As part of the Kazakhstan–U.S. University Consortium, Dulaty University hosted a working meeting with representatives from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). The program is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan and administered by IIE – Steppe Global Education Foundation.

The goal of the meeting was to foster sustainable academic partnerships, initiate joint educational and research projects, exchange best practices in teaching and research, and build long-term collaboration between universities in Kazakhstan and the United States.

During the meeting:
-Participants discussed opportunities for joint research initiatives and collaborative laboratory projects,
-Explored possibilities for faculty and student exchange programs and internships,
-Considered co-developing educational programs and organizing international seminars and summer schools,
-Special attention was given to the Participatory Science approach — engaging communities directly in scientific research and addressing local environmental challenges.

A key highlight of the discussion was the Nebraska Extension program — a model of community-based education and outreach. Participants learned about the successful Know Your Well project, which actively involves school students and local communities in water quality monitoring and environmental awareness.

Topics of mutual interest included:
Sustainable water resource management
Environmental safety
Climate change adaptation
Agrotechnologies and sustainable agriculture

The meeting brought together:
Sholpan Yessimova – Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Internationalization, Dulaty University
Serik Orynbaev – Vice-Rector for Science and Digitalization
Aidos Turlybek – Vice-Rector for Social Affairs
Arman Kabdushev – Director of the Department of Science
Mereke Kalmakhanova – Head of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Professor Daniel Snow – Director, Nebraska Water Sciences Laboratory (WSL), UNL
Saleh Taghvaeian – Water Resources Specialist, UNL

The outcomes of the meeting laid a strong foundation for future collaboration. Agreements were reached on follow-up discussions, joint academic and research activities, and upcoming pilot projects.

This visit represents an important step toward creating a shared international academic space where universities serve as both knowledge hubs and drivers of positive societal change.