BISHKEK - The number of scientists in Kyrgyzstan continues to grow. By the end of 2025, 4,747 people were engaged in research and development in the country—the highest figure in at least the past 15 years, reports Economist.kg.
By comparison, in 2010, 3,333 people were working in science. This represents an overall increase of approximately 42%. Research specialists made the largest contribution, with their number increasing from 2,224 to 3,892.
Data from the National Statistical Committee show that Kyrgyzstan's scientific sector is gradually shifting toward research. While researchers accounted for approximately two-thirds of all scientific personnel in 2010, by 2025, they accounted for over 80%.
At the same time, the personnel structure of science is changing significantly. The number of technicians fell from 266 to 231, while the number of workers in the "other" category fell almost in half—from 432 to 223.
An alarming trend concerns academic degree holders. Despite the overall growth in the number of research staff, the number of PhD holders fell from 360 in 2010 to 283 in 2025. The number of PhD holders, after increasing, also began to decline by 2023: from 1,031 to 804.
In essence, Kyrgyz science is currently experiencing a generational shift. Young researchers are becoming more numerous, but the system is still unable to produce highly qualified specialists. This creates the risk of a talent gap—especially for fundamental science and the university sector.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 9, 2026