Young disabled scientist from Kazakhstan meets Stephen Hawking

Issaak Mustopulo, a 15-year-old school student from Taraz with cerebral palsy who won a special prize in a national STEM competition, met with theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking on 4 October

Issaak Mustopulo, a 15-year-old school student from Taraz with cerebral palsy who won a special prize in a national STEM competition, met with theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking on 4 October as part of a study tour to the UK organised by the British Council and Air Astana.

Issaak received a special prize for entrants with a disability in the STEM Competition, organised by the British Council and National Agency for Technological Development, for his video submission, ‘the theory of harmony’, in which he describes the process of power production for spacecraft. In the video Issaak also told judges about his dream to meet Stephen Hawking, his role model. Issaak’s dream came true thanks to an intervention from then Minister for Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev, now Akim (Mayor) of Astana, and Air Astana President and CEO Peter Foster, both of whom worked with the British Council to organise his trip to the UK.

Jim Buttery, Director of the British Council in Kazakhstan, said, “One of the British Council’s priorities in Kazakhstan is to build an interest in science and innovation among young people, and we are delighted that our science competition has opened new opportunities for gifted Kazakhstani children like Issaak. We hope that Issaak’s success will inspire other young people in Kazakhstan to study STEM subjects and explore careers in science that help their country’s development.”

“Air Astana, Asset Issekeshev and the British Council are deeply grateful to Professor Hawking for making time to meet Issaak Mustopulo,” commented Peter Foster, Air Astana’s President and CEO. “All of us recognise the importance of innovative STEM research and sincerely hope that this trip to UK will not only further inspire Issaak to pursue his passion for science, but also encourage other Kazakhstani children to follow in his illustrious footsteps.”

Issaak said, “I have always been inspired by Stephen Hawking’s works and his contribution to science. His example made me believe that irrespective of physical condition any person can achieve outstanding results. I worked hard on my Theory of Harmony, and when I heard about STEM competition I understood it would be an opportunity to demonstrate my work to a wider audience and prove that disability is not an obstacle to fulfilling your dreams.”

As well as meeting with Stephen Hawking, Issaak’s trip to UK included visits to London’s world famous Science Museum, Cambridge University and the British Council’s headquarters.

Since taking part in the STEM competition, Issaak has deepened his study of astrophysics and astronomy. He has become a contributor to Oyla magazine, a Kazakhstani science journal for young people, and taken part in other public events including a conference on “Modern problems in astronomy and astrophysics” organised by the Bobek National Scientific Centre with the support of Kazakhstan’s First Lady Sara Nazarbayeva.

The Competition for the Best Innovative Project among School Students was organised in 2015 as a joint project by the British Council and the National Agency for Technological Development (NATD), with support from the Newton – Al-Farabi Partnership Programme and ExxonMobil Kazakhstan. It formed part of the series of National Innovation Competitions held by the Ministry of Investment and Development and NATD. The goal of the competition, which is now an annual event, is to promote an interest in science and innovation among young people in Kazakhstan.