Open discussion of implementation of the “New Religious Movements in Kazakhstan” research project funded from the state budget featuring leading domestic scientists, experts, managers, specialists from state bodies and religious associations, took place in PSU on August 20, 2014.

The moderators of the event were the scientific supervisor of the “New Religious Movements in Kazakhstan” project, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Mayra Kozhamzharova and Head of the Department of Philosophy and Cultural Studies, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Gaukhar Akhmetova. The opening speech was delivered by Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Nurlan Yerzhanov.

Mayra Kozhamzharova made a keynote report with detailed information regarding all research activities carried out under the project. Over the specified period, the research group conducted sociological research in Almaty, Karaganda and South Kazakhstan regions, the results of which showed religious attitudes and priorities of young people, revealed features of religious processes in the territory of modern Kazakhstan. Besides, there was a presentation of a draft model of the future monograph, preliminary results, theoretical developments and empirical material of the project.

At the end of the event, there was an exchange of views between members of the Faculty of History and Law of S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University and guests of the event: Nurumbek Absalikov (Head of the Division of Information and Analytical Work at the Department for Religious Affairs of Pavlodar region), Saule Mamytova (Director of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan Centre at PSPI, Doctor of Historical Sciences), Serik Kulzhibayev (Chief Specialist at Irtysh Media Holding JSC), Ayman Zeynullina (Candidate of Philological Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Kazakh Language at S. Toraighyrov PSU).