On December 29, 2020, an online ceremony for awarding personalized awards in the field of science and state scientific scholarships for 2020 was held with the participation of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askhat Aimagambetov.

In his welcoming speech, the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Aimagambetov noted that important steps were taken to modernize Kazakhstani science in the past year:

• Public funding has increased and improved. As a result, in 2020, 5 competitions for grant funding were announced, for which more than five thousand applications were received.
• Within the framework of the concept of the “hearing state”, the openness and transparency of the ministry's work in the field of science has increased. All changes to the regulatory framework are taking place with the broad participation of the scientific and expert community.
• By the decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the State Commission for the complete rehabilitation of victims of political repression was established. Institute of History and Ethnology after Ch. Valikhanov provides scientific support for the activities of the State Commission.
• On the basis of clear scientometric criteria, work was carried out to award personal prizes and scientific scholarships for 2021. The application review and decision-making process was conducted in an open and transparent manner etc.

Further, in accordance with the order of the Minister, personal prizes were awarded and the names of holders of state scientific scholarships were announced.

Director, member of the competition committee Zarema Shaukenova took part in the award ceremony on behalf of the KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.