Representatives of leading research institutions from Spain and Germany paid a working visit to Khalel Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University. During the meeting, the participants discussed opportunities to develop joint research in environmental science, aquatic ecosystems, and climate change.
The international delegation included Dr. Rafael Marcé, a representative of the Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and coordinator of the DryingLake project. The delegation also included Daniel Díaz de Quijano Barbero, a bioecologist from the University of Barcelona, and Georgiy Kirillin, a researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Germany. Georgiy Kirillin leads a research group within the institute's Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry.
The guests were welcomed by Bakhyt Altynbasov, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation at Atyrau University. He introduced the international researchers to the university's scientific potential, educational programs, and key research areas. He also highlighted the university's ongoing activities in international cooperation.
Kazakhstani researchers involved in the international project also attended the meeting. Among them were Abilgazy Koptileuuly Kurbaniyazov, Candidate of Geographical Sciences and Professor at the Department of Tourism of the International University of Tourism and Hospitality, and Arman Zakariyaly Zhumagaziyev, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Tourism of Khalel Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University and holder of a Master's degree.
The visit was organized as part of the international research project “Carbon Cycle Disruptions Caused by Lake Drying” (DryingLake), funded by Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
The project focuses on investigating changes in the carbon cycle of natural ecosystems resulting from the drying of lakes. This issue is particularly significant in the context of climate change and declining water resources.
During the meeting, the university presented its ongoing scientific projects and future research plans. The participants exchanged views on studying the current condition of aquatic ecosystems, assessing the impact of climate change on the natural environment, and examining the characteristics of carbon cycling. Opportunities for organizing joint scientific research were also explored.
As a result of the meeting, the parties reached an agreement to develop joint projects, conduct collaborative research, exchange professional experience, and organize research internships. They also identified key areas for further strengthening international academic cooperation.
In the coming period, researchers from Atyrau University will work together with colleagues from research institutions in Spain and Germany. This partnership will provide university researchers with opportunities to participate in international projects, exchange expertise, and expand their scientific networks.
The visit of the European researchers not only strengthens Atyrau University's international partnerships but also creates opportunities to study environmental challenges in the Atyrau region using advanced scientific approaches.
Furthermore, the cooperation lays the foundation for new initiatives aimed at preserving water resources and investigating changes in natural ecosystems.
