ASTANA – For 12 years, Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation, established by entrepreneur and philanthropist Galimzhan Yessenov, has been working to boost the nation’s intellectual development. From its inception, 2,700 direct and more than 38,000 indirect beneficiaries have participated in the foundation’s programs, which foster personal and professional upskilling for students.
Shakhmardan Yessenov is Kazakhstan’s renowned geologist, scientist and statesman. He was a pioneer in the development of some of the world’s largest mineral deposits in the Zhezkazgan and Mangistau Regions. This year, 226 young Kazakh individuals were awarded grants and scholarships by the foundation.
Research opportunities
The cornerstone of the foundation’s initiatives is the research internships program at laboratories around the world. Each year, 10 undergraduate students or young scientists receive the opportunity to complete an internship at a leading research laboratory of their choice worldwide. The organization prioritizes labs with a strong reputation, research aligned with the winner’s field of study and involvement of world-renowned professors. Grants cover all essential expenses, including visas, round-trip airfare and living expenses for the duration of the internship.
“After completing such internships, most of our students gain experience, scientific publications, and an enhanced reputation. That’s why they are widely accepted into master’s and doctoral programs, often with full funding,” said Irina Grishchenko, the chief operating officer of the Yessenov foundation.
Beneficiaries specialize in diverse fields, including biosciences, chemistry, physics, maths, IT, healthcare, robotics and other majors. Over the past 12 years, more than 1,700 students have applied for the program, with over 130 of them completing internships in Canada, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Switzerland, the United States and other countries. One such participant is 24-year-old Nail Beisekenov, a graduate of Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, who holds a master’s degree from Niigata University in Japan. He completed an internship at Austin Peay University in the United States this summer.
The history of the program
The Shakhmardan Yessenov Scholarship, named after the renowned geologist, scientist and statesman who discovered numerous mineral deposits, remains one of the foundation’s most popular initiatives among students. The most recent competition received over 500 applications nationwide. Overall, 196 young people have received scholarships since the foundation’s establishment.
“Through a participant‑friendly selection process, and with the support of our psychologist‑coach, we choose young people who not only demonstrate strong academic performance but also have a clear commitment to continuing their personal and professional development,” said program manager Aigerym Sultan.
Skill development initiatives
A total of 161 students have recently enrolled in the English Language Program for Regional Universities at Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University. Since 2013, this two-year program has also been implemented at four universities in Aktau, Kyzylorda, Karagandy and Petropavl. To date, 1,506 students and teachers have improved their English proficiency through the initiative, guided by certified teachers such as Antony Durrant and Courtney Bailey. The Yessenov Data Lab (YDL) Summer School for Data Analysts provides intensive training in data science. This year, 15 students completed the program in Almaty, taught by experts including doctor of Computer Science Timur Bakibayev, research engineer Nikita Saxena from Google DeepMind, doctor of maths Kuanysh Abeshev and senior engineer Vladislav Yushchenko from Meta’s London office. Since its launch, 111 individuals have attended the school. Additionally, 10 students received grants for further education in soft or hard skills through the Yessenov Launch Pad competition held this autumn.
Infrastructural support
The foundation has also invested in educational infrastructure, launching the Shakhmardan Yessenov Auditorium at Almaty-based Satbayev University, the alma mater of geologist and scientist Shakhmardan Yessenov. Plans have been announced to unveil a monument dedicated to the prominent scholar in Aktau in 2027, surrounded by a newly created public space, to mark his 100th anniversary.
The foundation has supported Kazakhstan’s school team participating in the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) for several years. This year’s team won seven medals, including gold from Ji’ning, China.
“Summing up the outcomes of 2025, we are pleased to share that we were able to support another 226 talented and ambitious students in developing, exploring and advancing professionally. Since we have stayed in close contact with our winners for many years and followed their achievements, I can confidently say that for many of them, we have become the foundation that truly opened doors to big science and to their chosen professions,” said executive director of the foundation Aiganym Malisheva.
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The Scientific and Educational Foundation named after Academician Shakhmardan Yessenov (Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation) has officially announced the results of the Yessenov Launch Pad competition. This program is aimed at supporting talented Kazakhstanis seeking to improve their skills and acquire relevant competencies.
In the qualifying round, 94 applications were submitted for consideration by the commission. As a result of the competitive selection, 10 winners were identified who demonstrated the highest potential and a clear vision of their career path.
