Education - The Times Of Central Asia

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Science

Meet Nurxat Nuraje, One of Kazakhstan’s Most Impressive Scientists

Nurxat Nuraje is a Kazakh scientist who is now well known in the global scientific community. He has spent more than two decades studying and conducting research in the United States. Drawn to science from an early age, he earned his PhD in chemistry from the City University of New York in 2008, successfully launching his research career. His main field of research is nanotechnology and its applications. At a time when nanoscience was still emerging, his bold approach to the subject quickly gained recognition. His first major publication was in the Journal of the American Chemical Society – one of the world’s leading chemistry journals. The paper introduced innovative ideas about nanocircuit fabrication, methods and challenges in their development, computational power, and potential applications. This paper was considered a major contribution to the field at the time. Soon after, he joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world’s foremost technology universities, as a postdoctoral researcher. There, he succeeded in finding ways to increase computer storage capacity, which is a crucial question for modern computing. His research on the development and application of specific nanoparticles was published in Advanced Materials, once again establishing his name in global science. His work was later awarded a silver medal at the International Materials Research Society conference in San Francisco. “Science doesn’t deliver results overnight. It evolves gradually,” says Nuraje. “The true mission of a scientist is to reshape the world’s thinking through discovery. In the future, we must move from oil to hydrogen energy. That is the energy of tomorrow.” Since 2013, Nuraje has worked as a research scientist at MIT. He is also credited with developing conductive polymer nanoparticles, which are now widely used. Together with his students, he continues to design and create practical, everyday-use technologies. In 2015 he received the Joseph Award for his outstanding contribution to nanotechnology. He became the first Kazakh scientist to win this American honor. Why did MIT invite him to join their team? The answer lies in his PhD dissertation, which was recognized by experts as one of the best in the field. Harvard University, the University of California, and MIT each offered him postdoctoral positions. One of Nuraje's remarkable achievements was the development of anti-fogging materials – the kind used on smartphone screens today. Working with MIT professor Angela Belcher, he co-created a new type of photocatalytic material through genetic engineering of the M13 virus. This groundbreaking work was published in Advanced Materials in 2012 and resulted in five international patents. This is a true testament to the Kazakh proverb: “Knowledge conquers all.” In 2015, he joined Texas Tech University as a professor of chemical engineering, where he established his own research laboratory, The Nurxat Nuraje Lab. There, his team developed solar-powered water-splitting technology to produce hydrogen. His breakthroughs in conductive polymers earned him the American Chemical Society’s Petroleum Research Award in 2016. In the following years, he was named “Most Distinguished Scientist” at Texas Tech University, and in 2018, the...

Education

Uzbek Students Invited to First International PROD Software Engineering Competition

High school students in Uzbekistan are now eligible to participate in the inaugural international PROD software engineering competition, the organizers confirmed to The Times of Central Asia. The Olympiad is open to English-speaking students in grades 8–12 from any country and is designed to introduce participants to the principles of large-scale software development. It offers hands-on experience that reflects workflows used by leading global IT companies. Participants will work on real business cases, study automation in modern organizations, and develop digital solutions aimed at improving efficiency and streamlining operations. The format focuses on teamwork, analytical thinking, and cross-border collaboration. While most stages will take place online, finalists will be invited to Moscow for the team-based final stage, with accommodation and meals covered by the organizers. The competition is organized by major Russian institutions, with mentorship provided by experienced IT professionals who will guide students through the challenges and methodologies of contemporary digital product development. Registration is open until December 2 on the official PROD website. No prior programming experience is required, but participants should have a basic understanding of computer science and strong logical reasoning skills. This is the first time the competition is being held internationally, with parallel tracks in both English and Russian.

TCA Interviews

Universities Join Kazakhstan’s Global Education Vision: An Interview with Minister of Education Sayasat Nurbek

