KazNU Representative Selected for ASEF International Programme on Science and Technology Diplomacy

Svetlana Peshaya, PhD, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and International Relations of the Faculty of Physics and Technology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), has been selected to participate in the prestigious Asia-Europe Training on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026, organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in partnership with Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, and a consortium of international expert organizations.

The programme is implemented under the Asia-Europe Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative for Young Leaders and brings together early- and mid-career professionals working at the intersection of science, technology, innovation, and international affairs. Its primary objective is to cultivate a new generation of professionals capable of leveraging science and technology cooperation as a strategic instrument for strengthening international partnerships, advancing innovation, and addressing global challenges through evidence-based diplomacy.

The 2026 edition attracted significant international interest, receiving more than 1,200 applications worldwide. Following a highly competitive multi-stage selection process, 115 participants representing 41 countries across Asia and Europe were admitted to the programme. Kazakhstan is represented by only two participants, one of whom is the representative of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The programme brings together an exceptionally diverse professional community. Fifty-nine percent of participants are young diplomats and government officials engaged in developing national and international science, technology, and innovation policies, while the remaining 41 percent are research managers and leaders from universities, research institutions, and innovation organizations responsible for international research cooperation, science policy, and research management.

The online training programme runs from 22 July to 8 October 2026. It is designed to strengthen participants' expertise in science and technology diplomacy while promoting closer cooperation between Asia and Europe. The programme places particular emphasis on knowledge exchange, intercultural dialogue, and the development of professional networks capable of supporting future international research and innovation initiatives. Beyond theoretical learning, it focuses on practical capacity building through interactive discussions, case studies, and collaborative exercises.

The programme officially commenced on 22 July 2026 with a Welcome Session featuring opening remarks by Mr Zhang Lei, Deputy Executive Director of ASEF, and Professor Edy Giri Rachman Putra, Deputy Chairman of Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The keynote lecture, introducing the European Union's contemporary approach to science diplomacy, was delivered by Dr Jan Marco Müller from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.

Over the course of six weeks, participants will explore the foundations of science diplomacy, technology diplomacy, science communication, anticipation and foresight in science diplomacy, intercultural competencies, and collaborative approaches to international scientific cooperation. Each thematic module consists of a public webinar led by internationally recognized experts and an interactive workshop designed exclusively for programme participants, fostering peer learning and the practical application of newly acquired knowledge.

Participation in the ASEF programme represents an important milestone in strengthening KazNU's international engagement and expanding its partnerships with leading universities, research organizations, and policy institutions across Asia and Europe. The knowledge, practical experience, and professional networks gained through the programme are expected to contribute to the further development of international research collaborations, academic mobility initiatives, science communication activities, and science diplomacy at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, reinforcing its position as one of the leading research universities in Central Asia.