HOW EAST KAZAKHSTAN UNIVERSITY TRAINS PERSONNEL FOR THE NUCLEAR POWER INDUSTRY

In the modern world of rapid scientific progress the training of specialists in the field of high technologies is of special importance. Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University has been successfully implementing the educational program “6B05303 – Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power Engineering” for more than ten years, which has become a real forge of personnel for the nuclear industry of Kazakhstan and near and far abroad countries.

Strong academic base and recognized scientists. The program, launched in 2011, is part of the group “B054 – Physics” and today covers five training courses with 65 students. A distinctive feature of the program is the participation in the teaching process of the leading scientists of the country: Academician KazNAEN M.K. Skakov and Prof. L.I. Kveglis. Their scientific achievements are reflected in high citation indices in Web of Science and Scopus bases, and participation in international grants and projects makes the educational process dynamic and relevant.

Modern conditions for practice and scientific activity. Students of the program have access to unique practice bases: National Nuclear Center of RK, Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC, TechnoAnalit LLP, Institute of Nuclear Physics in Almaty. They work with NMR spectroscopes, X-ray fluorescence analyzers, diffractometers and the KTM tokamak facility. This level of technical equipment allows them not just to study, but to conduct full-fledged research activities.

International cooperation and mobility. East Kazakhstan University emphasizes international integration. Within the framework of academic mobility students are trained in foreign universities.

Invitation of foreign professors is also of great importance. Professor Ali Choruh from Turkey, Professor A.V. Gradoboev from Tomsk Polytechnic, Professor V.A. Plotnikov from Altai State University, as well as Professor Sang Mei Lee from Busan University gave lectures at East Kazakhstan University.

Excursions, practice and labor activity. East Kazakhstan University actively develops the practical side of education. Students of the program “Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power Engineering” annually take part in field trips to the leading enterprises of the nuclear industry. In addition, students undergo practical training at unique practical bases and branches, such as “National Nuclear Center of RK”, “JSC Ulba Metallurgical Plant”, “JSC Titanium-Magnesium Combine”, “TechnoAnalit” LLP, “Production Firm ‘BEST’ LLP, ‘Institute of Nuclear Physics’ of the Ministry of Energy in Almaty. At these bases students can work with advanced equipment, participate in real research projects and develop professional skills. Many graduates already in the process of training start working in the nuclear industry, which confirms the high level of training and demand for East Kazakhstan University specialists.

Support from the IAEA and STAR-NET. The visit of representatives of the IAEA and the international educational network STAR-NET to East Kazakhstan University was an important event of 2025. The guests toured laboratories and research sites, highly appreciating their equipment and accessibility for students. It was separately emphasized that the university has experience in commercialization of scientific developments, which strengthens the link between education and industry.

The faculty of the department took part in the STAR-NET webinar on “Strategic planning of sustainable nuclear energy systems”, and students – in internships at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR, Dubna).

A program shaping the future. East Kazakhstan University’s educational program “Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power Engineering” is not just a course of lectures and practices. It is an entire ecosystem for training specialists for a strategically important industry. Ideas are born here, which are embodied in scientific articles, innovative projects and real industrial practice.