30/06/2025
Forum on Academic Integrity Took Place in Aktobe with Participation of 40 Universities
On June 27, a forum on the topic “All Aboard: Keeping the Course on Academic Integrity and the Development of Regional Universities” was held at Aktobe Regional University named after K. Zhubanov.
The event was attended by Gulzat Kobenova, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Ulan Sarkulov, First Deputy Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Agency; Zholdas Batyrkhan, Deputy Akim of the Aktobe Region; Sergey Pen, Provost of the Kazakh State University of Law named after M.S. Narikbayev; Laura Karabasova, Rector of Zhubanov University and Chair of the Academic Integrity League; as well as heads of about 40 universities across the country.
Acting as a moderator, Laura Karabasova noted that Zhubanov University was one of the first regional universities to lead the Academic Integrity League.
“For a year now, we have been heading the League, which unites 18 universities that voluntarily follow strict standards of academic integrity. The Head of State stressed the need to form a nation with new values. In this process, universities play a special role, because today’s students are tomorrow’s skilled specialists, honest citizens, and future leaders of the country,” — said the Rector.
During the forum, Vice Minister Gulzat Kobenova spoke about current trends in education:
“A higher education institution is not only a place for training specialists, but also an environment that shapes the younger generation. Today the principles of academic integrity are becoming new values for universities. This is an important step in building a fair society.”
Ulan Sarkulov emphasized the importance of strengthening academic honesty and transparency in the education system:
“Since 2019, the Agency has been supporting initiatives to implement the standards of the Academic Integrity League. Corruption in education undermines public trust in this system, which is why the League’s work is so important. Its indicators help universities identify risks and solve them independently.”
As part of the forum, an open discussion platform was organized. Speakers highlighted the role of integrity culture in improving the quality of education. The achievements of the League over the past seven years were reviewed, and rectors of member universities shared their experiences.
At the end of the event, a General Meeting of the Academic Integrity League took place. Important decisions were made, including the re-election of the League’s Chair. SDU University was elected as the new Chair.