Toraighyrov University hosted a Winter School for young researchers and young lecturers. The aim of the Winter School was to establish a professional dialogue among young lecturers and researchers in higher education, to promote the effective use of modern scientific and academic trends in teaching practice, and to expand opportunities for the commercialization of research results.
Within the framework of the program, sessions for young lecturers were conducted under the track «The First Steps: teaching tools, experience, and resource readiness». These sessions covered digital pedagogy, assessment systems, modern teaching methodologies, and professional development issues.
The program also included modules focused on academic publications, grant funding, international programs, intellectual property, and the commercialization of scientific research.
During the session dedicated to the commercialization of research results, Aizhan Zheksembayeva, Director of the Department of Investments and New Projects at JSC «Science Fund», explained the requirements of grant programs for commercialization. Industry expert, PhD Aryn Orsariev shared practical case studies on technology commercialization in Kazakhstan, attracting investments, and developing business models.
In addition, sessions aimed at strengthening international scientific cooperation presented opportunities within the Horizon Europe, Erasmus, and other programs, highlighting Toraighyrov University’s efforts to integrate into the European research area.
As part of the Winter School, Aidyn Artykova, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (Kazpatent), along with institute representatives Nazifa Baktybayeva and Sayat Shiderbekov, Inesh Kenzhina, official representative of Clarivate for the CIS countries, and Rabiga Khojamkul, Central Asia consultant for Informascope, shared up-to-date information in their respective fields.
As a result of the Winter School, participants gained practical skills in developing research projects, preparing grant applications, protecting intellectual property, and commercializing research outcomes. This initiative is aimed at supporting young researchers and enhancing the competitiveness of university science.
During an official working visit to China, Q University and Guangzhou City Polytechnic signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement is aimed at developing a strategic partnership in education, research, and international academic mobility. The document formalizes the parties’ intention to establish sustainable academic collaboration with a focus on practical competencies and the digital transformation of education.
One of the priority areas of cooperation is Online News and Communication (Digital Journalism & Media). The partners agreed to jointly implement educational modules in online journalism, multimedia communication, and digital content creation. The partnership includes the development of joint courses in digital storytelling, data journalism, media management, and fact-checking, as well as the launch of student multimedia projects and faculty exchanges for lectures and practical sessions.
Another key focus of the Memorandum is Information Technology and Digital Solutions. The partnership encompasses the joint development of modular educational programs in web and mobile development, UX/UI design, digital learning platforms, and the application of artificial intelligence in media and business. Planned initiatives also include short-term certification programs aimed at practical skills and market demands.
Nazarbayev University stands as the leading institution in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region in the internationally respected Leiden University Ranking 2025, which focuses exclusively on research excellence.
In the Open Edition of the Leiden Rankings, Biomedical and Health Sciences subject is ranked 39-44 range globally, alongside world elite institutions such as Cornell, King's College, University College London and University of California - Davis. This is based on the proportion of publications among the top 10% most cited worldwide (the scientific impact indicator).
NU’s strong performance spans all our disciplines. In the Traditional Edition, NU ranks 199 globally for Social Sciences and Humanities and 483 for Mathematics and Computer Science. Physical Sciences and Engineering also feature in the rankings.
The Leiden Ranking, developed by the University of Leiden, is known for its research data-driven methodology, providing an even playing field to young and old institutions. Unlike other university rankings, it focuses solely on research performance by evaluating universities on scientific impact, international collaboration, open-access publishing, and gender diversity in authorship, without relying on reputation surveys or teaching metrics.
In this year’s rankings, just over 1,500 institutions worldwide qualified for the Traditional Edition and 2,800 for the Open Edition, making NU’s success even more remarkable.
The NU President, Prof Waqar Ahmad noted:
«For a 15 year old university, we are delighted that all our subject areas are featured in these demanding rankings. This success is a testament to the university’s drive to be a hub for world-class research and innovation, at the service of Kazakhstan and the region. Our research performance is improving on every indicator».
Professor Ahmad also noted that, in support of this research drive, the University has announced 200 fully funded doctoral scholarships.
In October 2025, NU rose 100 places in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (now 401-500) and has three subjects included in the Shanghai Rankings. In all three of these influential rankings, NU stands as the leading university in Central Asia and the Caucasus region.
On December 11, 2025, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) officially opened the AlmaU AI Lab Center for Artificial Intelligence at the School of Digital Technologies and Economics. The new platform is designed to connect education, science, industry, and entrepreneurship.
The university aims not merely to introduce technologies, but to shape a new approach in which artificial intelligence serves society, the economy, and the development of cities. At AlmaU, this evolves into the concept of «Tolyq AI», derived from the philosophy of Abai’s «Tolyq Adam» – an artificial intelligence model developed under the guidance of ethics, humanity, and social purpose.
«Artificial intelligence is a powerful engine, but not a compass. The direction is still set by humans. We are not afraid that artificial intelligence will replace people. We are afraid of people who work like robots. AlmaU trains creators, not executors», noted AlmaU’s founder and president Assylbek Kozhakhmetov in his opening remarks.
The first task of the new Center is to update education and strengthen the university’s research capacity. AI platforms Oqulabs and Delicatest, developed by Professors Timur Bakibayev and Kuan ysh Abeshev, have already been integrated into AlmaU’s academic programs. These platforms automate the assessment of complex assignments, analyze student behavior to detect dishonesty, and provide objective performance analytics.
The research foundation of the Center has been formed within targeted and grant-funded projects, including programs on technological diversification and digital transformation of the agricultural sector. Through these projects, AlmaU Labs has been equipped with two mini-supercomputers provided by ASUS and ZERDE Business Solutions.
The second key objective is collaboration with the public sector and addressing the needs of the real economy. The first pilot project is being implemented with JSC «Kostanay Minerals». The team developed an AI model for predicting ore moisture levels, which has shown significant economic impact during testing and demonstrated strong potential for production process optimization. AlmaU Labs is also ready to develop solutions for transport, environmental protection, urban safety, and resource management.
«This center has tremendous potential for developing practical solutions for Almaty. Next year, together with AlmaU, we plan to create several successful products to improve the urban environment, with a focus on fostering AI-driven startups», stated Olzhas Zhanabek, Head of the Digitalization Department of the city of Almaty.
The third area of focus is entrepreneurship development. Students from across Kazakhstan will be able to create their own AI products, participate in startup competitions, take part in acceleration programs, access partner data and funding, and implement their solutions in companies and public institutions.
As part of the opening ceremony, AlmaU signed memorandums of cooperation with Almaty HUB, the Almaty City Akimat, Teachers Lab, and Tech People Community. The event also featured a panel discussion on the future of artificial intelligence in education, «AI in Education». Participants discussed the role of ethical AI applications, the digitalization of educational processes, the training of specialists, and the importance of international standards in shaping the future of the education system.
The opening of the AlmaU AI Lab represents a significant step toward advancing the educational, research, public-sector, and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kazakhstan. This initiative accelerates the country’s digital transformation and contributes to the creation of a new educational landscape aligned with international standards.
Kazakhstani researchers have developed and launched the country’s first integrated «green hydrogen» production station, built entirely on domestic patents and engineering solutions. The pilot full-cycle facility operates solely on energy generated from solar panels and wind turbines, and its core components rely on innovative catalysts and system-design principles created by the Laboratory of Renewable Energy at National Laboratory Astana (Nazarbayev University).
The project was implemented in collaboration with Zhejiang H2-Bank Technology Co., Ltd. (China), which helped design and assemble a commercial-scale system using one of the patented electrode materials – an advanced iridium-oxide-based anode catalyst. The membrane with this coating ensures efficient splitting of water molecules in the electrolyzer and increases the system's performance.
The platform demonstrates the complete cycle of green hydrogen production: solar and wind energy are converted into electricity, which then powers an electrolyzer that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored as an energy carrier and can be used in fuel cells, vehicles, standalone generators, and other industrial applications, including fertilizer production, metal smelting, or the oil-and-gas sector. For now, it is planned to be used in laboratories: the system fills a 6-cubic-meter tank in three hours.
«This is a major step toward the practical deployment of green hydrogen pathways in Kazakhstan. What began as powders of photocatalysts and laboratory prototypes has evolved into a functioning, industry-scale system operating in real outdoor conditions», – said NU Professor Nurxat Nuraje.
In the early stages of work, the team focused on identifying catalysts capable of efficiently using sunlight to produce hydrogen – a crucial element for future advancements in practical hydrogen-energy systems. In the final phase of the program, researchers managed to make a strategic transition from laboratory experiments to creating functional prototypes for real industry.
«Collaboration with an industrial partner allowed us to ensure system scalability and compliance with international hydrogen production and safety standards», – Dr. Yerbolat Magazov, a leader of the hydrogen production team, added. «For the university and the national research community, this marks an important milestone – one of the first green hydrogen production systems of this scale in Kazakhstan, demonstrating the potential of locally-developed clean-energy innovations».
In 2024, the Government of Kazakhstan approved the Hydrogen Energy Development Concept through 2030, identifying hydrogen as a central component of the country’s low-carbon transition. The research, conducted by Nazarbayev University, was funded under the Targeted Program of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2020-2025), a national initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of green technologies. As part of the program, scientists collaborate with universities and companies in Kazakhstan and abroad: Atyrau University, Karaganda Buketov University, KMG Engineering, Tokai University (Japan), Wichita State University, and the University of Massachusetts- Amherst (USA).
«The Targeted Program helped us bridge the gap between research and real-world deployment, showing how national R&D initiatives can deliver both academic and practical benefits», – Professor Nuraje said.
Beyond technological achievements, the team has published more than 40 research papers in high-impact journals and obtained seven Kazakhstani patents related to hydrogen-energy innovations. The project has trained a new generation of researchers and created a network of experts, working across the green-hydrogen value chain.
Researchers plan to continue advancing photoactive materials and catalyst science, optimizing system architecture. According to the team, the current integrated system represents only a small model of what could eventually be deployed in cities, rural communities, and industrial parks across Kazakhstan. Each potential deployment, they note, could contribute to cleaner air, a healthier environment, and the creation of new high-tech industries and jobs in the country.
A delegation of the National Center for Higher Education Development of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in a series of UNESCO international events, including the 19th session of the Bangkok Convention Committee, the 6th session of the Tokyo Convention Committee, and the 5th Plenary Meeting of APNNIC.
Kazakhstan’s participation in regional mechanisms for the recognition of qualifications has strengthened its position as an active and reliable partner in international educational integration.
Kazakhstan’s participation in the 19th session of the Bangkok Convention Committee
The Committee reviewed progress on previous decisions, reports of the UNESCO Bangkok Secretariat, and the plans of member states regarding the ratification and implementation of the Tokyo Convention.
In her speech, A.M.Kulumzhanova, Head of the Office for Higher Education Internationalization, emphasized:
✔ the strategic importance of Kazakhstan’s participation in global and regional mechanisms for qualification recognition;
✔ the advancement of digitalization of recognition procedures and the strengthening of the national information center;
✔ the relevance of adopting UNESCO’s updated international guidelines, including documents related to the Global Convention;
✔ the need to build trust among countries in the region through enhanced information exchange, unified standards, and increased transparency of qualifications.
Special attention was paid to the implementation of Kazakhstan’s national action plan within the KFIT III project (2025–2028), aimed at fostering mobility, improving recognition procedures, and introducing innovative digital solutions.
Following the session, A.M.Kulumzhanova was elected Rapporteur of the Bureau of the Bangkok Convention. This significantly strengthened Kazakhstan’s role in the organizational and expert work of regional qualification recognition mechanisms and reflected the high level of trust from the member states.
Kazakhstan at the 5th APNNIC Plenary Session
Y.T.Irgebayev’s presentation at the panel «Plans to ratify the Tokyo Convention»
Deputy Director of the National Center Y.T.Irgebayev presented Kazakhstan’s position at the panel dedicated to the ratification of the Tokyo Convention. In his remarks, he highlighted:
✔ Kazakhstan’s consistent steps toward implementing international mechanisms for qualification recognition;
✔ improvements to the regulatory framework and the strengthened role of the National Information Center;
✔ measures to digitalize recognition processes and combat educational fraud;
✔ Kazakhstan’s contribution to regional cooperation in the Asia–Pacific region.
His presentation was highly appreciated by participants and confirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to deepen cooperation within APNNIC.
A.M.Kulumzhanova’s presentation at the Country Spotlight session
During the Country Spotlight session, A.M.Kulumzhanova delivered a presentation titled «Recognition of qualifications in higher education: A key factor in the development of international educational cooperation».
She outlined:
✔ the historical stages of developing the qualification recognition system in Kazakhstan;
✔ the evolution of the legal framework regulating the recognition of foreign diplomas and qualifications;
✔ the modern recognition model, including digitalization, automation of document verification procedures, and the integration of international standards;
✔ the role of qualification recognition as a key instrument for developing international educational cooperation and enhancing academic mobility.
Her presentation generated strong interest among participating countries and laid the groundwork for expanding partnerships in digitalization and harmonization of recognition processes.
