From May 4 to 8, 2026, Kaunas University of Technology hosted the annual event “Global Faculty Week 2026” in Kaunas, Lithuania, bringing together colleagues from partner universities around the world to strengthen international cooperation, promote intercultural exchange, and establish new academic partnerships.
The purpose of the event is to integrate international and intercultural dimensions into the study process, strengthen the concept of internationalization at home, and further develop cooperation among universities worldwide.
The programme featured a week-long schedule of open lectures, interactive workshops, and cultural activities designed to encourage networking, intercultural dialogue, and the exchange of academic experiences.
As part of Global Faculty Week 2026, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences welcomed guests from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University — Senior Lecturer Zhanar Shortanbayeva, Deputy Head for Academic, Methodological and Educational Affairs at the Department of Thermal and Technical Physics, and Associate Professor Symbat Alikhanovna Bolegenova, Vice-Dean for Academic, Methodological and Educational Affairs. During their visit to KTU, the guests were welcomed and their activities were coordinated by Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Vice-Dean for Studies, Associate Professor Dr. Živilė Rutkūnienė.
During the visit, insights about the long-standing collaboration between KTU and KazNU, student mobility, joint academic initiatives, and future opportunities for international cooperation in physics research and higher education were shared. The following interview questions were answered by Senior Lecturer Zhanar Shortanbayeva.
– How would you compare the physics programmes at KTU’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS) and universities in Kazakhstan?
– The programmes in both our regions share a strong commitment to applied research and the preparation of specialists for high-tech industries. At KTU FMNS, the curriculum is closely integrated into the European research network, providing students with direct access to advanced methodologies and international academic practices.
One of the greatest achievements of our cooperation is the Double Degree Master’s programme in Applied Physics at KTU and Technical Physics at KazNU. The fact that graduates receive degrees from both institutions demonstrates how well our curricula complement each other. It proves that we share the same scientific standards and a common vision for high-quality international education.
– What are your impressions of the students and academic environment at KTU?
– The academic atmosphere in Kaunas is exceptionally professional, welcoming, and open. Since signing our Memorandum of Understanding in 2014, nearly 80 students from our university have gained valuable experience at KTU through semester exchange programmes and research internships.
This successful cooperation is based on mutual exchange and trust. We highly appreciate the contribution of the KTU academic community. For example, , Associate Professor Živilė Rutkūnienė shared her expertise as a Visiting Professor at Al-Farabi KazNU, delivering lectures that were highly valuable for our Master’s and PhD students.
The continuous support from the FMNS Dean’s Office and the International Relations Department, especially Gintarė Vilbikienė, has been essential in building the strong partnership we have developed over the past decade.
– What has been the most interesting or memorable part of your visit to Global Faculty Week so far?
– The scale of Global Faculty Week is truly impressive, bringing together more than 100 participants from all over the world. However, the most valuable aspect for me has been the opportunity for meaningful professional dialogue and personal interaction.
It was a great pleasure to meet Professor Živilė Rutkūnienė during this week to discuss future plans, including joint PhD supervision and a new Erasmus+ application.
It is especially rewarding to see the success of our Double Degree graduates — Gaukhar Kantayeva, Alisher Duganov, Zhandos Ualzhanov, and Sultanbek Saduakasov — as well as PhD graduates such as Nursultan Kainbayev. Their achievements, together with the impact of lectures delivered in Almaty by KTU professors, clearly demonstrate that our partnership is dynamic, productive, and meaningful.
– What skills do you think KTU FMNS students should develop to succeed in international physics research?
– Reflecting on our ten years of collaboration, I believe that three qualities are especially important:
Research mobility – students should actively participate in semester exchanges and international internships in order to broaden their scientific perspectives.
Collaborative mindset – the ability to work in international research teams and contribute to joint scientific publications is essential.
Practical adaptability – success in modern science comes from integrating different scientific approaches and academic traditions. We have encouraged this through visits by KTU professors such as Giedrius Laukaitis, Živilė Rutkūnienė, Bronė Narkevičienė, and Kęstutis Lukšys to Al-Farabi KazNU. Students should remain open to diverse academic perspectives and experiences.
Thank you for inviting me to this important event. We deeply value our long-standing friendship with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and look forward to many more years of successful cooperation.
