Quality education

At Atyrau University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov, a seminar titled “Fish Industry Trends and Innovations 2025: Key Takeaways from the Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia” was held. The purpose of the seminar was to introduce faculty members and students to the latest global trends and innovative practices in the fishery industry and to adapt these approaches to the development of the Atyrau region’s fisheries sector. The seminar also aimed to: discuss opportunities for dual education, double-degree programs, and continuing education between Atyrau University and профиль universities in Astrakhan; explore pathways for developing the regional fisheries sector in areas such as industrial aquaculture, conservation of natural fish stocks, fish product processing, and the prospects of implementing artificial intelligence technologies; identify актуальные research topics in fisheries and engage university researchers and students in scientific projects; highlight the специфики working conditions in the industry and enhance professional motivation among young people.

On December 5, 2026, fourth-year graduating students of the 6B05201 – Applied Ecology and 6B08401 – Fisheries programs participated in the Open Day held at the Zhaiyk–Caspian Basin Inspection, where they had a meaningful meeting with industry professionals. During the meeting, students became acquainted with: 🔹 the specifics of public service in the field of water resource protection and efficient management; 🔹 the main areas of the inspection’s activities; 🔹 the legal and regulatory framework of the sector; 🔹 current issues in environmental protection and fish resource conservation. This event broadened the graduates’ professional outlook and contributed to a better understanding of career opportunities in public service. Such practice-oriented meetings provide an important foundation for students’ development as future specialists. We express our gratitude to the Zhaiyk–Caspian Basin Inspection for their cooperation and for organizing the Open Day.

From December 1 to 8, 2025, faculty members of the Department of Ecology — PhD, Professor Zhanar Yesenamanova and Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Anar Tlepbergenova — completed an external academic mobility program at Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov. During the visit, the professors delivered a series of lectures for students majoring in Ecology, addressing current environmental issues in Western Kazakhstan, including anthropogenic pressure on ecosystems, the condition of the Caspian region, challenges of oil and gas extraction, and ways to minimize industrial environmental impact. Special attention was paid to transboundary environmental cooperation and sustainable natural resource management. The faculty members also presented the scientific and educational potential of Atyrau University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov, highlighting its academic programs, research projects, international initiatives, and opportunities for academic mobility for students and staff. Meetings were held with the Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Ecology and the Head of the Department of Ecology and Life Safety, Kobylov Ergash Egamberdievich. The discussions focused on prospects for developing joint educational programs, academic exchange, collaborative research, and increasing publication activity. Both sides expressed interest in expanding external academic mobility and implementing joint research projects in relevant environmental fields. On December 4, 2025, a meeting was held with the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Akhatov Akmal Rustamovich, during which strategic areas of cooperation between the two universities were discussed. The conversation covered partnership development in education, science, and innovation, participation in international grant programs, and the organization of joint scientific and practical conferences. On December 5, 2025, the faculty visited a university research laboratory and met with Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Izzatullaev Zuvaid Izzatullaevich, a renowned specialist in malacology. He has identified the complete species composition of Central Asian aquatic mollusks and described about 100 species new to science. He is the founder of the Uzbek school of malacologists. Currently, he leads grant-funded research projects, including studies and breeding of various leech species, including medicinal leeches, which are of interest in ecology, biotechnology, and medicine. The implementation of the external academic mobility program contributed to strengthening international academic ties, expanding scientific cooperation, exchanging professional experience, and developing inter-university partnerships. Such visits create a foundation for long-term collaboration, joint publications, research projects, and the training of competitive environmental specialists at the international level.

