Asel Sarsembinova, Candidate of Technical Sciences, PhD, Professor of the Department of Geodesy and Construction Shakarim University: Science begins with data, responsibility begins with ourselves
On May 28, Shakarim University hosted an event that can rightfully be called a strategic contribution to the infrastructure of applied science - the opening of a geotechnical laboratory and a laboratory of building materials at the Department of Geodesy and Construction. One of the key symbols of this stage was the professor of the department, candidate of technical sciences, PhD Asel Sarsembinova, a world-famous scientist whose scientific achievements and pedagogical mission inspire not only young people, and here’s why.
Assel Sarsembinova is a graduate of the international program “Bolashak”, a scholarship holder of the prestigious programs Erasmus Mundus, Erasmus Tempus, holder of a personal grant from the rector of L.N. ENU. Gumileva, Kazakhstan's first postdoctoral fellow in the field of geotechnics. Her name is known to the scientific community: under the affiliation of Shakarim University, she is published in the Web of Science, Scopus, Publons databases, and contributes to the ranking of the university in the international arena, including positions in QS rankings and other global metrics.
What does it mean to her to be a scientist today, in an era when science requires not only competencies, but also internal honesty, endurance, and a strategic outlook?
Assel Sarsembinova answers this question without hesitation.
A laboratory at a university is a tool without which it is impossible to do real science. We must rely on measurable results, on accurate data that is generated here, within these walls. Every setup, every instrument, every sample becomes the basis for conclusions that have value in an academic environment. When a researcher has the opportunity to work with modern equipment, conduct experiments, and simulate processes, responsibility comes along with motivation. Responsibility for what we give to students, the university, and society as a whole. This is what gives rise to published articles, invitations to cooperate, and recognition. This means that both the university’s reputation and its scientific weight are formed through such practical conditions. This is an investment in the future, and it starts with concrete actions today
The scientist emphasizes that currently only bachelors are studying at the department, but preparations are already being made for the launch of master’s programs, where laboratories will become the center of scientific projects, startups and publication activity. A well-honed research base is a direct path to increasing the university’s citation index, its international recognition and training of competitive specialists.
But in addition to scientific power, Asel Sarsembinova is an inspiring example of female leadership in technical science.
Having returned to Kazakhstan after postdoctoral studies, I accepted the personal invitation of Rector Duman Orynbekov and joined the staff of Shakarim University. Here she implements scientific initiatives and forms a scientific school.
I feel very comfortable working here. A young team, full of energy, proactive, flexible. It's inspiring. I believe in youth! When a person has fire in his eyes, he can move forward with it, set big goals and see results, says the professor.
It is very important that the guys are not afraid to take responsibility, are open to new things, and are not constrained by boundaries. You can talk to them in the language of the future - about the development of science, about sustainable solutions, about technological challenges. I see that they have not only interest, but also an internal need to change something, to search, to propose, which gives me motivation as a teacher and scientist - because there is someone to try for, to whom to transfer knowledge and experience. And when there are such people around you, you yourself become more energetic and bolder in your scientific goals. This is no longer just a job, it’s an environment where you can grow together, where a scientific school is formed, and where you feel like you’re part of a big, necessary cause.
Assel Sarsembinova is a bright bearer of the moral and intellectual standard of the new generation of Kazakhstani science. Her path shows: if you are honest in your work, if you have knowledge and internal responsibility, then you will definitely achieve results! And, if there is a team, university, region and country nearby that support science, this result will have a scale.