"We Made Many Systemic Mistakes": Academics Back Toqayev’s Recent Comments

"Zhana Kazakhstan" will now have its own "Zhana Academy of Sciences" — one that promises to leave behind corruption and fraudulent management practices. Orda.kz explores how the current leadership of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) under the President of Kazakhstan plans to correct the mistakes of the past.

Today, members of the NAS gathered for a ceremonial event marking the Day of the Science Worker. The celebration included an exhibition, awards for distinguished scientists, and the presentation of housing certificates to young researchers.

In a symbolic gesture, a "Satpayev's Sakura" tree was planted in the academy's courtyard.

Speaking to journalists, Akhylbek Kurishbayev, President of the NAS, expressed support for President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev’s recent remarks about mismanagement in the field and the problem of so-called “impostor” academicians.

At one point, we allowed many systemic gaps and mistakes in the scientific sphere. The main task of the Academy, as the country’s leading scientific institution, is to openly admit these problems, to speak about them honestly. Not to hide them behind polished presentations, as we sometimes do, but rather work to correct past mistakes — starting with eliminating systemic gaps.said Akhylbek Kurishbayev. 

Kurishbayev also emphasized that in a professional scientific community, it is unacceptable for businessmen, oligarchs, politicians, or civil servants with questionable scientific credentials to be granted the title of academician.

Just yesterday, the President reminded us that in the history of the Academy, there have been cases where corrupt officials were elected as academicians — people accused of embezzling public funds, some of whom are still on the run. Among those elected are individuals facing charges of corruption and fraud. This is absolutely unacceptable. The whole families were elected: father – academician, son – academician, daughter – academician, sister – academician. It’s absurd. Therefore, the new Academy, the same one that is now called the Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is firmly opposed to such practices. We’ve submitted our proposals, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education is now drafting clear regulations with strict rules and criteria for the selection of academicians,"said Akhilbek Kurishbayev. 

We asked Kurishbayev what mechanisms the scientific community proposes to prevent a repeat of the past issues.

You’ll hear about it later. If it appears in the open press, it’ll be heard,he replied curtly. 

We then spoke with Ismail Tokbergenov, the Chief Scientific Secretary of the NAS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to understand what the Academy's new status means:

It is the status of the highest scientific organization that ensures its autonomy. It is independent in conducting examinations, assessments, and financing. In other words, It is a body that can make objective judgments, regardless of ministries, authorized bodies for science and industry departments.Ismail Tokbergenov emphasized. 

According to him, if the Academy’s current proposals are adopted, the NAS will operate more transparently, unite scientists from across Kazakhstan, and involve international experts.

In some areas, we plan to elect foreign members to the Academy—this is standard global practice. They’ll be able to submit proposals, attend general assemblies, and even participate in decision-making,Tokbergenov said. 

On April 10, during the presentation of state awards, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev strongly criticized the current state of science in Kazakhstan. Orda.kz previously covered the growing tension between the two National Academies of Sciences and wrote in detail about the Academy once packed with members of the Nazarbayev family. 

Notably, on March 28, the Republican Public Association "National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan" announced its dissolution.

Original Author: Alexandra Mokhireva