Kunsulu
Zakarya

Zakarya began her academic career at the Ospanov Medical Academy, advancing from assistant lecturer to head of the Department of Natural Sciences. In 2003, after earning the title of professor, she led various departments at three universities across Kazakhstan.

In 2006, Zakarya transitioned into civil service, joining the Central Office of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. From 2008 to 2022, she held leadership roles in several public scientific organizations in Kazakhstan before being appointed head of QazBioPharm in August 2022.

In April 2023, President Tokayev appointed her as the Head of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan. Zakarya has made significant contributions to science, authoring numerous publications and inventions. Under her leadership, two recombinant vaccines and one subunit vaccine for coronavirus were developed. Most recently, in January 2024, she was appointed Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan on Science and Innovation.