Cooperation between Rosatom and Kazakhstan is actively developing across many areas, from solving complex technological challenges to training a new generation of industry professionals. Joint efforts will involve formulating a national radioactive waste management strategy for Kazakhstan, while young people are widely engaged in Russian educational and research initiatives, such as Rosatom’s BIM-Juniors and the Young Scientists Congress.
Rosatom and the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of intent on scientific, technological, and commercial cooperation in radioactive waste management and nuclear decommissioning. Russian experts are expected to assist in developing Kazakhstan’s national strategy for radioactive waste management and personnel training for the nuclear industry.
The nuclear back-end comprises three major areas of activity: safe management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel (SNF), decommissioning of retired nuclear and radiation facilities, and subsequent rehabilitation and reclamation of legacy sites.
Commenting on the signing, Vasily Tinin, Rosatom’s Director for Public Policy on Radioactive Waste, Spent Nuclear Fuel and Nuclear Decommissioning, noted: “Establishing a country-wide system for radioactive waste management is a complex but critical task. For its part, Rosatom is ready to provide full assistance to Kazakhstan in developing a national radioactive waste management strategy.”
Rosatom’s similar experience in Belarus proved successful: Russian experts assisted the country in drafting its national program for radioactive waste management. Analogous to Russia’s National Operator for Radioactive Waste Management, Belarus established a dedicated waste management organization (BelRAO). Rosatom and BelRAO have joined efforts to set up and improve infrastructure for the ultimate disposal of radioactive waste, and to train personnel in the operation of a near-surface radioactive waste disposal facility.
Rosatom has launched the 4th cohort of its BIM-Juniors international educational initiative, a six-month online program in building information modeling (BIM). Applications were submitted by 1,027 people from various countries, including students from Kazakhstan. Under the program, high school students, vocational students, and first-year university students will gain practical skills in modeling, developing ‘digital twins’ of buildings, and working with point clouds and common data environments.
“This initiative opens up broad opportunities for young people to dive into the profession early and acquire competencies that define the future of the domestic engineering profession. For us, this is not just an educational program, but a sizable contribution to shaping a community of passionate professionals,” said Alexey Agafonov, Deputy CEO for Project Manufacturing Support and Development at Rosatom’s subsidiary AtomEnergoProekt.
Since 2022, over 5,000 students have completed training under the BIM-Juniors program.
Representatives from Kazakhstan took part in the 5th Young Scientists Congress at the Sirius University of Science and Technology in Russia. Held annually since 2021, the Congress brings together leading scientists from various countries to discuss prospects for joint international research, seek effective collaborations between science and business, showcase scientific achievements, and provide networking opportunities for young researchers. This year’s event brought together over 8,000 participants and more than 100 countries. The 5th Congress was themed as “Energy of Science: From Knowledge Potential to Creating the Future.”
Rosatom is active in supporting young talent. Its booth at the Congress featured around 30 events, including lectures by leading Russian scientists, academic quizzes, and other activities. Rosatom experts and leaders took part in the forum’s key discussions. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev outlined his vision for the principles of nuclear energy development: “First, there are no alternatives in the coming decades to using nuclear technologies for the benefit of the world. Second, all countries and peoples should have non-discriminatory access to these technologies. And third, we should shun ‘technological colonialism’ or forcing the work patterns and approaches that currently exist in international cooperation.”
In total, several hundred business, cultural, and sports events took place at the Congress venues, ranging from a run through the Olympic Park to an anniversary What? Where? When? intellectual quiz show featuring TV stars.
Photo by: Rosatom Technology Construction LLC, ASE JSC, “Strana Rosatom” newspaper
