Dr. Aliya Nurmukhanbetova -Laureate of Oganesson Prize
Photo by Nataliya Zaikina
14 February 2025 – Dr. Aliya Nurmukhanbetova, head of the nuclear physics group at Nazarbayev University, has been named a laureate of the prestigious Oganesson Prize in recognition of the groundbreaking research in nuclear physics [*].
Dr. Nurmukhanbetova was honoured for her contributions to the development and implementation of a new programme for studying light nuclei at the Heavy Ion Accelerator DC-60 in Astana, Kazakhstan [*].
Alongside Dr. Nurmukhanbetova, leading scientists from Russia and South Africa were also recognised for their contributions, with their research.
The Oganesson Prize ceremony took place in the Michelangelo Hall of the Pushkin Museum’s main building in Moscow. Established in 2023 at the initiative of Russian academician Yuri Oganessian, the prize honours exceptional achievements in the natural sciences-including physics, chemistry, and biology-as well as advancements in applied research, education, and the popularisation of science.
Dr. Nurmukhanbetova was honoured for her contributions to the development and implementation of a new programme for studying light nuclei at the Heavy Ion Accelerator DC-60 in Astana, Kazakhstan [*].
Alongside Dr. Nurmukhanbetova, leading scientists from Russia and South Africa were also recognised for their contributions, with their research.
The Oganesson Prize ceremony took place in the Michelangelo Hall of the Pushkin Museum’s main building in Moscow. Established in 2023 at the initiative of Russian academician Yuri Oganessian, the prize honours exceptional achievements in the natural sciences-including physics, chemistry, and biology-as well as advancements in applied research, education, and the popularisation of science.
Photo by Nataliya Zaikina
- In her acceptance speech, Dr. Nurmukhanbetova expressed deep gratitude to the scientific community and those who supported their research:"I am profoundly grateful to the JINR Scientific Council for awarding me the Oganesson Prize, and to the outstanding scientist and remarkable person, Academician Yuri T. Oganessian, who established this honour. I believe this prize will continue for many years, inspiring many scientists.
- She also emphasised that the award recognises the collective efforts of Kazakhstan’s scientific community:This award is a recognition of all researchers in Kazakhstan, including the research group at Nazarbayev University, who have contributed to the development of studies at the DC-60 cyclotron in Astana.
Our results would not have been possible without the contributions of outstanding professors V.Z. Goldberg and G.V. Rogachev. I am also especially grateful to Professor of High Energy Physics M.S. Golovkov from Laboratory for conducting neutron measurements in Astana. - Dr. Nurmukhanbetova acknowledged the role of Nazarbayev University and international collaboration in their research:Our work was made possible thanks to Kazakhstan’s new grant system and the support of my Nazarbayev University. Currently, I receive same support from my Italian colleagues, particularly Professor Aurora Tumino.
Photo by Nataliya Zaikina
- During the closing ceremony, the award's founder, Academician Yuri Tsolakovich Oganessian, notedd:
Our young scientists one specializes in the lightest elements and nuclei, while the other focuses on the heaviest. Both demonstrate exceptional originality in their approaches and conduct outstanding experiments. Their greatest achievements lie ahead, but this award honors the work they have already accomplished.
The Oganesson Prize continues to highlight groundbreaking research across disciplines, reinforcing the critical role of scientific inquiry in addressing global challenges.