Reforming the system of research-staff training: Doctoral (Ph.D) education in Kazakhstan

The issues of the development and reproduction of highly qualified scientific human resources in Kazakhstan are analyzed in the context of the abolishment of the traditional two-tier system of research training (Candidate of Sciences and Doctor of Sciences) and the transition to a single-stage (Doctorate or Ph.D) system in line with the Bologna Declaration. The restriction of research training to the Ph.D level and abandoning the affiliated doctoral-education practice in Kazakhstan have resulted in a sharp decrease in the number of highly qualified researchers and the reduction of the domestic research capacity in its thematic scope. At the same time, the outflow of Ph.D holders from the research sector to other sectors of activity has remained unchanged. This problem has further deteriorated the shortage of highly qualified personnel in various sectors of the domestic economy. The advantages of Kazakhstan’s accession to the Bologna Declaration are highlighted. To conclude, the authors emphasize the importance of adjusting the policy for training personnel and justify the relevance of introducing a second level of doctoral education, namely, the habilitated Doctor of Sciences.

Перевод пока недоступен