Kozybayev University Strengthens International Cooperation with Northwest A&F University

Professor Zhang Joliang, PhD, from Northwest A&F University in China has arrived at Kozybayev University, accompanied by six students from the same university participating in an academic mobility program.

Professor Joliang’s visit has been organized within the framework of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s program for attracting foreign scholars to the country’s universities. The visit is aimed at delivering lectures for students of the Agrarian Faculty, conducting seminars for faculty members to enhance their qualifications, organizing joint events, and providing information and consulting support to researchers on scientific and research activities.

This is not Professor Zhang Joliang’s first visit to Kozybayev University. Previously, he joined the team of researchers working on the project “Development and implementation of high-tech solutions for monitoring, purification, and rational use of water resources in the North Kazakhstan region to ensure public health.” A new important stage now lies ahead. At present, we are preparing technical specifications for a joint project that we plan to submit for program-targeted funding. The project will focus on establishing a genetic resource center for dairy cattle, which will improve the quality of the livestock cluster in the country’s northern region. It is encouraging to see strong support both from local executive authorities and Chinese companies.

Overall, for more than 10 years, Kozybayev University has been successfully building a strategic partnership with Northwest A&F University in Yangling, China, within the framework of the international Belt and Road Initiative. Over the years, this collaboration has grown into a full-fledged academic and scientific partnership.

We are implementing two joint double-degree programs in the agricultural field. At this very moment, two master’s students enrolled in these programs are studying in China.

Academic mobility has also become one of the key areas of cooperation. Over the years of partnership, around 100 undergraduate and graduate students from China have studied at our university, while 30 Kozybayev University students have studied at the Chinese university. Currently, another 35 students are gaining knowledge at Northwest A&F University. We are pleased to welcome a new group of students from China. They will stay here for three months and, in addition to their academic studies, will engage in research activities and visit agricultural producers of the North Kazakhstan region.

Northwest A&F University is among China’s key universities, supported by national higher education development programs and renowned for its strong scientific schools in genetics and crop breeding, plant protection, agricultural biotechnology, water resource management, and animal husbandry. It is one of China’s largest scientific and educational centers for agricultural science. We are conducting substantial joint research in food security, agronomy, plant breeding, water resources, and other areas highly relevant to Northern Kazakhstan.

The cooperation between our universities is long-term and comprehensive in nature.