The VIII National Laboratory Medicine Forum, NATFORLAB 2026, titled “Laboratory Medicine of the Future: Integration, Intelligence, Innovation”, was held in Astana on September 18–19, 2026.
The Forum was organized by the Public Association “Federation of Laboratory Medicine” with the support of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Salidat Kairbekova National Research Center for Health Development, and Astana Medical University.
The Forum brought together representatives of government authorities, healthcare organizations, the scientific and academic communities, as well as laboratory medicine specialists from Kazakhstan and other countries. Over the two-day event, more than 1,500 participants, including 48 speakers from 11 countries, took part in the discussions.
This year, NATFORLAB 2026 featured a significantly larger number of international experts, who presented on some of the most relevant areas of laboratory medicine. The innovative and informative presentations delivered by both Kazakhstani and international speakers generated strong interest among specialists and researchers from across Kazakhstan, encouraging active professional dialogue and the exchange of experience.
One of the highlights of NATFORLAB 2026 was the presentation of the “For Contribution to the Development of Laboratory Medicine” medal to Marat Uteuovich Dusmagambetov, Professor of the Sh.I. Sarbasova Department of Microbiology and Virology at Astana Medical University and Doctor of Medical Sciences, in recognition of his contribution to the development of laboratory medicine in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
As Dean of the University’s Faculty of Medical and Biological Sciences, Marat Dusmagambetov trained more than 450 laboratory medicine specialists, including physician-biochemists and physician-microbiologists. Today, his graduates work not only in Kazakhstan but also in neighboring countries. Many of them head laboratories or work as leading researchers at research institutes.
The award recognized his contribution to maintaining and developing human resources in laboratory medicine, his longstanding involvement in the professional laboratory community, and his support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the laboratory service.
In addition, Aigul Mukatovna Dusmagambetova, Head of the Sh.I. Sarbasova Department of Microbiology and Virology at Astana Medical University, Candidate of Medical Sciences, physician-bacteriologist of the highest qualification category and Head of the Clinical Microbiology Committee of the Public Association “Federation of Laboratory Medicine,” received a Letter of Appreciation from the Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan for her active professional work and contribution to the development of clinical microbiology.
The Forum’s scientific program included eight thematic symposia, four strategic tracks, three interactive sessions, one workshop and six practical sessions. Participants discussed modern diagnostic technologies, the digitalization of laboratory medicine, opportunities for applying artificial intelligence, quality assurance in laboratory testing, and the development of personalized diagnostics.
Particular attention was given to improving the national laboratory system, standardizing diagnostic processes, developing risk-based approaches to quality control, and strengthening the professional and digital competencies of specialists.
A specialized exhibition was also held as part of the Forum, bringing together 29 Kazakhstani and international companies specializing in the production and supply of laboratory equipment, consumables and information technologies.
The participation of Astana Medical University in NATFORLAB 2026 contributes to strengthening cooperation between medical education, science and practical healthcare, while fostering professional collaboration in the field of modern laboratory medicine.
