A scientific seminar aimed at enhancing doctoral students’ academic preparation for dissertation writing and defense was held at the Faculty of Oriental Studies

On October 13, 2026, the Faculty of Oriental Studies held a scientific seminar for doctoral students entitled “Dissertation Writing and Defense: Academic Preparation and Psychological Well-Being.” The main objective of the event was to discuss the key principles of preparing a high-quality dissertation, address common mistakes in academic writing and formatting, and provide doctoral students with practical methodological guidance.

The seminar was led by Botagoz Myrzabaykyzy Suyerqul, Doctor of Philological Sciences and Researcher at the Department of Turkology and History of Eastern Countries, Faculty of Oriental Studies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

During the seminar, participants explored the main stages of dissertation preparation, including establishing the relevance of a research topic, conducting a systematic review of academic literature, selecting appropriate research methods, and accurately analyzing research findings. Particular attention was given to structuring a dissertation, ensuring consistency between research aims and objectives, substantiating scientific novelty, and formulating evidence-based conclusions.

Another important part of the seminar focused on academic writing and research integrity. The speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining an appropriate academic style, using terminology accurately, observing spelling and punctuation rules, and correctly formatting bibliographic references and citations. Issues related to plagiarism prevention, respect for copyright, and responsible use of scholarly sources were also discussed.

The importance of identifying, selecting, and critically reviewing academic literature was highlighted throughout the seminar. Familiarity with national and international research, engagement with recent scholarly publications, and the critical evaluation of sources were presented as essential factors in improving the academic quality of a dissertation.

The seminar also addressed practical aspects of completing a dissertation within the established timeframe, developing a structured research plan, preparing academic publications, and maintaining effective professional communication with research supervisors. Participants were reminded that systematic planning, adherence to deadlines, and consistent organization of research activities help strengthen academic responsibility and improve the overall efficiency of the research process.

Psychological well-being during dissertation writing and defense was another significant topic. The complexity of doctoral research, the need for effective time management, and demanding academic requirements require perseverance, organization, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. In this context, breaking the research process into manageable stages, discussing challenges in a timely manner, and remaining receptive to supervisors’ recommendations can contribute to a more productive research experience.

Scientific and methodological seminars of this kind play an important role in developing doctoral students’ research competencies, strengthening their academic culture, and enhancing their preparedness for dissertation completion and defense. They also promote the core values of academic integrity, professional responsibility, and continuous scholarly development.

The seminar served as a valuable initiative to strengthen doctoral students’ research potential, improve the quality of academic research, and support the professional development of future scholars.