During a plenary session of the Mazhilis, Deputy Edil Zhanbyrshin voiced his concerns regarding scientists receiving billion-tenge grants without any known outcomes of their work. He highlighted that often the same individuals are the beneficiaries of such grants.
Zhanbyrshin specifically mentioned recipients of these grants over the past decade, questioning the results and achievements of their work in terms of commercialization, job creation, and tax contributions. He also inquired about the duration of grant funding for scientists who fail to demonstrate results.
In response, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek promised to provide a written response regarding the named scientists. Nurbek elaborated on the outcomes of commercialization efforts in the past five years, emphasizing the tax revenues generated, job opportunities created, and private sector investments attracted.
Furthermore, Nurbek acknowledged the necessity of strengthening requirements for obtaining such grants. Earlier, the Mazhilis approved amendments to the law on "Science and Technological Policy" in the first reading, aimed at expanding social support for scientific workers.
