Kazakhstan awards houses to young scientists on Republic Day

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Sixteen young scientists in Kazakhstan received apartment keys on Republic Day as part of a government program to support researchers and strengthen the country’s scientific potential, officials said Thursday.

Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek presented the apartments during a ceremony, emphasizing that supporting scientists remains a key state priority.

“Science and higher education in Kazakhstan are actively developing,” Nurbek said, noting that the program reflects the government’s care for those “who move the country forward with their ideas and discoveries.”

The housing program for young scientists, launched in May 2024 under an agreement with Otbasy Bank, provides subsidized housing to early-career researchers. So far, nearly 500 scientists have benefited from the initiative.

The ceremony also coincided with Republic Day celebrations and the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Declaration of Independence. Nurbek highlighted the nation’s achievements in building universities, research infrastructure, and innovation capacity since independence.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also signed a decree awarding state prizes in science, technology, and the humanities.

One of the recipients, Diana Amirbekova, an associate professor, said the recognition was deeply meaningful. “Today is a wonderful day — we young scientists received state apartments on the eve of Republic Day,” she said.

“We are very happy and grateful for the continued support for science and scientists in Kazakhstan.”