Each finalist will receive a grant of up to 600 000 tenge. These funds have a specific purpose: during the year, the winners must use them to complete additional training. The program covers the development of both highly professional skills (hard skills) and supra-professional competencies (soft skills).
Our Yessenov Launch Pad program contributes to the creation of a sustainable ecosystem of support for young scientists and specialists.
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The fourth Turkistan Marathon, organized by the “Courage to be the First” foundation, took place on October 26, bringing together 3,000 participants. The highlight of this year’s event was a record number of international runners: 365 athletes from 20 countries came to the spiritual capital of the Turkic world — almost twice as many as last year. Participants could choose among several distances: 42.2 km, 21.1 km, 10 km (running and Nordic walking), and a 3 km race for children aged 10–14. The marathon’s results are officially recognized internationally thanks to certifications from World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
Earlier this year, the Turkistan Marathon became part of the first Turkic long-distance running series — the Turkic Alliance of Long Runs (TAN). Thirty-five marathoners from the alliance took part in the race, continuing their athletic journey across the Turkic world.
“The TAN series symbolizes the unity of Turkic nations, and it is especially meaningful for us that the Turkistan Marathon — held in the spiritual capital of the Turkic world — has become part of this movement. This marathon unites people, inspires them to discover new cities, learn about different cultures, and strengthens the region’s position as a hub for sports and a magnet for runners,” — Galimzhan Yessenov.
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On September 28, Almaty marked the main running event in Central Asia — the Almaty Marathon 2025. The fourteenth marathon became truly historic, setting new records in terms of the number of participants, international representation and sports results on the track.
A new level of mass participation and international participation
From the very early morning, Republic Square began to fill with the energy of thousands of runners. This year, 16,149 athletes from 60 countries took part in the competition. The record number of foreign guests is particularly noted — 1,363 athletes came to Almaty specifically to participate in the race. The most numerous delegations were represented by Russia (513), Kyrgyzstan (180) and China (142). The competitive part of the marathon was no less impressive. New track records were set at two key distances at once.
More than just Running: A Charity Mission
Almaty Marathon is not only a sport, but also an important social initiative.
"Each participant helps to promote sports to the masses and supports the charity projects of the foundation. Together with our partners, we are working to ensure that the level of infant disability in Kazakhstan is lower, and the accessibility of sports for children is higher," - Galimzhan Yessenov
Thus, the Almaty Marathon once again confirmed its status as the largest and most significant running start in Central Asia, bringing together thousands of people for the sake of sports and good deeds.
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A landmark event dedicated to the 98th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding scientist, geologist and statesman Shakhmardan Yessenov took place at Satbayev University. A new named auditorium was inaugurated in his honor, which became a symbol of the connection between generations and the university's desire to form a new scientific leadership in Kazakhstan.
The new auditorium is not just a classroom, but a modern high—tech space. It was created so that students could acquire knowledge in the most comfortable and effective conditions. The office is equipped with the latest multimedia technologies for lectures and joint projects, and ergonomic furniture provides convenience during classes. The design developed by the famous Kazakhstani architect Chingiz Batyrbekov deserves special attention. The design of the auditorium reflects the chronology of the life and achievements of Shakhmardan Yessenov, which turns the educational process into a lively dialogue with the history of Kazakh science. The project was implemented with the support of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation.
"Satbayev University played a key role in my grandfather's life. It was here that his journey began. It was here that academician Kanysh Satpayev saw potential in him, becoming his mentor. I believe that the current students of this university represent the human potential that will determine the future of our country. And may this audience become a place of strength, inspiration, and growth. Let ideas be born here that will change industries and destinies" - Galimzhan Yessenov.
Shakhmardan Yesenov left an indelible mark in the history of Kazakhstan. Being an outstanding geologist, he led the discovery and development of the largest oil, gas and copper deposits, including Zhezkazgan, Zhanaozen and Kalamkas. His principled position helped preserve the Mangyshlak Peninsula as part of Kazakhstan. Throughout his career, he held the posts of Minister of Geology of the Kazakh SSR, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and President of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan. His achievements were awarded the Lenin and State Prizes. Today, the foundation named after him continues the work of the academician, supporting the intellectual potential of the country through educational grants.
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