On May 30, 2025, in Astana, within the framework of the Astana International Forum 2025 (AIF-2025), a significant bilateral meeting took place between the President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NAS RK), Academician Akhylbek Kurishbayev, and the President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), Professor Evelina Slavcheva.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged information about the current activities of their respective academies.
Professor Slavcheva provided a detailed overview of BAS as Bulgaria’s leading scientific institution, comprising 42 research institutes and several centers. She emphasized the importance of aligning the appointment of institute directors with the BAS Presidium to ensure strong strategic governance.
Academician Kurishbayev shared the long-standing legacy of NAS RK, noting the contribution of the renowned scientist Kanysh Satpayev, and highlighted that in December 2024, the Academy was officially granted the status of the country’s HIGHEST SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATION.
He briefed Professor Slavcheva on key areas of the Academy’s focus: scientific expertise, foresight research, digitalization, and the integration of artificial intelligence, referencing key national priorities set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Particular attention was given to green energy, digital transformation in agriculture, and nuclear energy cooperation. Professor Slavcheva shared Bulgaria’s experience in the nuclear energy sector.
Among the practical proposals from the Bulgarian side were:
Doctoral exchange programs
Joint implementation of scientific projects
Exchange of experience in academy–government collaboration
The two academies agreed to develop a Joint Action Plan under the existing Memorandum of Cooperation, which will include:
An online conference with sectoral specialists, vice presidents, and institute directors
A joint protocol that will guide the practical implementation of their shared initiatives
A bilateral working group to oversee implementation, especially in the agricultural sector
Professor Slavcheva extended a formal invitation to Professor Kurishbayev to visit BAS in Bulgaria for further collaboration and to engage with the Bulgarian scientific community.
Both parties expressed strong interest in fostering cooperation in priority areas such as:
Green energy
Artificial intelligence
Agricultural research
Climate technologies
Scientific personnel training
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening scientific ties between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria, paving the way for joint responses to global challenges.
