The research activities of the Department of Natural Sciences are carried out in accordance with the approved research plans of the University and the Department.
The results of faculty research are reflected in publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, as well as in journals included in the list recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
International Scientific Conference
Traditionally, the Department organizes the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Biological Diversity of the Asian Steppes” once every five years (2007, 2012, 2017, 2022, and 2024). The conference brings together leading researchers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, the United States, and other countries.
The conference was initiated by the Research Center for Ecology and Biodiversity under the leadership of Professor Tatyana M. Bragina, Doctor of Biological Sciences.
Research Areas
The Department’s main research areas include:
- Study of the biodiversity of vegetation cover in Northern Kazakhstan, its current status, sustainable use, and conservation (Yu.V. Perezhogin, O.V. Borodulina, A.S. Kozhmukhametova).
- Study and analysis of the flora of Kostanay Region (Yu.V. Perezhogin, O.V. Borodulina, S.I. Kurlov, Zh.T. Bozhekenova).
- Faunistic and floristic studies of selected regions of Northern Kazakhstan and Kostanay Region (T.M. Bragina, Yu.V. Perezhogin, O.V. Borodulina, A.S. Kozhmukhametova, M.S. Kubeyev, M.M. Ruleva).
- Comprehensive assessment of the physical development of schoolchildren and university students living in urban and rural areas (G.A. Ruchkina, S.I. Kurlov).
- Study of biodiversity of the animal world of Kazakhstan and Kostanay Region, its current status, sustainable use, and conservation (T.M. Bragina, M.S. Kubeyev, M.M. Ruleva).
- Molecular genetic studies of populations of rare plant species in Northern Kazakhstan using microsatellite DNA polymorphism analysis (R.S. Beishov).
- Research in social and economic geography of Kostanay Region (G.K. Baubekova, K.I. Omarova, V.V. Koval, E.B. Akhmetova, K.T. Baimaganbetova).
- Chemical and environmental studies of the environment (O.M. Chernyavskaya, Ch.A. Tauakelov, S.A. Daribayeva).
- Computer prediction of physicochemical properties and biological activity of chemical compounds (M.A. Gubenko, E.M. Yergaliyeva).
- Research projects including Interaction of Organic Amides with Inorganic Acids, Improvement of School Chemistry Teaching Methodologies, and Food Product Analysis (G.U. Taurbayeva, B.B. Tulebayeva).
- Development of professional standards in the field of Industrial Chemical Production (O.M. Chernyavskaya, V.N. Chashkov).
- Phytochemical assessment of medicinal plants of Kostanay Region (B.B. Tulebayeva, S.A. Daribayeva).
National and International Research Projects
Faculty members participate in a number of national and international grant-funded projects, including:
Study of the Current State of Vascular Plant Diversity in Kazakhstan Using Modern Botanical, Molecular Genetic, and Bioinformatics Methods
Participants:
- Yu.V. Perezhogin, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Professor
- O.V. Borodulina, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Professor
- S.I. Kurlov, Senior Lecturer
Development of an Operational Water Resources Monitoring System and Environmental Control of Hydraulic Engineering Structures in Northern Kazakhstan
Participants:
- S.B. Kuanyshbayev, Doctor of Geographical Sciences
- V.N. Chashkov, Senior Lecturer, Master of Chemistry
- S.A. Daribayeva, Lecturer, Master of Natural Sciences
Conservation of the Steppe Eagle Population within the Naurzum Nature Reserve Area
Participant:
- T.M. Bragina, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor
Scientific Partnerships and Cooperation
The Department maintains active scientific cooperation through agreements with:
- Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK);
- Naurzum State Nature Reserve;
- Department of Zoology and Ichthyology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University;
- Institute of Steppe of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Orenburg, Russia).
Within the framework of international projects, Department researchers collaborate with:
- University of Hanover (Germany);
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM IUCN);
- Ramsar Convention Secretariat;
- University of Forestry (Sofia, Bulgaria).
Active participants in international cooperation include:
T.M. Bragina, Yu.V. Perezhogin, O.V. Borodulina, S.B. Kuanyshbayev, E.M. Isakayev, G.K. Baubekova, S.I. Kurlov, Ch.A. Tauakelov, and S.A. Daribayeva.
International Academic Collaboration
As part of its internationalization strategy, the Department actively collaborates with leading foreign scholars, including:
- Y.E. Mikhailov, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Ural State Forest Engineering University (Russia);
- S.A. Solovyov, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia);
- A.N. Tashev, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Professor, University of Forestry (Bulgaria);
- E. Atasoy, PhD, Professor, Uludağ University (Türkiye).
Cooperation with Universities of Kazakhstan
The Department cooperates closely with leading higher education institutions of Kazakhstan, including:
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University;
- Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University;
- M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University;
- L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University;
- K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University;
- S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University.
Scientific Seminar “Regional Biodiversity and Challenges of Its Study”
Нound Table Scientific Seminar “Geography and Current Issues in Tourism Development”with the participation of invited international scholar: Prof. E. Atasoy, PhD, Uludağ University, Republic of Türkiye.й
Faculty Scientific Internships
Faculty members of the Department of Natural Sciences actively participate in international scientific internship programs aimed at enhancing research competencies, strengthening international cooperation, and integrating advanced scientific methodologies into educational and research activities.