From December 1 to 5, 2025, Atyrau State University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov hosted PhD Nurgul Sharipkalievna Dzhanalieva, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Ecology and Life Safety at Caspian University of Technology and Engineering named after Sh. Yessenov (Yessenov University), within the framework of the academic mobility program. During her visit, Dr. Dzhanalieva delivered a lecture for second-year students of the educational program “6B05201 – Applied Ecology” in the course “Regulatory Framework for Waste Management.” The lecture topic was: “Determination of Gases Emitted from Waste by Gas Chromatography and Establishment of Permissible Disposal Standards.” The academic mobility program contributes to improving the quality of higher education, expanding professional exchange, and strengthening scientific and communication cooperation. This format provides significant benefits to both sides: students become acquainted with modern methods in their professional field and deepen their theoretical knowledge through practical examples, while faculty members exchange professional experience and lay the groundwork for the development of new research directions. Atyrau State University expresses its gratitude to Dr. Dzhanalieva for her informative lecture and her contribution to the development of environmental education.

Atyrau State University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov, within the framework of the academic mobility program, hosted PhD, Assistant Professor Eldar Zakharovich Bukaev from Caspian University of Technology and Engineering named after Sh. Yessenov (Yessenov University). From December 1 to 7, 2025, he delivered offline lectures for students of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Atyrau University. The main goal of the academic mobility program is to strengthen experience exchange between higher education institutions, introduce modern scientific approaches into the educational process, and create conditions for the professional development of faculty members. Such internships allow lecturers to share expertise in their discipline, test new pedagogical methods, and expand scientific collaboration. At the same time, the program provides students with the opportunity to study under a specialist from another university and gain an additional scientific perspective on the subject.

On October 26, 2024, to develop technical and engineering skills among youth in the Atyrau region, within the JasScience project and STEAM initiatives implemented jointly with Caravan of Knowledge, Eurasian Central-Asian Fund, and Chevron, the JasSpace Project Challenge 2024 innovation competition was held. Third-year students of the educational program “6B05201 – Applied Ecology” at Atyrau University named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov, Aliya Tezekbaeva and Araylym Adilbekova, participated in the competition. They presented a project focused on ecological innovation and sustainable development, earning 3rd place. The competition allowed students to develop teamwork, project-based thinking, and creative problem-solving skills for environmental challenges. In addition, the event fostered professional networking, knowledge exchange with experts, and prepared competitive specialists in ecology and sustainable development.

On December 5, 2024, a presentation of innovative projects and creative ideas by students of Atyrau University named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov was held for media representatives as part of the nationwide environmental campaign “Taza Kazakhstan.” The exhibition focused on solutions to environmental problems. The projects of the environmental club “Ecos,” especially the 2024 startup “Creating Products from Epoxy Resin Using Glass Waste,” demonstrate students’ active involvement in addressing pressing environmental issues in the region. This is an excellent demonstration of applying theoretical knowledge in practice and a significant contribution to the “Taza Kazakhstan” initiative. Project analysis: “Creating Products from Epoxy Resin Using Glass Waste” (2024 startup): This project is highly concrete and has strong potential for successful implementation. Using glass waste as a filler for epoxy resin is a promising direction. “Obtaining Sulfur Concrete from Sulfur Waste”: This project has great potential for the Atyrau region due to the presence of sulfur waste in the oil and gas sector. Key aspects include studying the strength and durability of the material and its cost compared to traditional concrete. “Producing Paving Stones from Cigarette Waste”: The project is innovative and addresses the problem of cigarette butt disposal. An important aspect is evaluating the environmental safety of the resulting material. “Producing Bioplastics”: Producing bioplastics from local raw materials has high potential for import substitution and reducing environmental impact. Key issues include selecting optimal raw materials and developing biodegradable plastic production technology. The success of the “Ecos” club projects can serve as a model for other students and promote environmentally responsible practices in society. Supporting these initiatives is an important step toward creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment in Kazakhstan.

Students of H. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University became winners of a debate tournament! At the republican “AMANAT CUP” debate tournament held in Astana, the “Kassirler” team, representing Atyrau region, won 3rd place in the Student League. The pride of the university — students Nurkhan Bermutkhanbet and Zhadira Kairatova. The winners were personally congratulated by the Chairman of the Board and Rector, Salamat Idrisov, who highly praised their achievement and wished them success in upcoming educational and intellectual competitions.

