On September 2, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) held a session for Nazarbayev University faculty members and researchers focused on preparing and submitting research grant applications under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MHES RK).
The session, “Mastering the Pre-Award Lifecycle: How to Submit MHES Grants via ISSAI?”, was led by Gauhar Orazbekova, Grant Coordinator at ISSAI. The presentation provided an overview of available funding opportunities and the key stages of the grant application process, from identifying a suitable funding programme to proposal submission, formal checks, peer review, and final evaluation.
Participants also discussed the main requirements for developing a competitive proposal, including research priority alignment, principal investigator and team eligibility, ethical approvals, expected research outcomes, publication requirements, co-funding for applied research, and budget planning. Particular attention was given to administrative compliance and the importance of preparing research proposals well in advance of a funding call.
The session highlighted the importance of early preparation and careful planning in developing successful grant applications. It also provided NU faculty with practical guidance on navigating the MHES funding process and preparing for upcoming research funding opportunities.