President Tokayev Signs Law Amending Kazakhstan’s Legislative Acts in Science and Education to Boost Educator and Researcher Pay, Promote Educational Benefits for Military Personnel and Foster Innovation
On May 6, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law introducing amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of Kazakhstan related to science and education. The changes aim to improve the financial status of educators and researchers in the country, enhance educational benefits for military personnel, commercialise scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities, and provide local executive bodies with responsibilities to implement state policies concerning science and scientific activities in their regions.
The first set of amendments provides monthly salary supplements to individuals with specific academic degrees and titles. Those with 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). Additionally, scientists conducting research at their primary workplaces will receive monthly stipends, with scholarships funded by the investment income of higher and postgraduate education institutions’ endowment fund for promising young scientists under the age of 40.
The second aspect of the amendments focuses on educational benefits for military personnel. Quotas have been set for educational grants to support their training at higher education and postgraduate institutions after completing their mandatory military service. This measure aims to improve their prospects after serving in the military.
The third part of the legislative changes addresses projects aimed at commercializing scientific and technical outcomes funded by business entities. This includes measures that encourage businesses to invest in research projects that have potential commercial applications. By doing so, Kazakhstan can foster innovation and create new job opportunities in various sectors.
Finally, local executive bodies have been given responsibilities to implement state policies concerning science and scientific activities in their regions. This includes creating favorable environments that support advancements in these fields. By doing so, Kazakhstan can encourage research collaborations between universities and businesses in different regions of the country.
Overall, these amendments demonstrate President Tokayev’s commitment towards promoting science and education in Kazakhstan. They aim to create a conducive environment that supports researchers’ professional growth while also promoting innovative research projects that benefit society as a whole.
