UArizona announces new tripartite water research centers with international partners

The University of Arizona is expanding its global research efforts by launching tripartite water research centers in partnership with Kozybayev University in Kazakhstan and Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU) in China. This collaboration aims to address pressing global water concerns through a unified and innovative approach.

“We are excited to join forces with Kozybayev University and Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University to pioneer research that tackles some of the most critical challenges facing our planet today,” said Vice President for Arizona International and Dean for International Education Dr. Jenny Lee. “This partnership will not only enhance our research capabilities but also strengthen our commitment to global sustainability.”

Dr. Lee and Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension, and the Charles-Sander Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences Dr. Shane Burgess represented the University of Arizona in the signing of an International Memorandum of Agreement with their counterparts at the partnering institutions. Member of the Management Board for International Programs Dr. Bakhtiyar Khajimuratuly and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Technologies Dr. Altyn Shayakhmetova signed on behalf of Kozybayev University and Dean of the College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering Dr. Xiaotao Hu signed on behalf of NWAFU. 

This event marks a significant step in fostering international cooperation across diverse geographic locations and time zones. The new research centers will focus on developing solutions to water scarcity and quality issues that affect communities worldwide. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the three universities, the centers aim to advance research and develop sustainable practices that can be implemented globally.
The recent flooding in Kazakhstan, which has been the most significant in over eight decades, adds an extra element of importance to the partnership as well.

Dr. Shayakhmetova emphasized the necessity of the new scientific center of water resources in Kazakhstan, a sentiment that aligns with the consistent support and recognition from the national leadership. “Our president has stated this many times at government meetings and even opened a new Ministry of Water Resources. It is necessary to act quickly… the whole focus of actions of all ministries and the government is aimed at solving this problem.”

Acknowledging the critical water issues in Kazakhstan, Dr. Burgess emphasized the unique contribution UArizona can make: “Kazakhstan has massive water challenges, in all different ways of looking at water,” said Dr. Burgess. “Because we are the ‘water-doing’ university, we can contribute more to Kazakhstan than any other university in the country. And for us, it is also part of a strategic link with science around the world.”

UArizona ranked No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 8 globally in water resources in ShanghaiRanking's 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

The collaboration has been met with enthusiasm from all parties involved and the research centers are expected to become a pivotal platform for innovation and dialogue in the field of water research.

Representatives from the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences will be traveling to Kozybayev later this year to continue building collaborations and working toward the next stages of the partnership.