In London, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University and the Institute of Archaeology of University College London — one of the world’s leading universities, consistently ranked among the top global institutions and internationally recognized as a center of advanced interdisciplinary research. On behalf of EKTU, the Memorandum was signed by Rector Saule Rakhmetullina, while the British partner was represented by Kevin MacDonald, Director of the UCL Institute of Archaeology.
The signed agreement establishes an institutional framework for long-term scientific cooperation in the fields of archaeometallurgy and the study of the Eurasian Bronze Age. The partnership is implemented within the framework of two major research initiatives: the international DREAM project, supported by the European Research Council and carried out at UCL under the leadership of Miljana Radivojević, and the Kazakhstani project “Tin Mines of East Kazakhstan in the System of Ancient Eurasian Metallurgy,” implemented at EKTU with the support of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the leadership of Yevgeny Vodyasov.
Both projects are aimed at a comprehensive study of the role of the Eurasian Steppe in the formation of Bronze Age metallurgical technologies, the development of transregional trade networks, and the spread of technological innovations. The use of modern analytical methods, field research, and UCL’s laboratory facilities in combination with the unique archaeological materials of East Kazakhstan ensures a high level of scientific credibility and international significance of the results obtained.
The Memorandum provides for joint expeditions and laboratory research, preparation of publications in high-ranking international journals, academic exchange, and the organization of scientific events. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of archaeometallurgy as one of the most dynamically evolving fields of contemporary world archaeology.
Cooperation with a leading university such as UCL clearly demonstrates the high international level of research conducted at EKTU and its integration into the global scientific community. This partnership is regarded as an important step toward strengthening the position of Kazakhstani science and expanding its participation in international research consortia.
