Cardiff University Kazakhstan, located in Astana as the first international branch of the leading British research institution, Cardiff University, has successfully concluded its inaugural academic year and hosted a formal awards ceremony dedicated to outstanding achievements.

The event was attended by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sally Axworthy, and the President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, Professor Wendy Larner. The Provost and Chairman of the Board of Cardiff University Kazakhstan, Dr Ronald Voogdt, representatives of the QCEF foundation, faculty members, and students also participated in the ceremony.

During the formal ceremony, Minister Sayasat Nurbek praised the results of the first academic year and emphasized the significance of the fruitful cooperation established with Cardiff University. He noted that the long-standing traditions of the university and its high academic reputation create a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the branch in Kazakhstan and the training of competitive, world-class specialists.

In her address, Professor Wendy Larner summarized the results of the branch's first year of operation in Kazakhstan and underlined the university's commitment to developing a long-term strategic partnership with the republic. According to her, Cardiff University Kazakhstan aims to become one of the leading innovative educational hubs in the region, providing high-quality education and scientific research that meet the needs of future generations.

Furthermore, Professor Wendy Larner noted that the choice of Kazakhstan for opening the first international campus of Cardiff University was driven by the country's high potential in the development of higher education and science, the strategic course of the Government, and the mutual trust and shared values developed in cooperation with local partners.

As part of the awards ceremony, letters of appreciation were presented to the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the UK Ambassador to Kazakhstan for their contribution to the development of Cardiff University Kazakhstan and their support in strengthening international academic cooperation.

In turn, Sally Axworthy emphasized that the effective interaction between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Cardiff University, and the British Embassy makes a significant contribution to the development of quality higher education in Kazakhstan and the expansion of international academic ties.

The awards ceremony marked an important milestone in the history of Cardiff University Kazakhstan. It clearly demonstrated that the university's partners and the academic community are united by a common goal, which is the creation of the first Russell Group university in Central Asia, as well as the development of international-level education and science in the region.

The successful completion of the first academic year of Cardiff University Kazakhstan stands as an important step toward the internationalisation of Kazakhstan's higher education system and the strengthening of strategic partnerships with leading world-class universities. Moving forward, the university intends to continue training specialists in accordance with international standards, develop scientific research, and contribute to the formation of the region's innovation ecosystem.