On January 11, 2023, within the framework of the methodological decade at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy held an educational and methodological seminar titled “Teacher Creativity: Exploring Through Innovation.” The main goal of the seminar was to enhance teachers’ professional skills, introduce modern pedagogical approaches (Lesson Study, flipped classroom, digital educational resources), and discuss effective ways of implementing them in the educational process. During the event, practical aspects of innovative teaching technologies were demonstrated, and methods aimed at increasing student engagement were widely discussed.

On January 9, 2023, a coaching session for young university teachers titled “The Role of Active and Interactive Teaching Methods in Developing Self-Education and Teamwork Skills” was organized by the Office of Retraining and Professional Development. Coaching is a process aimed at unlocking a person’s potential to maximize effectiveness and improve professional knowledge, acquired skills, and experience. Coaching does not directly teach; rather, it facilitates learning and development. Therefore, the main goal of the session was to enhance the pedagogical practice of our colleagues. The coaching session was conducted by Nursultanova G.Zh., Master of Social Sciences, Senior Lecturer, and Trainer. During the event, a step-by-step coaching process model was presented. After identifying key issues, team-building training sessions were organized according to the plan. The session covered teamwork, critical thinking technology, group research, experience exchange, video analysis, and feedback organization. Participants completed practical tasks based on their respective disciplines. As a result, young teachers gained a deeper understanding of the importance of modern teaching approaches and exchanged professional experience.

On September 7–9 of the 2023–2024 academic year, a training seminar for the university’s faculty members titled “21st Century Skills: New Trends in Education” was held. The event was organized by the Office of Retraining and Professional Development. The purpose of the seminar was to enhance the academic quality of educational programs, define professional requirements for modern educators, and discuss ways to integrate 21st century skills into the educational process. The program covered the professional competencies of modern teachers, innovative educational programs, hard skills and soft skills, as well as smart skills and self skills. The specifics of teaching new generations (Z and Alpha) were discussed, and practical training sessions were conducted. At the end of the seminar, a psychological training session was held, and participants provided feedback. The event was aimed at professional experience exchange and the development of modern competencies among faculty members.

On February 22–24, 2023, a methodological seminar titled “The Foundation of Education Quality Lies in Modern Approaches” was held at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University. The event was organized by the Office of Retraining and Professional Development for graduating students of pedagogical specialties. The purpose of the seminar was to develop lesson study and analysis skills, teach ways to implement modern teaching approaches into practice, and support the professional growth of future specialists. The program covered the “Flipped Classroom” technology, the “Lesson Study” method, approaches to researching learning activities, and issues of psychological and pedagogical competence of teachers. Participants combined theoretical knowledge with practice and organized a debate battle to discuss the importance of research in the educational process. The seminar contributed to shaping students’ professional perspectives and guided them in studying school practice. At the end of the event, participants shared their reflections and provided feedback.

In accordance with the 2023–2024 academic year plan, the final certification of the pedagogical retraining course was completed between April 22 and May 17. Course participants successfully passed their state examinations and confirmed their qualifications in the following educational programs: “Biology Teacher (6B01505)”; “Chemistry Teacher (Engineering Profile) (6B01504)”; “Geography and History Teacher (6B01510)”; “History Teacher, Research Historian, Humanities Lecturer (6B01601)”; “Fine Arts and Artistic Labor (6B01404)”; “Music Teacher, Supplementary Education Pedagogue (6B01403)”; “Kazakh Language and Literature Teacher (6B01701)”. In her concluding remarks for each specialty, G.Zh. Nursultanova, Head of the Office of Retraining and Professional Development, emphasized the importance of mastering 21st century skills in the modern education system. She highlighted that future teachers must not only provide knowledge but also guide learners in applying their knowledge in real-life situations. As a result of the final certification, the course participants demonstrated a deep understanding of the responsibility of the teaching profession and their readiness for professional practice.

