KazNMU and Ghent University Discuss the Development of Student Exchange and Scientific Cooperation
On 15 October 2026, a meeting with representatives of Ghent University (Belgium) was held at the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU). The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for academic cooperation, promoting student mobility, and expanding research collaboration between the two universities.
The Ghent University delegation included Elizaveta Padalko, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Anna Sashchenko, Advisor on Internationalisation.
KazNMU was represented by Maksut Kulzhanov, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board – Rector; Meruert Yakupova, Acting Head of the Department of Strategic Development and International Cooperation; Slu Izmailova, Acting Dean of the School of Medicine; Zhanat Kozhekenova, Dean of the School of Public Health; Saule Yesenkulova, Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Studies Office; Nazigul Amankeldi, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs; Alfiya Shamsutdinova, Head of the Department of Science; Zhanna Nurmakhanova, Associate Professor at the Department of General Medical Practice – 1; and Ainur Yeshmanova, Professor at the Department of General Medical Practice – 1.
During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities to strengthen partnerships in medical education, facilitate academic mobility for students, and implement joint research initiatives. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for student exchange programmes for undergraduate, master’s, and internship-level students, as well as opportunities for clinical placements within the framework of inter-university cooperation.
As part of the visit, the Ghent University delegation took part in a guided tour of the KazNMU campus. The guests visited the microbiology facilities, the Genomics Laboratory, the B. Atchabarov Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Medicine, and Academic Building No. 7. During the tour, the delegation became acquainted with the university’s research and educational infrastructure, its research areas, and the resources that could serve as a foundation for further academic and scientific cooperation.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working towards strengthening cooperation between KazNMU and Ghent University in medical education, academic mobility, and research.
The meeting marked an important step in developing the international partnership between KazNMU and Ghent University, creating prospects for expanding academic exchanges, strengthening research ties, and opening up new opportunities for the professional development of students and early-career researchers.