At the invitation of President Trump, on November 5-6, the Presidents of the five Central Asia Republics arrived in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and sign deals on the 10th anniversary of C5+1. They were accompanied by cabinet ministers and business leaders. The Times of Central Asia presents a wide-ranging interview with Kazakhstan's Minister of Education, Sayasat Nurbek. Minister Nurbek sat down with our Washington Correspondent, Javier M. Piedra, to discuss Kazakhstan’s education strategy. The interview offers U.S. academic and technical institutions a glimpse into Minister Nurbek’s educational philosophy and his plans to advance Kazakhstan’s higher education through new partnerships with U.S. universities, AI platforms, and private sector innovators—positioning Kazakhstan as a regional educational hub. Nurbek shared his insights on his understanding of traditional values, the human person, AI’s potential and risks, critical thinking, and building mutually beneficial partnerships in the context of education. (His responses have been edited for length and flow.) TCA: The tenth anniversary of C5+1 was a landmark event, bringing together the Presidents of all five Central Asian nations at the White House. Kazakhstan President Tokayev has tasked you with transforming Kazakhstan into a fully digital nation within three years. In the last two days, you secured six key partnerships with U.S. universities and tech firms across education, testing, mining, and engineering. Minister, with that in mind, how is Central Asia important to the United States? Nurbek: My message to American academic institutions is straightforward. Kazakhstan has a lot to offer, and we are keen on deeper engagement with the outside world. Also, the timing to deepen U.S.-Kazakhstan relations is perfect given that the world is changing. Avenues are open for new relationships and business opportunities. America and Kazakhstan can have a great future as long as we work together to achieve that future. America should not miss this moment in history; the importance of Eurasia and of Central Asia in particular. Besides the education aspects – most important to me – academic and technical partnerships can serve as platforms to maintain U.S. influence, share values, and promote ideas, benefiting both the United States and Kazakhstan as friends in a non-geopolitical sense. TCA: In our earlier conversation, you referenced Sir Halford Mackinder, the early 20th-century British academic who emphasized geography’s role in geopolitics. Can you comment on the sensitivity of mixing education and geopolitics? Nurbek: In The Geographical Pivot of History in 1904, Halford Mackinder argued that control of Eurasia’s central “Heartland,” particularly Eastern Europe and Central Asia, could secure global influence. Mackinder’s theory stressed land power’s dominance over naval power in an increasingly rail-connected world in the early 20th century. Central Asia mattered then and still does today—but why do I mention Mackinder in the context of education? President Tokayev has been clear, especially in the sphere of education, that Kazakhstan seeks great gain, not a “Great Game” – the rivalry between Great Powers for influence and control in Central Asia. In other words, the main way to produce great gains in Kazakhstan and across the...

Education

UK-Based Really English Partners with Tajikistan’s Education Ministry

Tajikistan is deepening its educational cooperation with the United Kingdom through a new agreement between the Ministry of Education and Science and British digital learning firm Really English. The partnership aims to roll out English language and digital education programs across Tajikistan’s universities. First Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Homid Khoshimzoda, held talks in Dushanbe with Nigel Killick, head of Really English, to define the cooperation framework. The two sides explored ways to broaden English instruction, adopt modern pedagogical methods, and deploy innovative digital learning tools. Khoshimzoda welcomed the British initiative, saying that English proficiency remains a top priority in Tajikistan’s educational policy as it broadens students’ access to global academic and professional opportunities. Killick thanked the ministry for its support and affirmed Really English’s commitment to designing interactive English courses, boosting teacher training, and building university partnerships in Tajikistan. Founded in London in 1999, Really English creates digital tools for learning English—from foundational courses to test preparation. The company works with more than 1,000 corporate clients and over 300 educational institutions worldwide, offering academic, business, and conversational English courses, as well as tailored university programs. Advancing Tajik-British Educational Cooperation The agreement marks another milestone in Tajikistan’s broader push to internationalize its education system. In recent years, Dushanbe has actively built academic partnerships with British institutions. On May 31, representatives of the State Agency “Center for International Programs” met with officials from the University of Greenwich to discuss Tajik students’ access to international programs, scholarships, and internships, particularly in economics, finance, and management. British university representatives reaffirmed their support for joint initiatives and expressed readiness to expand academic exchanges and scholarship offerings for Tajik students. British Support for Innovation and Teacher Development The UK has increased its educational engagement across Central Asia in recent years. In 2022, the British Council resumed operations in Tajikistan with a focus on improving teacher training and English language instruction. Joint initiatives with the Ministry of Education and Science have helped modernize curricula and expand STEM and digital education. With UK support, robotics and programming courses have been introduced for schoolchildren, and Tajik universities, including the Tajik National University (TNU), have launched partnerships with British institutions such as the University of Central Lancashire. The UK is also strengthening educational cooperation in other Central Asian states. In Turkmenistan, British experts are working on teacher training and curriculum development, and Chevening Scholarships continue to be available to Turkmen students. In May 2025, Turkmenistan participated in the World Education Forum in London, where global education trends were discussed.

