As part of the celebration of Science Workers Day, on April 12–13, 2023, KBTU hosted an international youth scientific and practical conference “Modern development trends in the oil and gas industry and energy transition”. Since 2022, the conference has acquired the status of "international scientific and practical". This year, representatives from six countries took part: Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Nigeria, and France.

The main goal of the Conference is to create a dialogue platform for discussing scientific issues and prospects, to improve the scientific and intellectual competence of young professionals, and to establish links between researchers and industry professionals. The meeting participants discussed issues such as well drilling in difficult conditions, current methods of developing oil and gas fields, ways to develop the transport system in the oil and gas industry, geological and geophysical methods for finding new deposits, as well as economic aspects of using renewable energy sources.

Maratbek Gabdullin, the rector of the Kazakh-British Technical University, emphasized the place science takes in the energy transition:

“KBTU has always paid special attention to the development of scientific projects. As President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich said in his message: "Science is in the first place in Kazakhstan." The government openly admits that without the development of science, the future of the country and the people is very uncertain, while concern for its development is the key to the successful growth of the welfare of the state and citizens. Our university constantly strives to develop cooperation on scientific issues. We are in dialogue with local and international partners, conduct joint research, and share experience and knowledge. We must always remember that where science is supported and paid attention to, there will be constant progress and economic growth”.

Zhuldyz Zhorabek, Chief Specialist of the Youth Policy Department of Almaty, spoke about how the organization works with the universities of the city on scientific projects: “We have 36 higher educational institutions in Almaty, to which the Youth Policy Department of the city makes a great contribution, from the point of view of science, education or upbringing, that is, there are many projects based on state orders and our social order for the development of young people. We have big projects for the development of young people, both in science and education. This year we have more than 30 social and state events. All detailed information is available on our website”.

Askar Dalbayev, Chairman of SPE Almaty Section, explained what goals are currently set for science in Kazakhstan: “Science related to industry development and the economy is extensive. We need to introduce into production what is being developed in scientific and research centers so that it is profitable. After all, the introduction into production is the most difficult for scientific research. The government pays great attention to this. For example, many manufacturing enterprises hold such meetings where they listen to new proposals and choose the best ideas to implement in their production. Science now faces the goal of research related to energy conservation, renewable sources, the gradual departure from coal dependence, the introduction of nuclear energy and the search for environmentally friendly methods”.

Also during the Conference, a memorandum was signed between KBTU and LLP “Kazakh Engineering”. Within the framework of cooperation, the parties intend to interact to develop modern areas and implement professional programs aimed at meeting the needs for advanced training, in ensuring the quality of education in the training of specialists in the field of engineering analysis. LLP “Kazakh Engineering” also plans to create an Engineering Center “ANSYS”, where modern software in the direction of Mechanical Engineering will be installed, and both students and teaching staff and industry professionals will be trained.

Abdulahat Ismailov, Dean of the School of Energy and Oil and Gas Industry, KBTU: “The university needs to hold such conferences and develop cooperation with companies in this direction, as this has a good trend in education. Today, the oil and gas and energy industries require new research and technology. We try, in turn, to motivate young specialists by supporting their initiative in scientific work, providing our laboratories and analytics. I hope that our youth will be even more involved in the scientific field of the university. I am sure that KBTU will be at the forefront of scientific achievements”.

KBTU students also took part in the conference. Sardarbek Rakhmanov, a third-year student at the School of Energy and Oil and Gas Industry: “Such events allow us to think bigger and understand where to move in the educational process. When we learn about current problems in the country, we choose the right direction in our work and research. The fact that we can meet with experts in the scientific field from different countries is doubly motivating to replenish our knowledge and aspirations”.