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Yoursite of Nazarbayev University
Yoursite of Nazarbayev University represents the student body's voice and plays a vital role in shaping campus life at Nazarbayev University.
New Materials, AI, and the Batteries of the Future: More Than 100 Research Innovations Showcased at INESS-2026
From August 5 to 7, Nazarbayev University is hosting the 14th International Conference on Nanomaterials and Advanced Energy Storage Systems (INESS-2026). The event has brought together more than 200 researchers, engineers, and industry representatives from over 10 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. The conference is organized by Nazarbayev University, the Institute of Batteries, and the Institute of New Materials and Energy Technologies (INMET). The conference showcases more than 100 research projects and technological innovations that could shape the future of energy. Participants are presenting advances in higher-capacity, safer, and faster-charging batteries, next-generation energy storage systems for electric vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and space applications, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery and design of advanced materials. A dedicated strategic session is focused on research commercialization and the development of high-tech industries. “At Nazarbayev University, we are committed to advancing world-class research, fostering innovation and building both significant and sustainable international partnerships. This particular conference demonstrates this commitment by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, facilitating knowledge exchange and advancing solutions to some of the most significant scientific and technological challenges of our time,” said Professor Waqar Ahmad, President of Nazarbayev University, in his opening remarks. Among the keynote speakers are Professor Jeff Dahn, a pioneer of lithium-ion battery research; Professor Rachid Yazami, inventor of the graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries, Professor Shinichi Komaba, one of the world’s leading experts on sodium-ion battery technology, and others. “Twenty years ago, nearly all research was focused on lithium-ion batteries,” said Professor Shinichi Komaba of the Tokyo University of Science. “Today, researchers are actively developing new battery chemistries because
Welcome Speech by NU Leadership for New Students
Nazarbayev University (NU) is currently hosting Orientation Week — a time for new students to get acquainted with the university, its academic environment, and each other. The university leadership addressed undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and Foundation Year Program (NUFYP) students, sharing their advice and guidance for the years ahead. Addressing the students, NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad urged them to seize the opportunities available at the university and actively step beyond their usual experiences. “Make the most of every opportunity. The next few years will pass more quickly than you imagine. Say yes to experiences that broaden your horizons, whether they take place in a laboratory, a classroom, a student organisation, or halfway across the world through an exchange programme.” Professor Ahmad also encouraged students not to fear challenges, to ask questions, and to support one another, noting that university connections often become the foundation of future professional collaborations. “Challenge yourself. Do not be afraid to ask difficult questions, to explore new ideas and to step outside your comfort zone. And finally, support one another. The friendships you build here may become your strongest professional network, your future collaborators, and some of the most important relationships of your lives.” Kadisha Dairova, Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation, spoke to the students about the importance of well-rounded development: “We are genuinely delighted to welcome you to our community! Your time at the university is a unique period full of opportunities. Please, do not limit yourselves to academics alone: enjoy student life, and develop your talents and leadership skills. Get involved in extracurricular activities. It is exactly this balance that will help you grow into confident professionals and future leaders.” Samantha Smidt, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, explained what it means to be a student at a research-intensive university: “University isn’t jus
Firms, AI, Geopolitics and the Global Transformation of Value Creation
Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business (NUGSB), in partnership with the Department of Economics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), is organizing the inaugural Silk Road Empirical Trade Conference – a joint NUGSB–HKUST Research Forum. The event will bring together leading economists and researchers specializing in empirical studies of international trade and investment to present and discuss their latest research. Conference Program: August 27 –International Business and Economic Policy Workshop August 28–29 – Inaugural Silk Road Empirical Trade Conference The conference will start Friday morning and run through Saturday afternoon. The program will include a total of 12 papers, with one hour per paper devoted to presentation, discussant remarks, and open discussion. The usual allocation of time is 40 minutes for the presentation, 10 minutes for the discussant, and 10 minutes for open discussion. All participants are expected to attend all sessions on the two days of the conference. We warmly invite you to join us for two days of engaging research discussions, networking, and collaboration at NUGSB.
Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Kazakhstan 2026
Nazarbayev University is pleased to invite students, young professionals, researchers, policymakers, civil society organizations, and international partners to participate in the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Kazakhstan 2026, which will be held on 28–29 August 2026 in a hybrid format. Held under the umbrella of YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), LCOY Kazakhstan 2026 will bring together around 80 participants to discuss climate action, sustainable development, and youth engagement in national and international climate processes. The conference program will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, consultations, and networking sessions focused on climate policy, adaptation, mitigation, climate education, green innovation, and youth leadership. The event will provide a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and develop practical recommendations for advancing climate action in Kazakhstan. The conference will conclude with the adoption of the National Youth Statement on Climate Action, reflecting the priorities and recommendations of young people in Kazakhstan. The Statement will contribute to regional and global youth engagement within the UN climate process and serve as the country’s official youth input ahead of the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31). We look forward to welcoming participants to LCOY Kazakhstan 2026 at Nazarbayev University.