In 2019, the following faculty members completed a scientific internship at the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU) in Oslo, Norway:
- T.M. Bragina
- M.M. Ruleva
- M.A. Bobrenko
The internship focused on international academic cooperation, educational innovation, and the development of research partnerships.
In 2023, within the framework of the Bolashak Program (“500 Scientists” Project), the following faculty members completed a scientific internship at the University of Forestry in Sofia, Bulgaria:
- G.K. Baubekova
- Ch.A. Tauakelov
- S.A. Daribayeva
The internship was conducted under the research theme: “Chemical and Environmental Studies of Environmental Objects.”
The program provided opportunities to study modern approaches to environmental monitoring, chemical and ecological assessment methods, and sustainable environmental management practices, while fostering international scientific collaboration and professional development.
Interns During Laboratory Training on Innovative Molecular Genetic Methods for Insect Research, University of Oslo, Norway
Interns Participating in a Seminar at the Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria
Research Activities of Students and Master's Students
Students and master's students of the Department actively participate in the annual Republican Student Subject Olympiad, the Republican Competition of Students’ Research Works, as well as scientific conferences at regional, national, and international levels.
- 2021 Republican Competition of Students’ Research Works (Almaty) – 3rd Place. Educational Program: Biology. Student: Zh.S. Torybayev. Academic Supervisor: T.M. Bragina, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor
- 2022 Best Young Scientist 2022 and Best Young Scientist of the CIS. 1st and 2nd Places. Educational Program: Biology. Participants: Zh.S. Torybayev, E.L. Tarasenko
- 2022 14th Republican Student Subject Olympiad in Chemistry. Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University. 3rd Place. Chemistry Team: O.T. Dzhangabulov, A.T. Zhanabayev. Team Supervisor: S.A. Daribayeva, Master of Chemistry
- 2022 14th Republican Student Subject Olympiad in Geography. Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University. 3rd Place. Geography Team: Ya. Klat, T. Kuanyshbayev. Team Supervisor: K.I. Omarova, Master of Geography
- 2022 International Distance Olympiad in Geography and Ecology among University Students of Kazakhstan and Russia. M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University. 2nd Place. Geography Program Participants: V. Karpeta, Ya. Klat
- 2022 Pedagogical Olympiad “Talented Teacher for Gifted Children”. 3rd Place. Educational Program: Chemistry. Participant: A.T. Zhanabayev
- 2022 Republican Competition of Students’ Research Works (Taraz). 1st and 3rd Places. Educational Program: Biology. Participants: I.A. Boyko, E.L. Tarasenko. Academic Supervisor: T.M. Bragina, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor
- National Subject Olympiad “STUDIOZ”. 1st Place. Chemistry Program: O.V. Alekseyev, K.I. Vasilyev, A.T. Zhanabayev. Geography–Biology Program: A.V. Fedotov
- 2022 15th Republican Student Subject Olympiad in Biology. M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University. 2nd Place. Biology–Chemistry Team: D. Baibulatov, Yu. Priezzhikh. Team Supervisor: M.M. Ruleva, Master of Biology
- 2023 Subject Olympiad among Teachers of Educational Institutions under the International Public Foundation. 3rd Place. Educational Program: Biology. Participant: N. Zhunisbekov
- 2023 Republican Competition of Students’ Research Works. 3rd Place. Biology Program:A.V. Popov, A.O. Meng. Academic Supervisor: T.M. Bragina, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor
- 2023 Geography Program:. S.M. Dzhuldybayeva. Academic Supervisor: G.K. Baubekova, Master of Pedagogical Education
Participation and success in scientific competitions and Olympiads demonstrate the high level of academic training provided by the Department and contribute to the development of students’ research competencies, professional skills, and scientific potential.
Students of the Chemistry and Geography Educational Programs at the XIV Republican Student Subject Olympiad. Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan.)
Students of the Biology Educational Program with Their Team Supervisor at the XV Republican Student Subject Olympiad in Biology. M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University, Uralsk, Kazakhstan
XVIII Republican Student Subject Olympiad in Geography. Kazakh National Women's Teacher Training University, Almaty, Kazakhstan. April 23–24, 2026.)
Student Clubs
- “Fifi” Birdwatching Club
Supervisors: T.M. Bragina, M.M. Ruleva, M.S. Kubeyev, Zh.T. Bozhekenova
The club organizes annual competitions, meetings with university students and school pupils from Kostanay and Kostanay Region, photo exhibitions, and thematic educational events dedicated to birdwatching, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.
- “Sayakhat” Local History Club
Supervisors: G.K. Baubekova, K.I. Omarova, V.V. Koval, K.T. Baimaganbetova
The club focuses on the study of social and physical geography of Kostanay Region. Its members organize photo exhibitions, educational excursions, and thematic events aimed at promoting local history, geography, and regional heritage.
- “Pedagogical Strategies for Expanding Educational Opportunities” Club
Supervisors: O.M. Chernyavskaya, G.U. Taurbayeva
Members of the club actively participate in scientific conferences, seminars, and educational events devoted to modern pedagogical approaches and innovations in teaching and learning.
- “BioWorld” Club
Supervisor: G.A. Ruchkina
The club engages students in scientific and educational activities and encourages participation in conferences, seminars, and research projects related to biological sciences.
International Bird Day Event Organized by the Birdwatchers Club
Visit to the Geological Museum of SevKazNedra and the Kostanay Regional Museum of History and Local Lore