Kazakhstan and Sweden unite for future agricultural innovation
On October 1, 2025, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala welcomed a high-level delegation from Kazakhstan, marking an important milestone in Swedish-Kazakh agricultural research collaboration.
Morning: High-level discussions
The day began with a high-level meeting at SLU, where Vice Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov led a delegation from Kazakhstan. He was accompanied by Mr. Ruslan Amanov, Deputy Director, Department of International Cooperation and Investment Attraction, Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan; H.E. Olzhas Suleimenov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Sweden; Arnur Gabdullin, Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, and Ulbossyn Sarybayeva from Kazakh Invest.
The delegation also included representatives from Saken Seifullin Kazakh AgroTechnical Research University (KATRU), one of Kazakhstan’s leading universities: Roza Abisheva, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Elmira Uteubayeva, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Academic Relations; Aliya Baytelenova (Head of the Department of Agriculture and Crop Production), and Zere Abdulla (Senior Manager of International Cooperation). In addition, the group included Sholpan Bastaubayeva, Chair of the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Crop Production.
Ylva Hillbur, Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for internationalisation, doctoral education, and Agenda 2030 at SLU, welcomed the visitors. The program, coordinated by Kenneth Alness from Acanova, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Sweden and Kazakhstan. Both sides exchanged updates on their latest research and innovation efforts. Researchers from SLU, Uppsala University, and RISE emphasized potential pathways for commercializing these advancements and introducing cutting-edge technologies in agriculture.
Afternoon: Hands-on science and education at the Department of Molecular Sciences
In the afternoon, the KATRU representatives continued their visit with a focused session at SLU's Department of Molecular Sciences, while the Vice Minister and Ambassador attended other engagements.
The afternoon began with Associate Professor Su-Lin Heden introducing the department's educational programs. Geir Löe, International Officer at SLU’s Division of Educational Affairs, clarified how international students are admitted to SLU, and answered questions about general admission requirements.This was followed by an inspiring lecture from Professor Vadim Kessler on structural studies of nano objects and their applications in agriculture. Then, Associate Professor Galia Zamaratskaia presented the opportunities available for PhD studies and research schools at SLU. The visit ended with a laboratory tour in Inorganic Chemistry, led by Professors Gulaim Seisenbaeva and Vadim Kessler, where both sides exchanged ideas about future scientific collaboration.
Recognition and future outlook
In recognition of their contributions to international academic collaboration, Vadim Kessler and Galia Zamaratskaia received letters of gratitude from KATRU. This meeting strengthens the bridge between Swedish and Kazakh institutions, paving the way for future student exchanges, joint research projects, and knowledge transfer in sustainable agriculture.