Pedagogical Institute Scholars Completed a Research Internship in St. Petersburg

Successful Implementation of the Academic Exchange

Within the framework of the cooperation agreement between higher education institutions and in execution of the Protocol on Academic Exchange, senior lecturers of the Pedagogical Institute completed a productive research internship. PhDs D.R. Saparova and Sh.T. Tustubayeva spent an intensive research period in the city of St. Petersburg. The primary goals of this visit were professional development, an active exchange of pedagogical experience with foreign colleagues, establishing sustainable international partnerships, and gathering unique source materials for joint scientific publications.

Advancing Humanities and New Strategic Agreements

The internship program of PhD D.R. Saparova focused on deepening connections in the fields of cultural studies and the philosophy of culture. During her visit, she attended lectures delivered by leading professors of the host department and conducted a specialized seminar for first-year Master's students. This seminar, dedicated to the cultural space of the digital generation based on a Kazakhstani case study, sparked an engaging discussion on modern socio-cultural trends. Another highlight was her participation in the All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference focused on urban environment as a cultural and educational resource (Kagan Readings). Official meetings with the Head of the Department of Cultural Studies, Philosophy of Culture, and Aesthetics, Professor B.G. Sokolov, and representatives of the International Office marked a significant step forward. The negotiations resulted in strategic agreements regarding reciprocal guest lecturing, organizing regular student academic mobility, and holding joint large-scale international conferences.

Natural Sciences Research and Joint Grant Prospects

The internship of PhD Sh.T. Tustubayeva carried a distinct scientific and practical character in the field of natural sciences. Her academic activities were centered around the departments of botany, geobotany and plant ecology, as well as genetics, biochemistry, and plant physiology. As part of academic integration, she took part in open discussions of postgraduate dissertation research and served as an expert evaluator during undergraduate thesis pre-defenses. A key element of her practical work was conducting research directly at the V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute and Botanical Garden. The principal outcome of the meetings with Russian colleagues was defining future vectors for scientific collaboration, which was solidified by an agreement to jointly prepare and submit applications for international research grants.

Scientific Synergy and Cultural Heritage

In addition to fulfilling their individual research tracks, both lecturers carried out extensive collaborative work at the National Library of Russia and the Library of the Institute of Philosophy. The rich theoretical material they collected will serve as the foundation for upcoming co-authored scientific papers. The visit to the cultural capital also allowed the scholars to connect with world historical heritage. They visited the State Hermitage Museum, the Peterhof Palace and Garden Grand Cascade, as well as other major cathedrals and museums of the city. Following the results of the academic exchange, all the set goals and tasks were fully accomplished, establishing a reliable basis for the further prosperity of international university partnership.