining social support measures for scientists. Overall, the law is designed to protect the interests of citizens working in the scientific field,
Toqayev said. 

As part of the occasion, Toqayev awarded several researchers with state honors. Four received the “Parasat” order, 15 received the “Qurmet” order, six were recognized with the “Yeren Yeńbegi Úshin” medal, and two scientists were granted the honorary title of “Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Kazakhstan.”

The President also touched on growing turbulence in global markets caused by recent tariff disputes. Citing expert opinions, he warned that the current situation could signal a broader economic storm.

According to Toqayev, these "everyone-against-everyone" tariff conflicts are disrupting global production and trade chains and causing market instability — which inevitably affects Kazakhstan.

He urged calm and resilience:

Although a 90-day moratorium on higher tariffs is currently in place, the market remains extremely unstable. We are working on mitigating the consequences of this economic storm for Kazakhstan’s economy. But there is no reason to panic. We have always overcome challenges by focusing on our priorities. Unfavorable external conditions will not stop us from pursuing our declared development agenda,
he stated. 

Toqayev reaffirmed that Kazakhstan will continue to implement its priority infrastructure projects fully, referencing his directive to the government on April 9 to finalize an action plan in response to current economic turbulence.

In today’s environment, competition for investment will intensify. We must be in top form. We need to stay pragmatic and confident, and prepare for any scenario. Crises, as you know, reveal whether a leader has real business acumen. All of this matters for maintaining economic resilience in the face of external shocks,
he added. 

He concluded that a country with a strong scientific foundation will be able to withstand any challenge.

Original Author: Aliya Askarova