On March 13, 2024, the first working meeting of the Presidium of the Council of Young Scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan took place at Maqsut Narikbayev University. The meeting was attended by members of the Council Presidium, the new Vice President of the Academy of Sciences, renowned scientist Dos Sarbasov, and Chairman of the Committee for social and cultural development of Mazhilis of Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askhat Aimagambetov.
In his speech, Vice President of the Academy of Sciences Dos Sarbasov emphasized the importance of the draft law «On Science and Technology Policy» for the future of science in Kazakhstan and outlined the role of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan as the highest scientific organization. A package of proposals for amendments and additions regarding the National Academy of Sciences was presented for discussion to Askhat Aimagambetov. In turn, the Chairman of the Committee for social and cultural development of Mazhilis of Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Askhat Aimagambetov, stressed that the draft law aims to stimulate the development of science and increase the efficiency of scientific and technical activities in Kazakhstan. The plan includes providing tax and investment incentives for private investments in research, scientific and technical work, experimental design work, and commercialization projects of scientific and technical activities. Additionally, Askhat Aimagambetov mentioned new norms initiated by deputies in the current law «On Science,» which expand social guarantees for scientists.
The main agenda item of the Presidium meeting was the discussion of the draft Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Science and Technology Policy.» The Council proposed to the Mazhilis deputies to introduce the concept of «young scientist» into the draft law, in line with international scientific practice standards, and norms to ensure the protection of rights, promote the interests of young scientists, and facilitate their professional career growth and scientific potential realization. Today, the term «young scientist» is used without definition in the law on science and other subordinate acts. However, there is an annual grant funding competition for fundamental and applied research projects for young scientists. The term «young scientist» is also repeatedly used in the President’s directives to the Government, for example, in allocating 1,000 grants for research within the framework of the «Zhas Galym» (young scientists) project or involving young scientists in the activities of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Council and Advisor to the President of the National Academy of Sciences, M.K. Zhabagin, noted that according to the European Research Council, the ERC Starting Grants use the criterion: «2-7 years of experience after completing a PhD (excluding up to 18 months for each child for childcare).» The World Association of Young Scientists defines the age for its members as 40 years. Based on this international practice, global trends, and domestic experience, it is proposed to introduce the definition: «a young scientist is a natural person up to 40 years old (up to 44 years for life and health sciences), with no more than 10 years of scientific and pedagogical experience after receiving a PhD or equivalent (excluding up to 18 months for each child for childcare for mothers and single fathers), engaged in scientific research and obtaining results of scientific and/or scientific-technical activities.» If the definition of a young scientist is supported and adopted into the law, it will be necessary to align the definitions of «scientist,» «leading scientist,» «scientific worker,» and introduce the concept of «researcher,» differing in qualification criteria corresponding to international educational and scientific practice standards. Currently, the law on science states: «a scientist is a natural person engaged in scientific research and obtaining results of scientific and/or scientific-technical activities.» Thus, any person without a scientific degree engaged in any research is recognized as a scientist, for example, a lab assistant. The Council proposed definitions for the concepts of «scientist,» «leading scientist,» «scientific worker,» «researcher.»
Additionally, the Council proposed other norms to address problematic issues in Kazakhstani science. For instance, the deadlines for conducting the State Scientific and Technical Expertise are not met annually, resulting in delayed funding for scientific projects and programs, shortened project timelines, and altered schedules, collectively affecting the quality of research results. It is proposed to legislatively establish deadlines and, consequently, direct responsibility for non-compliance. Specifically, articles 36 and 37 should be supplemented to state that the results of the program-targeted/grant funding competition must be posted on the internet resources of the authorized body or the sectoral authorized body that announced the competition «no later than 30 calendar days from the date of the competition announcement.»
At the Council meeting, the Young Scientists Ombudsman, Associate Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University, M.K. Khasenov, delivered an analytical report «On the Legal Status and Protection of the Rights of Young Scientists» and proposed supplementing the draft law with a new chapter «Status of Scientists and Scientific Workers.» The Council proposed measures to enhance the social protection of scientific workers, specifically regarding childcare leave, maintaining monthly allowances for degrees and academic titles for scientific workers.
The Council also approved its work plan for the year, including initiatives such as launching an online portal for young scientists, discussing proposals for developing a project to popularize science and a scientific journal for young scientists, establishing the «Best Council of Young Scientists of the Republic of Kazakhstan» award, participating in the preparation of the «Regulations on Young Scientists of the Republic of Kazakhstan» section for the National Science Report, and co-organizing the «Zhas Satpaevshy» Young Scientists Forum according to the nationwide plan for the 125th anniversary of academician Kanysh Satpayev. The Council will develop proposals for changes or additions to regulatory acts governing the scientific activities of young scientists. Council meetings will be held monthly. In this regard, the Council proposed to supplement the competencies of the National Academy of Sciences in the draft law «On Science and Technology Policy» with the point: «11) Conducts activities to promote the professional growth of young scientists and create conditions for them.» This norm aligns with the President’s directive to involve young scientists in the activities of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and will enable the implementation of young scientists’ initiatives. The Council of Young Scientists meeting was held in a hybrid format (offline/online).
