On May 6, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law “On introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts of Kazakhstan on issues of science and education.” The bill aims to improve the financial well-being of educators and researchers in the country.
The law includes several key amendments aimed at recognizing the expertise and contributions of educators and researchers in the field. Those with degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Science, and Candidate of Sciences, as well as the academic title of Associate Professor, will receive additional monthly salary supplements ranging from 92,300 tenge ($210) to 184,600 tenge ($419). Similarly, scientists actively engaged in research at their primary workplaces will also receive similar monthly stipends.
Young scientists under 40 will have the opportunity to receive scholarships funded by the investment income of the endowment fund of higher and postgraduate education institutions. These provisions are designed to promote scientific research and innovation among young scientists.
Furthermore, the amendments address commercialization of scientific and technical outcomes financed by business entities. The aim is to improve legislation to facilitate projects that translate research into practical applications for society and economy. This provision is expected to foster innovation in different sectors such as agriculture, industry, health care among others.
Lastly, the law empowers local executive bodies with responsibility for implementing state policies related to science and scientific activities within their regions. They are tasked with creating favorable environments for advancing science and innovation contributing significantly towards overall development of country’s scientific landscape. This move is expected promote scientific research across different parts of Kazakhstan which would ultimately lead to better educated population contributing towards economic growth.
Overall this legislation demonstrates government’s commitment towards promoting academic excellence while ensuring sustainable economic growth through effective implementation policies on science & technology sector.
