Opportunities in the Scientific and Industrial Sectors of the Republic of Kazakhstan" was held in Almaty at the National Academy of Sciences. The event was organized by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy, the Institute of Nuclear Physics, and the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL, France).
The four-day seminar covered the discussion of the prospects for expanding scientific and technical cooperation between Kazakhstan and one of the world's leading centers of neutron science. The focus was on the potential for using ILL's research infrastructure for fundamental and applied research, personnel training, the development of neutron methods, and solving pressing problems of interest to scientific organizations, universities, and the country's industrial sector.
Approximately 80 participants attended the seminar. The participants discussed how access to the cutting-edge international research infrastructure can strengthen the position of Kazakhstan's science, education, and industry, as well as open up new opportunities for joint projects and technological development. Particular attention was paid to the participation of Kazakhstani scientists in the ILL user program, access to neutron beams and modern scientific instruments, as well as the prospects for joint research in nuclear physics, slow, cold, and ultracold neutron physics, materials science, engineering diagnostics, and applied nuclear technologies.
As Ken Anderson, Director of the Institut Laue-Langevin, noted, the French side is ready to adapt research facilities to the needs of Kazakhstani scientists to make their work more effective. He stated that the participation of specialists from Kazakhstan in the ILL programs will significantly expand cooperation, primarily in fundamental science, as well as in areas such as materials science and energy.
Sayabek Sakhiyev, Director General of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, also spoke about the prospects for partnership. He emphasized that Kazakhstan could become the 16th member state of this international organization, which would give local scientists access to 43 unique, world-class facilities. Furthermore, he stated that Kazakhstan is ready to host foreign researchers at its reactor and research sites, ensuring the exchange of experience and the development of bilateral cooperation.
The results of the Seminar are expected to form an important foundation for further strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Institut Laue-Langevin. This will facilitate the expansion of Kazakhstani scientists' participation in international neutron research, the development of national scientific infrastructure, and the practical application of neutron methods for the benefit of science, education, and industry
