On 20 October 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a motivational meeting entitled \u00abInternational Research Internships of KazNMU School of Pharmacy Faculty Members under the Bolashak Programme: Experience and Future Prospects\u00bb was held at the School of Pharmacy of Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, in Lecture Room \u21164 named after Professor Yu. Chol Chhu (Academic Building 7, 2nd floor). The event was organised for students enrolled in the Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Production Technology programmes, master’s students, doctoral students, and early-career researchers.<\/p>\n
The speakers were A.Sh. Amirkhanova, PhD, and M.K. Koilybayeva, PhD, Associate Professors at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology.The main objective of the event was to introduce students and early-career researchers to international research opportunities, share experiences gained through research internships at leading universities abroad, encourage interest in scientific research, and promote international academic collaboration.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, the speakers shared their experiences from research internships undertaken at Lancaster University, United Kingdom, under the \u201c500 Scientists\u201d project of the Bolashak International Scholarship Programme, with the official internship period running from 8 January to 10 October 2026.<\/p>\n
The research internships were conducted under the supervision of Professor David A. Middleton of Lancaster University. During this period, collaborative laboratory research was carried out with international scientists, laying the foundation for further scientific cooperation.<\/p>\n
Participants were introduced to Lancaster University’s educational and research environment, international rankings, research infrastructure, modern laboratories, university library, and opportunities for international scientific collaboration.<\/p>\n
During the internships, the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants was investigated, and the researchers gained practical experience in modern techniques for the isolation and analysis of biologically active compounds. The research findings are expected to contribute to scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals.<\/p>\n
The speakers also shared their experiences of participating in international scientific conferences and discussed preparation for the Bolashak Programme, establishing connections with international research supervisors, and developing research skills.<\/p>\n
The event aimed to encourage greater interest among early-career researchers in international research internships and highlight opportunities to apply the knowledge and experience gained to the advancement of pharmaceutical science in Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n\n\t\t