Astana, Kazakhstan – On November 24, 2009, the opening of the new laboratory for ecological research was held at the Eurasian National University (ENU) within the framework of the Masters of Science in Environmental Management and Engineering (MSEME) program conducted by the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) in partnership with the University of New Mexico and financed by AES Group of Companies in Kazakhstan and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The scientific research laboratory was set up to allow students taking part in the MSEME program to analyze and monitor different types of environmental pollution. The laboratory has been kitted out with more than 50 different brands of research equipment imported from the USA, Europe, Japan and Russia from corporations such as Shimadzu, Perkin Elmer, Dionex, Sim Eelectronica, Consord, Hospitex Diagnostics, Asys and Biosan.

“USAID highly values public-private partnerships, of which this project is a prime example. The efforts of the U.S. and Kazakhstani governments, two of their leading universities, and an American company playing a key role in Kazakhstan’s economic development were all focused on producing this program and this laboratory which will make a lasting and sustainable contribution to addressing some of the most important environmental problems facing Kazakhstan,” says Andrew Sisson, USAID/CAR Mission Director.

There are currently plans to expand the range of the laboratory’s equipment in order to completely kit out the laboratory with all it needs for both the students and for commercial research. This laboratory will thus allow students to develop their practical skills in their specific areas of interest. “This laboratory is the product of the combined efforts, contributions and expertise of USAID, AES, the University of New Mexico and the Eurasian National University, and I am happy that EFCA had the opportunity to bring these prestigious institutions together,” noted Jeff Erlich, EFCA President.

This Master’s program which is aimed at solving pressing ecological issues in Kazakhstan was put together by the Professors at ENU in association with specialists at the University of New Mexico. This is currently the only program in the country which is being conducted by international specialists qualified to find effective solutions to environmental pollution, control air and water pollution, find ways of reducing the amount of waste products released into the atmosphere and soften the blow of the negative effects of humans on nature.

Within the four years of the program implementation 32 students completed their Master’s Degree in Environmental Management and Engineering; under the support of the ENU’s Administration and the Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science joint international department of Environmental Management and Engineering (EME) was established. EME department includes bachelor, masters and PhD educational programs.

Information about MSEME program

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For further information: Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia