Kazakhstan expected to open CERN internships for scientists under 2026 state program

August 31, 2026 at 12:04 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan and CERN have drafted a protocol to give Kazakh scientists practical access to internships and research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The mechanism would link CERN participation to the state program 'Scientific Internships', which offers 250 scholarships in 2026. The protocol has not yet been signed or entered into force.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan and CERN signed a cooperation agreement on 29 June 2018, creating the legal basis for long-term participation of Kazakh scientists, engineers, students and technical specialists in CERN projects.
The draft protocol would create a practical mechanism for Kazakh researchers to take part in CERN scientific experiments and research programs.
The state program 'Scientific Internships', administered by the Center for International Programs, offers 250 scholarships in 2026, with applications accepted from 16 March to 30 October.
Acting Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek linked CERN cooperation to training engineering personnel for Kazakhstan's peaceful nuclear industry.
Kazakhstan has partnerships with 40 leading world universities and branches of 33 foreign universities, according to Nurbek.

Draft Protocol

Kazakhstan and CERN have prepared a draft protocol to the 2018 cooperation agreement. The protocol is designed to create a practical mechanism for Kazakh scientists to participate in CERN scientific experiments and research programs. The document would allow researchers to move from an internship application to work in an international research environment. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has not announced a signing date or entry into force for the protocol.

Scientific Internships Program

The CERN participation mechanism is expected to be linked to the state program 'Scientific Internships', administered by the Center for International Programs. The program provides 250 scholarships in 2026, with applications accepted from 16 March to 30 October and competitive selection until 31 December. The state covers internship and academic training costs, airfare, medical insurance, visa fees, study materials, and a monthly stipend. If the CERN mechanism is finalized, the program would gain a significant platform for specialists in high-energy physics and related engineering fields.

Nuclear Industry Training

Acting Minister Sayasat Nurbek connected CERN cooperation to the broader restructuring of Kazakhstan's science system and training of specialists for high-tech industries. Nurbek said Kazakhstan is implementing a new science management model focused on practical application of research results and their introduction into the economy. He also stated that Kazakhstan has partnerships with 40 leading world universities and branches of 33 foreign universities.