On October, 14-21th 2009, al-Farabi University delegation Prof. V. Salnikov, Dr. R. Bekseitova, Dr. Z. Bimagambetova, PhD student M. Karatayev visited University Nottingham, Great Britain in framework international educational project of British council "International Strategic Partnerships in Research and Education" (INSPIRE).

Department of Geography, al-Farabi University has excellent cooperation with University Nottingham in framework of the international project of British Council INSPIRE science 2007. The cooperation between al-Farabi University and University Nottingham focuses in realisation of the joint innovative program in the field of environmental change. The visit purpose was signing memorandum of cooperation and the working program of realisation joint PhD program "Environmental change". Department of Geography scientists have chance to participate in research projects between two universities and arrive at Nottingham university with short-term training according to quota of the project.

Today, the world famous University of Nottingham is one of the most dynamically developing university of Great Britain, having excellent reputation of quality of teaching and level of scientific researches. The university executes research projects in interests of 400 international companies. Following the RAE results, 90% of all research at Nottingham has been classified of an 'international standard' and 60% as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. The University of Nottinghamwas confirmed as a world-class University in the 2008 global league tables and become group "Universities 21" (association of leading universities of the world). In 2004 university have taken two royal awards (Queen's Anniversary Prize). University of Nottingham have taken award "University of the year in Great Britain" science 2005. (Times Higher Awards 2005/06 2006/7, 2007/08). According to Times University Nottingham are ranked in the UK top 10, the European top 30and inthe top 1% of all universities worldwide.

During visit al-Farabi University delegation met with Vice-rector of University Nottingham Mr. D. Greenway, director of department of the international cooperation Mr. Y. Johns, Dean of geographical school Ms. S. Hara. Professor V. Salnikov gave presentation about al-Farabi university and presented anniversary information materials. Nottingham university colleagues introduced the basic research directions Nottingham University and innovation and scientific technologies. Al-Farabi University delegation with colleagues discussed about the progress of the exchange program between al-Farabi University and Nottingham University and also discussed main agendas of lecture of President RK N. Nazarbayev.

Prof. M. Clarke

"The main agenda of lecture of President RK N. Nazarbayev is project "The intellectual nation". One of missions al-Farabi University is preparation of the competent, flexible, competitive specialists. Competitiveness and qualitative specialists is strategic values of the another country. Competitive specialists will help the country to be integrated into world scientifically-educational system and qualitative new level".

Prof. V. Salnikov

"University Nottingham has active scientific and technical cooperation with the large and small companies. As a rule, the companies address to university for performance of commercial scientific researches. Eighty percent of scientific projects have been financed by business. University Nottingham and large companies creates joint scientific parks, the centres and laboratories, special competitions and scientific projects.

According to lecture President RK N. Nazarbayev private sector, especially investors must sponsor innovations and scientific research. Scientists can receive supporting just from investments of private sector. It will create favourable conditions for growth of own now-how technologies and competitiveness of the country in world community system".

Dr. R. Bekseitova

"Visiting of the innovative centre, park of science and technologies, laboratories and scientific research institutes of Nottingham University I have seen future of al-Farabi University which has been built by rector. Al-Farabi University has educational, scientific, innovative and industrial potentials for powerful scientifically technological progress. Strategy of development of al-Farabi University on 2009-2011 is a practicable plan innovative development. The realisation of this strategy is caused by new formulation question's President RK N. Nazarbayev".

PhD student M. Karatayev

"The forming of scientific contingent is main role preparation of competitive specialists. The existing concept of forming of student's contingent is approached to the international requirements as much as possible and provides the most capable and talented students. Kazakh national university is leader of having accepted 2586 granting students. The most part of them is owners "Алтын белгі", winners of the international and republican competitions and the Olympiad and scientific projects".

On December, 4th, 2009, 04:00 pm, Department of Geography, class room 227 there will be hold presentation of results of trip to University Nottingham of Prof. V. Salnikova, Dr. R. Bekseitova, PhD student M. Karatayev.

All interested persons are invited.