Shakarim University students successfully participated in the second stage of the 2025–2026 National Student Research Competition (NIRS) in the “Technical Physics” (Bachelor’s Degree) section and were awarded Third-Degree Diplomas of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The results of the competition were finalized on May 14, 2026, by the competition committee of the host university – D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University. A total of 15 research papers prepared by 25 students under the supervision of 20 research advisors from four universities of Kazakhstan were submitted in the “Technical Physics” section. According to the decision of the competition committee, one paper was recommended for a First-Degree Diploma, two papers for Second-Degree Diplomas, and three papers for Third-Degree Diplomas.

A Third-Degree Diploma of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan was awarded to Shakarim University students Aida Atakhanova and Sergey Blokhin for their research paper entitled “Thermodynamic and Exergy Analysis of Heat Pump Cycles Using Different Refrigerants.”

The research was supervised by Mikhail V. Ermolenko, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, and Olga A. Stepanova, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Technical Physics and Heat Power Engineering at Shakarim University.

Another prize-winning research project from Shakarim University was carried out by Nurlat Kadybolat, Nazira Musatayeva, and Aikyn Erboluly. Their study, entitled “Nonlinear Dynamics, Thermal Processes and Structural Transformations during Cathodic Electrolytic-Plasma Treatment of 20GL Steel,” was also awarded a Third-Degree Diploma of the Ministry.

The research supervisors were Rinat Khamituly Kurmangaliyev and Rinat K. Kusainov, representatives of the Engineering Center of Shakarim University.

In total, Shakarim University submitted six student research papers to the competition in the “Technical Physics” section. The research topics covered current areas of technical physics, including thermodynamic and exergy analysis of heat pump cycles, investigation of photovoltaic elements, heat-transfer processes in refrigeration systems, spectral temperature monitoring, electrolytic-plasma treatment of materials, and the formation of functional coatings.

The scientific focus of the submitted studies is aligned with the priorities of sustainable development and technological modernization. Research aimed at improving energy efficiency, developing heat pump and photovoltaic technologies, advancing material-processing methods, and creating functional coatings is primarily related to SDG 7 “Affordable and Clean Energy” and SDG 9 “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.” These studies also contribute to SDG 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production” and SDG 13 “Climate Action.”

The competition results demonstrate the high level of research training of Shakarim University students and the relevance of research conducted in the field of technical physics. Participation in national research competitions contributes to the development of students’ research competencies, engineering and analytical thinking, and encourages young researchers to engage in solving contemporary scientific, technological, and energy-related challenges.

We congratulate Aida Atakhanova, Sergey Blokhin, Nurlat Kadybolat, Nazira Musatayeva, Aikyn Erboluly, and their research supervisors on their well-deserved awards! We wish them new scientific ideas, successful research, and outstanding achievements!