From archives to digital intelligence: projects of Kazakhstani geologists are changing the face of science

Satbayev University hosted a joint meeting of K. Satpayev Institute of Geological Sciences and U. Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Geo-ecology, chaired by Institutes’ directors Malis Absametov and Askar Syzdykov. The discussion focused on issues of digitalization, personnel renewal and creation of modern working conditions for researchers.

Scientists supported the key provisions of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's Address and stressed that geological science should be at the forefront of the country's modernization. The first steps in the given direction have already been taken: the institutes are implementing a number of projects aimed at evolving the digital infrastructure. Among them is QANYSH national project, which is being formed as the intellectual geological brain of Kazakhstan, as well as forming the new Geo-Lab Eurasia laboratory platform integrated into international standards of analysis and reporting.

Particular attention is paid to the personnel issue. Today, there is a shortage of young specialists in geological science, and institutes see their task as creating the new forms of involvement of students and schoolchildren in the scientific community. One of these projects is Geo-Spark initiative, which aims to become a platform for generational continuity and "the youth upgrade" of geological science.

Participants of the meeting stressed that executing the presidential initiatives is impossible without systematic training of specialists, infrastructure upgrades and the transition to a digital knowledge management model. As Askar Syzdykov noted, today it is not just about digitizing archives, but about creating an intelligent tool that will become a link between fundamental science and the modern needs of the state and industry.

Satbayev University institutes’ projects are actively developing. Large-scale work remains to be done, but it is already obvious today that new projects form the basis for the renewed, competitive and in-demand geological science in Kazakhstan.