ENU and Nuremberg Tech University Signed a Memorandum of Cooperation under the International SOLID Project

The Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov and Nuremberg Tech University (Germany) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the second phase of the international project SOLID (Social work and Strengthening NGOs in development cooperation to treat drug addiction). This new step aims to develop scientific exchange, improve professional qualifications, and strengthen the capacity of non-governmental organizations working in addiction treatment.

The signing ceremony took place during the SOLID Kick-off Meeting held in Nuremberg, Germany.

The project is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ) within the Excellence Network Program.

The agreement confirms the partnership between universities from Germany, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and China in the fields of social work and public health.

Within the project, researchers plan to conduct joint studies, develop academic programs, and introduce innovative social support practices for vulnerable groups.

The ENU delegation was led by N. Aidargaliyeva, Member of the Board and Vice-Rector for Finance and Investment.

«She emphasized that the signing of the memorandum reflects the university’s strategic goal of strengthening international cooperation and advancing research schools. Participation in the SOLID project will allow us to apply global best practices in training specialists and to develop international partnerships in social work», - said N. Aidargaliyeva.

The delegation also included D. Yessimova, Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology and the project coordinator from ENU.
She presented the results of the first phase of the SOLID project (2020–2024), highlighting ENU’s contribution to the development of professional standards in social work and the growing role of Central Asian universities in training professionals for the social sector.

The first phase of the project achieved several important scientific results, including:

• joint publications in international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science with researchers from Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and China;
• the successful defense of ENU’s first doctoral dissertation on social work in the penitentiary system;
• the development of educational modules and elective courses on international standards in social work, human rights, and the rehabilitation of people who use psychoactive substances;
• participation in international conferences, seminars, and round tables promoting interdisciplinary approaches to social policy and public health.

According to Yessimova D.G, the results of the first phase created a strong foundation for the next stage, which will focus on developing doctoral programs, joint research publications, and integrating European standards of social work into educational practice in Kazakhstan.

The cooperation between the Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov and Nuremberg Tech University will unite scientific research, international experience, and educational innovation.

The project supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strengthens Kazakhstan’s role as a regional leader in social work.

In the coming years, the partners plan to expand the research network, develop doctoral programs, and implement the results of joint research into educational and social practice.