Within the framework of Science Week, on April 14, 2026, an expert
session titled “Preparing Grant Applications: What Experts Pay Attention To”
was held at Karaganda Industrial University. The main speaker of the event was
Vyacheslav Alexandrovich Kunaev, Director of the Department of Science and
Innovation.
The session was attended by faculty members, young researchers, master’s
and doctoral students of the university who are interested in preparing and
submitting research projects for grant funding from the Ministry of Science and
Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the event, the key criteria used by experts of the National
Center for State Scientific and Technical Expertise in evaluating research
proposals were thoroughly discussed. Special attention was paid to the
scientific novelty and relevance of research, the validity of the methodology,
the clarity of the project’s goals and objectives, as well as the feasibility
of the timeline and expected results.
The speaker emphasized that one of the most common reasons for lower
evaluation scores is the insufficient development of the experimental component
and weak detailing of the methodological framework. It was also noted that the
logical consistency of all sections of the application—from problem statement
to expected results and their practical significance—plays a significant role.
A separate part of the presentation was devoted to issues of project
budget justification. Participants were explained how experts assess the
alignment between the requested funding and the scope and complexity of the
planned research, as well as common mistakes made when preparing budgets.
As part of the session, practical examples from expert practice were
presented, typical comments on applications were analyzed, and recommendations
for addressing them were provided. Participants had the opportunity to ask
questions and discuss specific aspects of preparing their own projects.
Following the event, attendees highlighted the high practical value of
the expert session and its relevance in the context of increasing competition
for grant funding.
Such events contribute to improving the quality of grant applications,
developing research competencies, and fostering a sustainable scientific
environment at the university.
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