UW Environmental Research in Kazakhstan: Cooperation with Astana International University and the Bolashak Foundation

A delegation from the University of Warsaw Biological and Chemical Research Centre (CNBCh UW) and the Faculty of Biology took part in a partner visit to Astana and conducted joint field research in Kazakhstan. The meetings focused on developing scientific cooperation, academic exchange, and planning new research projects.

On July 2-4 this year, the delegation visited Astana International University (AIU) and the Bolashak Foundation. During the meeting with the Rector of AIU, Prof. Anar B. Myrzagaliyevą, past joint ventures were discussed, alongside prospects for developing student and academic staff mobility. The UW representatives presented the university’s scientific and educational potential, sharing their experience from ongoing cooperation in the Central Asia region. An important element of the visit was also the discussions at the Bolashak Foundation regarding support for international educational programs.

The delegation included:

• Prof. Ewa Bulska (Director of CNBCh UW)
• Prof. Małgorzata Suska-Malawska (Faculty of Biology UW / CNBCh UW)
• Prof. Iwona Jasser (Faculty of Biology UW / CNBCh UW)
• Marcin Sulwiński, Ph.D. (Faculty of Biology UW / CNBCh UW)

Prof. Ilan Stavi from the Dead Sea and Arava Science Center (Israel), who closely cooperates with the UW team on environmental projects, also participated in the meetings and research.

Joint Field Research in Eastern Kazakhstan

The next stage of the visit (July 4–15 this year) consisted of joint ecological research conducted by scientists from UW and AIU in the remote and hard-to-reach Altai region. The main subject of the analysis was the distribution and condition of a rare, endemic species – Ledebour’s almond (Prunus ledebouriana), which occurs exclusively in this region.

During the field work, the researchers:

• Mapped and verified the locations of this species’ sites,
• Analyzed the specific soil and environmental conditions in which it grows,
• Determined the climatic and anthropogenic factors affecting its occurrence.

This work is part of broad research on the impact of global environmental changes on the unique flora of Central Asia.

Cooperation Prospects

The visit and field research mark another step in building a lasting partnership between our units and scientific institutions in Kazakhstan. Both parties declared their willingness to further exchange experiences and prepare joint grant projects.

Funding:

The visit and research were partially funded by the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” (IDUB) program of the University of Warsaw and by Astana International University.

🖼️ Below is a brief photo report from the trip and field work: