Altynay Yelgundinova-Bailina

A graduate of Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University and Nazarbayev University first discovered her interest in medicine in early childhood. This was followed by many major and minor victories, including winning the Yesenov Scholarship in 2024. Today, the young Kazakhstani scientist is on the doorstep of one of the world’s leading medical schools in Hong Kong. The Yessenov Foundation beneficiary shares the story of how she made it happen.

Choosing a Speciality
Before starting school, I spent almost a year in a tuberculosis dispensary. I was 5 years old at the time. Once, wandering through the hospital corridors, I stumbled upon the pharmacist’s office. The woman working there was very kind to me and allowed me to watch as she prepared medicines for patients. Back then, distributing ascorbic acid felt like a big deal to me. I consider that day to be my first encounter with science. Later, at NIS, I immersed myself in biology, which opened the doors to a new world – cellular biotechnology. During my undergraduate studies, I completed internships in laboratories in the United States, Poland, and Kazakhstan. I then enrolled at Nazarbayev University in the Master of Public Health program.

The Yessenov Foundation Scholarship Competition
I first learned about the Foundation back in 2021 through social media. I immediately subscribed and explored the opportunities it offers. That same year, I applied for the Shakhmardan Yessenov scholarship but wasn’t selected. Meanwhile, many people in my circle were winning in the Yessenov Data Lab, Yessenov Launch Pad, and the Foundation’s Research Internships programs. In 2024, I was searching for funding for my internship at the Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems in Otar, Zhambyl Region. That was when I decided to try my luck once again in the Yessenov Foundation Scholarship competition. By then, I had significantly strengthened my CV. I was so thrilled to see my name on the list of winners!

I began preparing 2 months before the application period opened. All my documents were ready, and I secured a recommendation letter from a Polish professor since I studied at Krakow University. I rewrote my essay several times. It was difficult to fit everything I wanted to express. I was in full-on high-achiever mode at the time: there were so many internships that I barely had time to catch my breath or analyze the experience I was gaining. Writing the essay forced me to stop and think about where I was heading, and helped me look inside myself. That was the moment I realized I wanted to pursue a career in medicine.

The interview was the most memorable part of the process. I was very anxious, worried, and even couldn’t sleep. It was my first time participating in a group interview, and I didn’t expect to be both an interviewer and a respondent at the same time. I tried to ask questions that would help reveal the other candidates’ characters and understand them, as if I were conducting the selection process myself. It was also a unique and valuable experience.

Tips for Yessenov Foundation Applicants
When you first read the competition’s Provisions, you might think, as I once did, that applying is easy. However, I think it was exactly this attitude that kept me from winning the first time. My CV lacked relevant experience, and my essay did not have enough depth. Your essay should not only showcase your achievements and scientific interests. You need to reveal who you are. The Foundation’s experts should be able to see a real person behind your writing. That’s why you should start preparing early and strive to show your true self.

Where I Am Now
I recently completed an internship in a laboratory where I focused on optimizing the synthesis of an anti-CRISPR protein. I sincerely believe that fundamental science needs to be advanced today, and I am committed to contributing to this field. Having received a collaboration proposal, I recently moved to Hong Kong and am currently in negotiations with a research supervisor. I am engaged in work, studies and research at the University of Hong Kong’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, one of the world’s leading medical schools. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a PhD, focusing on my research interests in immunology and cell therapy.

Childhood Memories
I was raised by my grandmother and aunt. Every day we practiced tongue twisters and read traditional Kazakh fairy tales. In the evenings, I would retell everything to my parents. I always look back warmly on those nights when our family spent time together, staging little home plays and singing songs.

What I Do in My Free Time
I run a blog. Whenever I have time, I share useful academic opportunities with young women. Their presence in science is growing today, but in the past they were underrepresented, and that is why I want to be a role model for Kazakhstani women who can and want to achieve much in science. I practice Krav Maga which gives me self-confidence and a sense of security. Generally, sport instills discipline; it helps focus the mind and improve endurance. After all, sometimes I have to spend hours in the laboratory staying in one position. I am a certified self-defense instructor and have provided self-defense training to hundreds of young women.