Plans for Closer Networking Among Universities

Energy, raw materials, and new technologies were the focus of Kazakh President Kassym-Shomart Tokayev’s visit to Germany. Both countries aim to expand their cooperation and establish more reliable supply and transportation routes. This also includes strengthening ties between their universities: joint research, academic exchanges, and the training of qualified professionals are intended to sustain the partnership in the long term. To this end, Ruhr University Bochum is expanding its long-standing ties with Kazakhstan. On September 29, 2026, four cooperation agreements and letters of intent were signed in Berlin. Dr. Achim Dilling, Chancellor of Ruhr University Bochum, and Elena Resch, Head of the UA Ruhr Liaison Office for Eastern Europe/Central Asia, participated in the discussions and the signing ceremony.

Facilitating Access to Partners in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
A key initiative is the establishment of a permanent academic presence for the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) in Almaty. In collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the German-Kazakh University, the goal is to connect researchers and develop new academic and research partnerships. In the long term, this initiative is intended to facilitate access for the entire University Alliance to partners in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The planned “K’ADAM International – Engineering, Research & Innovation Track” program demonstrates just how closely scientific and economic cooperation can be intertwined. Ruhr University is developing it in collaboration with East Kazakhstan Technical University and the industry partner Kazzinc. The program is designed to combine academic education and research with international experience and industrial practice. The first cohort is set to begin with the participation of Ruhr University Bochum; a later expansion to include the other universities of the UA Ruhr is planned. Additional agreements cover collaboration with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in the fields of philology, academic exchange, and mobility, as well as with the German-Kazakh University regarding the implementation of activities on site.

Strategic Significance 
Through these initiatives, the UA Ruhr is expanding its international partnerships in a region that is gaining strategic importance for Germany and Europe. At the same time, it is creating new opportunities to combine academic exchange, the training of young people, and joint innovation in the long term.