Artificial intelligence

Kazakhstan Plans Artificial Intelligence University for 2025 Launch

Kazakhstan will develop proposals by the end of 2025 to establish a dedicated research university focused on artificial intelligence (AI), President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during the inaugural meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Development Council in Astana. Tokayev said AI is becoming a decisive force in shaping the economy, governance, science, and education, factors that directly affect national competitiveness and sovereignty. He added that Kazakhstan needs a specialized scientific institution to systematically address all aspects of AI application. “This institution should be granted special status, and it is important to attract leading global universities as partners. I instruct the government to prepare concrete proposals by the end of this year,” Tokayev stated. The president noted that the university’s primary mission will be to train highly qualified specialists capable of applying AI technologies across all sectors of the economy. The institution is expected to serve as a hub for science, education, innovation, and international cooperation, giving talented young people the opportunity to receive world-class education within Kazakhstan rather than abroad. Tokayev also urged existing universities to intensify efforts to train a new generation of engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs skilled in advanced technologies. He highlighted the AI-Sana program, launched earlier this year, through which more than 440,000 students have already received AI certification. According to Tokayev, such platforms can help transform student projects into startups with access to international markets. Currently, more than 63,000 students are enrolled in IT-related disciplines at 79 universities across Kazakhstan. AI has been introduced as a separate subject, and last year local researchers developed KazLLM, a large language model for the Kazakh language. However, Tokayev said a central coordinating body is still needed, citing institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in the UAE as examples. The president also pointed to AI’s transformative potential in education, particularly through personalized learning systems that can move beyond the “one-size-fits-all” model. These systems offer tailored programs based on individual students’ strengths and weaknesses and are already being used in countries such as the United States and South Korea. Tokayev said such approaches could help narrow the gap between urban and rural schools, including small rural institutions, and better support students with special educational needs. At the same time, he cautioned against overreliance on AI. “Relying too heavily on neural networks, students may lose skills in critical thinking and independent analysis. AI should enhance the learning process, not replace its fundamentals,” Tokayev said, calling for government safeguards to preserve academic integrity. He also outlined plans to develop digital student profiles that record academic performance, achievements, and aptitudes. These profiles would support personalized education pathways, optimize university curricula, and streamline career planning. Tokayev instructed the government to design a national digital profile system integrated with the future AI university. Tokayev has previously called for the creation of an international regulatory body to oversee the ethical dimensions of AI and establish universal legislation governing its use. Kazakhstan recently launched a Ministry for Artificial Intelligence Development, and several government ministries are...

Education

Teacher’s Assault on Student Sparks Debate on School Violence in Tajikistan

An alleged case of school violence in Tajikistan has reignited public concern after an 11th-grade student accused a teacher of assault in the southern city of Levakant. The incident, which has generated conflicting accounts from authorities and the student’s family, is now under investigation by law enforcement. Conflicting Accounts The case surfaced on September 30, when a video circulated on social media showing the student unconscious. Radio Ozodi reported that the boy had received “a strong blow to the back of the head from his teacher.” According to the student, Mehmed Bozorov, the incident occurred on September 6 at School No. 4 in the village of Bohturobod. He said he had stepped out during a break to borrow a pen and was struck by the teacher upon returning. Bozorov claims he lost consciousness and was hospitalized for 15 days. The Levakant Education Department offered a different version of events. It stated that Bozorov had shown disrespect toward the teacher, who “lost his temper and slapped him.” Officials said the student did not suffer serious injuries. Hospitalization and Family Response Bozorov’s uncle, Jamol Bozorov, a medical professional, was called to the school after the student complained of feeling unwell. The boy collapsed shortly afterward. His uncle recorded the incident and later shared the footage with local media. Bozorov was admitted to the central hospital in Levakant. A private lab, Aksi Shifo, found no signs of serious trauma, but his mother insisted on continued treatment. He remained hospitalized for 13 days. The Education Department stated that the teacher covered all medical costs. Bozorov has since returned to school. Official Response The Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan has met with both parties involved. “Farhod Nazarov is a young teacher; he should not have resorted to violence, but the student also showed disrespect. Responsibility lies with both,” the ministry said in a statement. Law enforcement is conducting a preliminary investigation. The student and his family have not commented on the ministry’s statement. A Broader Issue Violence in Tajik schools is not uncommon. Last year alone, three separate incidents involving physical altercations between teachers and students were reported, in the town of Bokhtar and twice in Khovaling district. Following previous complaints about bullying, Tajik authorities introduced a methodological guide aimed at helping teachers prevent bullying and cyberbullying. However, the Levakant case underscores that school violence remains a persistent and unresolved issue.