On 27 September, a round table of JINR and the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan took place on the sidelines of the IV International Scientific Forum “Nuclear Science and Technologies” held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event became a platform for the discussion of the interaction level achieved in a wide range of cooperation formats. It was also a site to discuss prospects for the cooperation enhancement, first of all, in the fields of large-scale research infrastructure, scientific activities, and staff training.

A speech by INP Director Sayabek Sakhiyev opened the round table dedicated to the 65th INP anniversary and the 30-th anniversary of JINR-Kazakhstan cooperation. Speakers at the round table were, in particular, JINR Director RAS Academician Grigory Trubnikov, FLNR Deputy Scientific Leader Mikhail Itkis, and Scientific Secretary of the RSE on REM INP ME RK Askhat Bekbayev.

Grigory Trubnikov introduced the participants to the current results of the JINR scientific activities. He highlighted that the international forum is a platform for establishing contacts with colleagues not only from Kazakhstan but also Japan and Turkey. Moreover, the JINR Director noted that one of the INP basic facilities – the DC-60 heavy-ion accelerator – was developed and built by JINR in 2003-2006. “DC-60 in Astana gave a strong impetus to the development of our cooperation,” he highlighted. “The Republic of Kazakhstan financed this order and created a unique infrastructure for research and educational purposes.”

Having presented a considerable experience of fruitful mutually beneficial cooperation between Kazakhstan and JINR, the participants of the round table discussed the feasibility of developing and extending the range of unique megascience facilities at both institutes. Establishment of a JINR Information Centre in Kazakhstan may provide further impetus to the cooperation enhancement of JINR with both the scientific community of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its universities. The heads of the delegations agreed to work on this issue.

Askhat Bekbayev noted that about a hundred of students had been trained under the double degree programme of JINR, which was a great contribution to Kazakh science. He also highlighted the importance of the development of the experimental equipment base to further strengthen the position of fundamental science without which no applied studies are possible. According to him, holding of the current forum greatly contributes to it.

Mikhail Itkis noted in his speech, “Science development is not a simple issue. It requires serious support from both researchers themselves and the state. To prove to the state that this is necessary, a solid base of achievements is required. If there are such achievements, it is possible to appeal to the state for the support and development of basic facilities.”