From Surgeon to University VP: The Journey of a Kazakh Scholar
Serik Meirmanov, a former young surgeon at the Semei Regional Hospital, has recently been appointed as the vice president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan. This career advancement comes after two decades of hard work and dedication to his field, particularly in treating radiation-related illnesses.
Meirmanov’s journey to Japan for a Ph.D. in Nagasaki Medical School was a pivotal moment in his career, opening doors to advanced research and knowledge that could ultimately benefit his home region and country. His dissertation focused on the cellular mechanisms of carcinogenesis of thyroid and breast glands and their relationship to radiation effect, a rigorous but rewarding experience.
His time in Japan was not without challenges, as he navigated the academic and cultural differences to grow both personally and professionally. Meirmanov credits his mentors in Japan and Kazakhstan for shaping his leadership values and approach, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor, collaboration, and perseverance.
Transitioning from research to teaching at APU felt like a natural progression for Meirmanov, combining his international experience and scientific foundation in an educational setting dedicated to cross-cultural understanding and addressing global issues. His appointment as a senior leader at a Japanese university reflects not just his academic credentials but also his intercultural competence, strategic vision, and ability to foster consensus in a diverse environment.
Despite being based in Japan, Meirmanov remains connected to Kazakhstan’s scientific community and highlights steps the country can take to strengthen its research sector, including stable R&D funding, brain circulation, modern infrastructure, international integration, and closer ties between academia and industry. He also aims to deepen Japan-Kazakhstan scientific ties through joint research programs, mobility schemes for young researchers, and university-level partnerships.
Meirmanov’s appointment as vice president is not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for a Kazakh national in Japanese academia, showcasing how dedication, expertise, and commitment are recognized regardless of nationality in the globalized academic world. This story of success and growth serves as an inspiration for aspiring academics and leaders in both Kazakhstan and Japan.
