Participation in the International round-table discussion ‘Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site: science and social medium’

On August 28, 2023 the staff of the Shakarim University held an International round-table discussion ‘Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site: science and social medium’ involving the Minister of Science and Tertiary Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurbek Sayasat. The conference was also attended by ministerial, Akimat, the Abai region and Semei city’s officials, scientists, medical officers, production engineers and others.

A Deputy Director Yevgeniya Mustafina spoke on the subject ‘Results of the comprehensive ecological survey of Semipalatinsk Test Site on behalf of the branch ‘Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology. In her presentation, Ms. Mustafina presented data from the comprehensive ecological survey stating that the level of radioactively contaminated STS lands reached 100 % by 2021. Yevgeniya touched upon issues concerning long-term prospects for the STS area rehabilitation and the minimization of the impact of radioactive substances as well as noted the importance of international cooperation in solving such ecological problems. Her presentation emphasized the severity of the radioactive contamination problem and the necessity of continuing scientific research in this field to develop efficient ecosystem rehabilitation and future generation safety strategies.

As part of the round-table discussion, conference participants laid flowers at the Shakarim Kudaiberdiyev monument, attended scientific achievement, literature, sculpture exhibitions and the art exhibition by Kurman Aimukhanbetov ‘Tragedy of Semipalatinsk Test Site’.