KazNMU Discusses the Establishment of a Center for the Study of Kazakhstan’s Natural Medicinal Products
On June 26, 2026, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) hosted a meeting with representatives of the Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and members of Kazakhstan’s scientific community.
The meeting was attended by Marat Shoranov, Chairman of the Board – Rector of KazNMU; Ildar Fakhradiev, Vice-Rector; representatives of the School of Pharmacy; Meruert Yakupova, Acting Head of the Department of Strategic Development and International Cooperation; staff of the Office of International Cooperation; as well as Dr. Nurbolat Aidarkhan, Doctor of Natural Sciences and Associate Professor at the Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Yergazy Shybyrai, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; and Sarzhan Sharipova, Candidate of Chemical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry.
Opening the meeting, Rector Marat Shoranov welcomed the guests, introduced KazNMU’s key areas of education and research, and emphasized the University’s commitment to expanding international academic and scientific cooperation.
During the meeting, Dr. Nurbolat Aidarkhan noted that he had visited KazNMU on behalf of the Rector of Xinjiang Medical University to strengthen cooperation between the two universities. He also presented the activities of the Xinjiang Institute of Physics and Chemistry, which specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products.
A key topic of discussion was the proposal presented by Yergazy Shybyrai to establish a Center for the Study of Kazakhstan’s Natural Medicinal Products. The initiative aims to conduct comprehensive research on Kazakhstan’s medicinal plants, natural minerals, and other traditional natural resources, leading to the development of safe and effective pharmaceutical products.
The project envisions joint scientific research, publications in international journals, patent applications, research internships at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the future production of innovative pharmaceutical products under the KazNMU brand. The initiative is also expected to enhance the export potential of Kazakhstan’s natural medicinal products.
Associate Professor Sarzhan Sharipova highlighted the strong interest of the Chinese partners in Kazakhstan’s medicinal plants and in developing collaborative research projects. She noted that while the delegation has previously cooperated with several leading universities in Kazakhstan, the medical focus of the proposed project makes KazNMU an ideal partner for its implementation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation and agreed to continue discussions on launching joint research projects, establishing a collaborative research team, and developing the organizational framework for the proposed Center.
The meeting reaffirmed KazNMU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, advancing scientific research, and promoting innovation in pharmaceutical sciences and natural medicine.