1st International Conference and Workshop on Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
Nazarbayev University and the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) are pleased to invite researchers, practitioners, and young scientists to participate in the 1st International Conference and Workshop on Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence, which will take place on September 9–11, 2026, in Astana, Kazakhstan. As the inaugural event of its kind, the conference aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation by exploring the interplay between modern mathematical methods and artificial intelligence. The conference will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, presentation of recent scientific advances, and discussion of future research directions at the intersection of mathematics and AI. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading researchers and experts through scientific presentations, invited lectures, and interactive workshop sessions that combine theoretical insights with practical perspectives. The three-day program will feature plenary talks, research sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration among scholars from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The event will bring together members of the international research community to address emerging challenges and opportunities in mathematics and artificial intelligence. Hosted at Nazarbayev University, the conference reflects the University’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and strengthening international cooperation in rapidly evolving fields of science and technology.
How NU Summer Programs Helped School Students Take Their First Steps into Science
For most students, summer means taking a break, hanging out with friends, and spending time outdoors. But for participants in Nazarbayev University’s summer programs, these holidays were all about research and discovery. This year, the university campus and even the Burabay National Park were transformed into a massive open-air scientific laboratory. Over a single season, NU hosted four distinct programs, welcoming students not only from across Kazakhstan but also from Europe, China, Russia, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Instead of a typical vacation, these young minds built artificial intelligence projects, explored astrophysics, conducted environmental field studies, and gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge scientific equipment. Kicking off the season was the NPAA Summer School, focused on nuclear physics, astrophysics, and advanced technologies. Out of 700 applicants, 30 highly driven students were selected to immerse themselves in an environment far beyond the standard school curriculum. Their daily schedules mirrored those of real scientists, covering everything from photometry, stellar death, and general relativity to microchip design and microfluidics. The students wrote Python code to solve astronomical problems, designed gliders under the guidance of aerodynamics experts, and attended lectures on the latest discoveries from the Large Hadron Collider. Future artificial intelligence developers took the baton next. The six-week ISSAI Summer Research Program brought together 77 talented young researchers to work side-by-side with top data scientists from the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI). Working in teams, they developed AI avatars, mobile apps, audiovisual models, and programmed robots. This deep dive into the innovation ecosystem was complemented by visits to Astana Hub and the NU Technopark, culminating in successful project defense sessions. The largest event of the summer was the ten-day NU Summer Camp, which united over 200 high school students. The participants g
Nazarbayev University Hosts the West Asia Swimming Championship for the First Time
On August 1–2, the AOSI West Asia Swimming Championship took place at NU, marking the first time the prestigious regional competition has been held in Kazakhstan. The championship brought together around 450 young swimmers from seven countries, including Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, India, Iran, Thailand, Russia, and Malaysia. The international tournament was organized by the iSwim Academy in partnership with Global Aquatics. Opening the championship, NU Vice President Kadisha Dairova, welcomed the participants and emphasized that the University was honored to host a competition of such significance, bringing together talented young athletes from across the region. “On behalf of Nazarbayev University, it is a great honor to welcome you to this remarkable event. I am confident that among you are future Olympic champions. I sincerely hope that, when the time comes to choose a university, you will consider joining the NU community. Here, you will receive a world-class education that will provide a strong foundation for your future achievements. Welcome to NU!” said Kadisha Dairova. The participants were also addressed by Dmitriy Balandin, Secretary General of the Kazakhstan Swimming Sports Federation and the 2016 Olympic champion. He noted that hosting international competitions of this caliber reflects the growing global recognition of Kazakhstan’s aquatic sports and creates new opportunities for the next generation of athletes. “We are reaching a new level of international engagement, and it is especially inspiring to witness the rapid development of aquatic sports in Kazakhstan. Standing before us today are very young athletes, and I hope that for some of you this championship will be your first step, and for others another important milestone, on the path toward your dreams and, ultimately, the Olympic podium. I wish you an unforgettable experience, new friendships, and outstanding performances,” said Dmitriy Balandin. This is the first time the West Asia Swimming Championship has been held in Kazakhstan. NU’s
