Almaty, Kazakhstan – Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs) from the Central Asian countries and the European Union (EU) Member States gathered at Satbayev University in Almaty for a comprehensive professional development workshop aimed at building the capacity of recently appointed NCPs and strengthening collaboration at regional and international levels. The workshop was organised by the EU-funded SECCA project in cooperation with the Science Fund of Kazakhstan. The NCPs gathered at the event represented Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iceland, Italy, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It marked the very first capacity building activity tailored to the needs of Cluster 5 NCPs in Central Asia.
The workshop’s first session focused on best practices, emerging tools – including AI – and national experiences to improve NCP operations and outreach in the Central Asian region. Notably, Miriam de Angelis, Cluster 5 NCP from Italy’s Agency for the Promotion of European Research (APRE), and Kolbrun Bjargmundsdottir, Cluster 5 NCP from the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS), shared strategic tools to empower the newcomer NCPs and programme applicants navigating Horizon Europe opportunities. Ms Angelis, as a representative of GREENET, the network of Cluster 5 NCPs in the EU, also presented about its services and opportunities for engagement if offers for Cluster 5 NCPs from Central Asia. Dr Aliya Sembayeva, NCP Coordinator from Kazakhstan and Acting Chairperson of the Board of the Science Fund, shared insights into the operation of Kazakhstan’s NCP network, whereas SECCA Senior Expert on Horizon Europe Ms Natalia Shatirishvili provided a guide to Horizon Europe Dashboard and other useful analytical tools.
The workshop combined presentations and interactive sessions to build the practical skills and help NCPs from Central Asia get familiar with analytical tools that they will need in their day-to-day activities. By using the Horizon Europe dashboard, participants gathered the recent data on the participation landscape in their countries. They then shared these insights in their brief presentations by the participants.
The event then continued with the regional experience sharing session, where Cluster 5 NCPs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan presented their national experiences, challenges, and advancements in promoting Horizon Europe and supporting the applicants. These presentations fostered a mutual learning and spirit of collaboration across the region.
The workshop concluded with a roundtable discussion exploring future regional cooperation among NCPs. Participants left with renewed momentum and improved skills to enhance Horizon Europe engagement across Central Asia, supported by stronger networks, innovative tools, and a shared vision for collaboration within the region and with the EU. The event also helped to build working links between NCPs in Central Asia and their European peers.
