As part of the Kazakh-American University Consortium, a delegation from Dulaty University paid a working visit to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). The program is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan and administered by IIE – Steppe Global Education Foundation.

The purpose of the visit was to develop sustainable academic partnerships, implement joint educational and research initiatives, exchange research practices and teaching methodologies, and establish long-term collaboration between universities in Kazakhstan and the United States.

During the intensive program, the Kazakhstani delegation:
held strategic meetings with scholars, administrators, and research groups at UNL,
became acquainted with the Nebraska Extension program and the flagship "Know Your Well" project, which engages school students and communities in water quality monitoring,
participated in seminars, lab sessions, practicums, and a field visit to Grand Island,
visited key research centers and institutes, including:
Nebraska Water Sciences Laboratory (WSL)
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC)
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI)
Office of Research and Innovation Industry Relations
Department of Biological Systems Engineering

Special attention was given to the innovative field of Participatory Science — a model in which science extends beyond laboratories and becomes part of public life. This approach involves farmers, school students, university students, and local residents in collecting scientific data, environmental monitoring, and addressing pressing regional challenges.

The participants discussed prospects for establishing joint scientific laboratories, organizing internships for faculty and students, developing joint academic courses, and holding international schools and seminars.

Topics of particular focus included:
water resource management,
environmental safety,
climate change adaptation,
agrotechnologies and sustainable agriculture.

Kazakhstan has significant potential for implementing these approaches. Participatory Science can become an effective tool for regional development through the integration of science, education, and civic engagement.

Project participants include:
Sh. Yessimova – Vice-Rector for Strategy and Internationalization, Dulaty University
M. Kalmakhanova – Head of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Dulaty University
R. Amanzholova – Senior Lecturer, Kazakh-British Technical University
Professor Daniel Snow – Director of the Nebraska Water Sciences Laboratory (WSL), University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Saleh Taghvaiyan – Irrigation Engineer and Water Resources Specialist, UNL

The outcomes of the visit open new horizons for sustainable scientific cooperation. Agreements have already been reached on joint publications, exchange programs, internships, and follow-up visits to Kazakhstan for seminars and the launch of pilot educational projects.

This visit marks an important step toward creating an international scientific and educational space, where universities serve not only as centers of knowledge but also as catalysts for societal transformation