Today, Abai University hosted an information and awareness-raising meeting on the topic “Processes for Implementing New Principles for Training Scientific Personnel.” The meeting introduced the innovations being incorporated into the country’s system for training a new generation of researchers, as well as the requirements for conducting scientific research and preparing doctoral dissertations.

During the meeting, Ertai Sultan, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Abai University, briefed first-year doctoral students on the amendments and additions made to the “Rules for Awarding Academic Degrees” in accordance with Order No. 303 of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated June 23, 2026.

The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the structure and content of the PhD doctoral education programme. In particular, the programme comprises 180 academic credits: 45 credits are allocated to theoretical training, 20 to teaching and research practice, 123 to research work, and 12 to final assessment. This framework is designed not only to deepen future researchers’ theoretical knowledge but also to develop their research skills, ability to conduct independent studies, and professional competencies within the academic environment.

Special attention was also given to the requirements for scientific publications and strategies for publishing dissertation research findings. The participants discussed the key requirements for publishing articles in academic journals indexed in the international scientific databases Web of Science and Scopus. It was emphasised that when selecting a journal, researchers should consider its subject area, indexing status, CiteScore indicator, and impact factor listed in the Journal Citation Reports database.

Today, the quality of scientific publications and the significance of research findings are among the key criteria for evaluating academic work. Doctoral students are encouraged to identify reputable international journals relevant to their research topics in advance and systematically plan their publication activities. When preparing scientific articles, it is essential to comply with international academic standards, substantiate the novelty of research findings, and adhere to the principles of academic integrity.

Another important focus of the meeting was the proper use of artificial intelligence technologies in research and educational activities. In this regard, participants were introduced to the key provisions of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 230-VII “On Artificial Intelligence,” dated November 17, 2025. The Vice-Rector emphasised the importance of using AI tools responsibly in academic research. In particular, he noted that whenever AI is used in preparing academic work, such use must be transparently disclosed and appropriately referenced. He also stressed the need to fact-check information and highlighted that researchers themselves remain responsible for the validity and substantiation of their scientific conclusions.

Gulzada Baiymbetova, Director of the Department for Innovation Development and Training of Scientific Personnel, answered doctoral students’ questions regarding the planning of future researchers’ academic activities, structuring the stages of dissertation work, publishing research findings, and participating in research internships.

Undoubtedly, this meeting will help first-year doctoral students identify the priority areas of their upcoming research, gain a deeper understanding of dissertation preparation requirements, and plan their scientific publication activities effectively.

«Abai University» Media Center