The Liaison Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the University Alliance Ruhr organized the visit of a twelve-member delegation from two Kazakh universities to RUB on January 8, 2025. During this visit, Rector Prof. Dr. Martin Paul and Prof. Dr. Saule Rakhmetullina, Rector of the East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU), signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement outlines close collaboration in geosciences, including the exchange of researchers, students, and expertise, as well as the development of a joint master’s program.

A long-term partnership was also established with the German-Kazakh University (DKU), represented by its Rector Prof. Dr. Wolrad Rommel, among others. This partnership includes support for a platform for early-career researchers based on the model of the RUB Research School.

“Central Asia holds significant strategic importance for Germany, particularly in the fields of energy, raw materials, and environmental issues,” emphasized Martin Paul. “Ruhr University Bochum can contribute to addressing these priorities through its scientific expertise.” Central Asia is also a strategic focus for RUB, as demonstrated by the Liaison Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the University Alliance Ruhr. The collaborations with DKU and EKTU could serve as a model for future partnerships with other Central Asian institutions.