SDU University Professor Led Kazakhstan’s Historic Victory at the International Physics Olympiad
The national team of Kazakhstan, led by SDU University Associate Professor and PhD Samat Maksutov, achieved a historic milestone at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026). For the first time in the country’s history, Kazakhstan won five gold medals, setting a national record and achieving its best-ever result at the world’s most prestigious physics competition.
The Olympiad was held from July 4 to 12, 2026, in Bucaramanga, Colombia, bringing together 381 students from 85 countries. Competing against some of the world’s strongest teams, including China, South Korea, India, and Russia, every member of the Kazakh national team earned a gold medal.
The gold medalists are:
- Nurgul Yegenbergenova;
- Amirbek Azatbekov;
- Ilyas Kazymbek;
- Roman Cheremnov;
- Damir Kurman.
The International Physics Olympiad has been held annually since 1967, while Kazakhstan has participated regularly since 1997. This year’s achievement marks the country’s most successful performance in the history of the competition.
The national team was coached by SDU University Associate Professor, PhD Samat Maksutov, together with Alisher Yerkebayev, an international physics Olympiad medalist. Their role includes identifying the country’s most talented students and preparing them for international academic competitions through intensive training, requiring outstanding expertise in physics and a high level of English proficiency.
The medalists were officially welcomed at Almaty International Airport, where they were congratulated by Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Abzal Nukenov, Deputy Akim of Almaty; Timur Davlet, Director of the Daryn Republican Scientific and Practical Center; and Saken Aralbayev, Head of the Almaty City Education Department.
For SDU University, the international achievements of its faculty members reflect the University’s strong academic environment, research excellence, and commitment to preparing future generations of talented scientists.
The SDU University community sincerely congratulates Associate Professor, PhD Samat Maksutov on this remarkable achievement and wishes him continued success in research, education, and future accomplishments on the international stage.
