On May 6th, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a new law that introduced amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of Kazakhstan related to science and education. This move is aimed at improving the financial status of educators and researchers in the country.
Under this law, a monthly salary supplement will be provided to individuals with specific academic degrees and titles. Those with degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Science, Candidate of Sciences, and the academic title of Associate Professor will receive additional payments ranging from 92,300 tenge (US$210) to 184,600 tenge ($419).
Scientists conducting research at their primary workplaces will also receive monthly stipends. Scholarships funded by the investment income of higher and postgraduate education institutions’ endowment fund for promising young scientists under the age of 40 will also be available.
The second aspect of the amendments focuses on educational benefits for military personnel. Quotas have been set up for educational grants to support their training at higher education and postgraduate institutions after completing their mandatory military service.
The third part of the legislative changes addresses projects aimed at commercializing scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities. This move aims to encourage private sector investment in scientific research and development.
In the fourth segment, local executive bodies have been given responsibilities to implement state policies concerning science and scientific activities in their regions. The focus here is on creating favorable environments to support advancements in these fields, including providing resources and funding for research projects.