A taste of collaboration between SLU and Kazakhstan – from fika to beshbarmak

On February 17, a high-level delegation from the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Sweden visited SLU. The delegation included H.E. Mr. Olzhas Suleimenov, Ambassador, Mr. Olzhan Iskakov, First Secretary, and Mr. Aibek Yessey, Attaché. Their visit underscored the importance of potential collaborations between SLU and universities in Kazakhstan. The Department of Molecular Sciences was represented by Vadim Kessler, Gulaim Seisenbaeva and Galia Zamaratskaia.

Following the welcome remarks by County Governor Stefan Attefall, Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel presented an engaging introduction to SLU. She highlighted SLU's strengths in agricultural sciences, forestry, and veterinary medicine, and addressed questions regarding the university's commitment to fostering international collaborations. Next, H.E. Mr. Olzhas Suleimenov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sweden, took the floor to share a presentation on Kazakhstan's higher education landscape and to highlight the strategic importance of the international engagement in the country's development.

Then, SLU representatives discussed ongoing joint projects with Kazakhstan. Senior Lecturer Navinder Singh shared a fascinating project on saiga, a species of antelope native to Central Asia. The project, conducted in collaboration with Kazakhstan, underscores the importance of international research efforts in wildlife conservation. Then, the Head of the Department of Molecular Sciences, Vadim Kessler, gave an insightful presentation about the department's work in research and educational programs. He spoke about its key areas and highlighted potential opportunities for collaboration with Kazakhstan in these fields. Next, Gulaim Seisenbaeva, Professor of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry at SLU, shared her research and existing collaborations with several universities in Kazakhstan. She has been invited on multiple occasions to teach and present her innovative research on water purification and recycling of critical elements in Kazakhstan. Gulaim’s work on the decontamination of water from PFAS, an important environmental issue, particularly drew the attention of H.E. Mr. Olzhan Suleimenov.

“This issue is a global concern, and collaboration is essential to finding solutions," stated H.E. Mr. Olzhan Suleimenov.

During her presentation, Professor Gulaim Seisenbaeva also discussed the importance of elements, such as potassium and phosphorus, in the context of sustainable agriculture. Her work demonstrates the crucial role of these elements in both research and practical solutions.

Associate Professor Galia Zamaratskaia presented her long-term collaboration with universities in Kazakhstan, which focuses primarily on food safety, animal sciences, and pedagogical methods in food science. “Fika is a beloved Swedish tradition of coffee, pastries, and meaningful conversations, brings people together. Similarly, beshbarmak, a beloved dish from Kazakhstan, is more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of connection and hospitality. Despite the geographical distance between Sweden and Kazakhstan, we share a common ingredient for success: a passion for collaboration and exchange. And this shared ingredient has already led to innovative approaches and advancements in our joint projects”, said Galia Zamaratskaia.

Looking ahead, Galia Zamaratskaia and Gulaim Seisenbaeva expressed their eagerness to expand their work with Kazakhstan. Galia highlighted her focus on further strengthening food safety initiatives, advancing research in animal sciences, and fostering pedagogical innovations in food science education, and Gulaim emphasized her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through collaborative research, particularly in the areas of water purification and decontamination.

The Head of the Department of Molecular Sciences, Professor Vadim Kessler, underlined the department's commitment to fostering strong international collaborations, particularly with universities in Kazakhstan. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and exchange of knowledge in advancing both academic and practical solutions to global challenges, with a focus on further developing research and educational programs.

SLU and the Department of Molecular Sciences are excited about the possibility of further strengthening ties with Kazakhstan. The Vice-Minister of Higher Education and Science of Kazakhstan has expressed interest in visiting our university and signing a Declaration of Understanding.

Participants:

• H.E. Mr Olzhas Suleimenov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sweden
• Olzhan Iskakov, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sweden
• Aibek Yessey, Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sweden
• Stefan Attefall, County Governor of Uppsala
• Maria Knutson Wedel, Vice-Chancellor, SLU
• Vadim Kessler, Head of Department, Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU
• Gulaim Seisenbaeva, Professor, Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU
• Galia Zamaratskaia, Senior Lecturer, Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU
• Navinder Singh, Senior Lecturer, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, SLU
• Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global, Division of Planning SLU
• Kenneth Alness, CEO Acanova
• Hans Enocsson, Advisory Board Member Acanova