From 28 April to 3 May 2026, participants of the SOLID project gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the SOLID PhD Colloquium 2026. The programme brought together early-career researchers and academics from across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China and Germany for several days of intensive academic exchange, collaborative learning, and networking.
The colloquium focused on the presentation and discussion of ongoing PhD research projects related to social work, public health, social policy, and sustainable development. Participants engaged in thematic discussion sessions, peer feedback activities, and methodological workshops dedicated to both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
As part of the programme, we contributed by facilitating workshops on quantitative research methods, participating in informal working sessions, and supporting discussions on academic collaboration, publication planning, and interdisciplinary research development.
Beyond the formal academic activities, the colloquium offered valuable opportunities for intercultural dialogue, networking, and future collaboration among participants from different countries and professional backgrounds.
We also participated in the international conference “Social Work in Action: Interdisciplinary and Global-Informed Strategies for Bridging and Advancing Sustainable Development in Central Asia” held in Almaty, Kazakhstan 04-05.05 , contributing a presentation on one of our current areas of interest: “The Role of Social Workers in Preventing AI-Enabled Scams Among Vulnerable Populations.”