On May 30, 2024, the one-year results of the joint project “Pedagogical Workshop,” implemented by Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University and the Atyrau Chemical-Biological Nazarbayev Intellectual School (a branch of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools JSC), were summarized. The project was launched in October 2023 based on a bilateral memorandum of cooperation. Its aim was to enhance the practical skills of future teachers and support their deeper understanding of the educational process in schools. Within the framework of the project, a weekly course was organized for students of pedagogical specialties. They conducted mini-lessons, integrated theoretical knowledge with practice, and completed a final test. As a result, several students completed internships and gained the opportunity to participate in professional competitions. Through a mentoring system, the project contributed to the professional adaptation of young specialists and fostered an effective professional dialogue between experienced teachers and future educators. At the end of the event, participants were awarded certificates, and specialists who contributed to the project were acknowledged with gratitude.

On February 1–2, 2024, the Office of Staff Retraining and Professional Development organized a training seminar for the academic staff of Atyrau University named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov entitled “21st Century Skills: New Trends in Education.” The seminar program reflects systematic updates taking place in the field of education. It aims to provide instructors with up-to-date professional knowledge, has a practice-oriented focus, and is implemented across various areas. Special emphasis is placed on improving IT competencies, digitalizing educational processes, and fostering technological transformation. Practical sessions were conducted by Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Candidate of Psychological Sciences Zhanylssyn Sabirova; Head of the Department of Software Engineering, PhD, Associate Professor Saltanat Sharmukhanbet; Senior Lecturer of the same department, Master Gulnur Turmukhanova; and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Informatics Gulzada Dasheva. During the seminar, participants studied the following topics: “Application of Gamification in Teaching,” “Cloud Technologies in Education,” and “The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Personal Development.”

On May 16, 2024, Atyrau University named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov together with School-Gymnasium No. 41 named after Abish Kekilbayuly held the final conference of the “PROF Step: Curation and Mentoring” project. The project was launched in October 2023 based on a memorandum signed between the two parties. Its goal is to enhance the professional skills of future teachers by studying personal teaching experience, understanding school educational work, and supporting pedagogical initiatives. The project consisted of four stages: organizational phase, student involvement in curatorial activities, development of joint lesson planning skills, and analysis of classroom and extracurricular activities. Within the framework of the project, professional discussions, practical seminars, and master classes were held on topics such as “Mentoring Model in the Professional Development of Future Teachers,” “My Profession – My Future,” and “Criteria-Based Assessment.” Students combined theoretical knowledge gained at the university with practical experience by attending daily lessons and conducting open classes. As a result, graduates improved their professional and research skills as young specialists. School principal Kairgali Suyindikuly Azilov highlighted the students’ strong knowledge and noted employment opportunities in certain specialties after graduation. Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs Ziragul Kanatova highly appreciated the participants’ competencies and emphasized their contribution to the country’s future. The successful implementation of the project is considered one of the university’s significant initiatives to improve the quality of education.

In 2024, third-year students of the 6B04107 – Marketing educational program at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University successfully participated in the XIII International Start-Up Project Championship “Youth and Entrepreneurship,” held at the Belarusian Trade and Economics University. The projects implemented under the supervision of Senior Lecturers of the Department of Economics, Aigul Kabdzhanovna Dzhumayeva and Meiramgul Duzelbaikyzy Dingaziyeva — “Association of Young Entrepreneurs ‘BIZSTART’” and “Gamified Learning Platform – Game-Up” — won the “Best Start-Up Project” award in the field of IT technologies. The “BIZSTART” project aims to create an innovative online platform to unite and support young entrepreneurs. The platform enables users to find like-minded individuals, share business ideas, and launch joint projects. The “Game-Up” project focuses on developing an educational platform with gamification elements designed to increase student engagement in the learning process and improve the quality of mastering academic material.