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Shafik ChokinThe largest energy scientist in Kazakhstan.
Date of Birth: 01.10.1912
Country:  Kazakhstan |
Content:
- Shafik Chokin: A Pioneer in Energy and Science
- Career and Contributions
- Leadership in Energy Research and Education
- Preservation of Scientific Legacy
- Groundbreaking Innovations
- Visionary Environmentalist
Shafik Chokin: A Pioneer in Energy and Science
Early Life and EducationBorn into a humble family in 1912, Shafik Chokin faced adversity at a young age with the passing of his father. However, his elder brother, Riza, provided him with unwavering support. Chokin's thirst for knowledge led him through various educational institutions, including the Karaganda Pedagogical College and the Central Asian Institute of Irrigation Engineers and Technicians. He went on to obtain a degree in hydromelioration from the Omsk Agricultural Institute in 1937.
Career and Contributions
Chokin's career commenced with his involvement in the Kazakh Republican Trust for the Electrification of Agriculture. In 1943, he was appointed to lead the newly formed Energy Sector of the Kazakh Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. In 1944, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Research Institute of Power Engineering (KazNII Energetics), serving as its director for over four decades.
Leadership in Energy Research and Education
Under Chokin's guidance, KazNII Energetics became renowned as a leading research center in the energy field. From 1954 to 1968, he served as a member of the Presidium of the Kazakh Academy of Sciences. His contributions to energy policy and education earned him recognition as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and the chairman of its Council of the Union.
Preservation of Scientific Legacy
In 1992, KazNII Energetics was renamed in honor of Chokin's seminal contributions. President Nursultan Nazarbayev bestowed upon him the title of "National Hero of Kazakhstan" in 1996, recognizing his lifelong dedication to the nation's scientific advancement. The city of Almaty conferred upon him the title of "Honorary Citizen" in 2002.
Groundbreaking Innovations
Chokin's innovative work spanned several fields, including energy planning, the development of the Irtysh-Karaganda Canal, and the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Station. He played a crucial role in creating a new, highly efficient technology for extracting copper, lead, and zinc, safeguarding the environment from pollution. His invention, known as the "TsIKET process," earned him the prestigious State Prize of the Kazakh SSR in 1978.
Visionary Environmentalist
Chokin was among the first to propose the idea of diverting water from Siberian rivers to Kazakhstan and Central Asia. For nearly two decades, he championed this project, culminating in a comprehensive plan presented to the USSR Ministry of Water Resources in 1978. Although the project was later abandoned due to financial constraints, his vision has been revived by subsequent authorities.