Key outcomes of Kazakhstan’s participation
As a result of the events, Kazakhstan:
✔ obtained the mandate of Rapporteur of the Bureau of the Bangkok Convention;
✔ demonstrated consistent progress in digitalizing recognition procedures and combating educational fraud;
✔ presented national achievements within APNNIC and the Tokyo Convention;
✔ strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties with Central, East, and Southeast Asian countries;
✔ reaffirmed its commitment to implementing international instruments for qualification recognition.
Today in Aktobe, Federico Pugliese, General Director of Plenitude Kazakhstan, delivered a guest lecture at the Heriot-Watt University Aktobe Campus of K.Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University. The lecture, titled «Plenitude Kazakhstan’s Experience in Renewable Energy Development», provided students of the Electrical Power Engineering program with a detailed overview of the full operational cycle and technical processes of a wind power plant.
The Badamsha-1 and Badamsha-2 wind power plants, located in the Kargaly and Khromtau districts of Aktobe region, have become one of the main sources of electricity in the region. With a total capacity of 96 megawatts, these facilities are among the first privately financed wind farms in Kazakhstan. Equipped with modern General Electric turbines, the stations produce hundreds of millions of kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy each year. Plenitude Kazakhstan, the company implementing these successful projects, has also in operation the 50 MW Shaulder Solar Power Plant in Turkestan region, and has recently inaugurated together with KazMunayGas the 50 MW Solar Power Plant, as the first phase of the Hybrid Power Plant Project in Zhanaozen, Mangystau region.
Students asked questions about the engineering aspects of wind and solar power generation, the company’s approach to local workforce training, and career opportunities in the green economy.
The speaker emphasized the importance of «Electrical and Electronic Engineering» programs offered at the Heriot-Watt University Campus in Kazakhstan, noting that studying in English allows future engineers to become competitive at the international level.
Plenitude Kazakhstan is a subsidiary of Eni, focused on renewable energy and decarbonization. The company launched the first privately financed wind power plants in Kazakhstan and is currently implementing solar and wind projects with a total capacity exceeding 200 MW.
A Q-Group delegation visited Arizona State University (ASU) for a series of strategic meetings and events, culminating in the announcement of the launch of the «University of Innovation and Technology powered by ASU».
The new university will serve as a platform for the implementation of advanced educational technologies, the expansion of academic mobility, and the development of joint research and entrepreneurial initiatives.
During the visit, the Q-Group delegation held discussions with key ASU divisions. At EdPlus, the parties explored cutting-edge solutions in digital learning and new models of online education. At Global Launch, attention was given to academic adaptation, international student support, and expanded opportunities for global integration. The meeting with the School of Engineering focused on sharing experience in engineering education, including interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approaches.
The launch of «University of Innovation and Technology powered by ASU» marks a new stage in the development of Kazakhstan’s educational ecosystem, providing Q-Group students, faculty, and partners with access to world-class standards and innovations.
The Liaoning Sub-Forum of the Pujiang Innovation Forum 2025 – devoted to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and intelligent manufacturing – brought together a Kazakhstan delegation representing the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NEA RK), leading universities, and research institutes.
Established by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Pujiang Innovation Forum is a premier international platform for discussing priorities in science, technology, and high-tech cooperation. The Liaoning Sub-Forum focused on practical solutions for industrial modernization - from pilot deployments to technology localization.
At an official reception, Governor Wang Xinwei warmly welcomed the Kazakhstan delegation led by Academician Amandyk K.Tuleshov, Vice President of NEA RK. In his remarks, Academician Tuleshov underscored the good-neighborly and friendly relations between Kazakhstan and China, which enable dynamic, consistent cooperation among universities and research organizations in both applied research and education. He cited joint projects between the Shenyang Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIA, CAS) and the Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanics and Engineering in robotics and AI methods. The reception reaffirmed the high level of trust and the importance of expanding cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
Academician Tuleshov also addressed the plenary session, noting that – against the backdrop of the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 8 September 2025 - the participation of the Kazakhstan delegation was especially timely, highlighting the nation’s strategic course toward accelerated digital transformation, development of the AI ecosystem, and strengthened international S&T cooperation. The Shenyang platform both confirmed these top-level priorities and served as a tool for their practical implementation through joint projects, technology transfer, and the training of scientific and engineering talent.
Also in the delegation were Nurbek P.Saparkhojayev, Rector of Rudny Industrial University; A.Altynbek, Senior Manager, Department of Development and Business Administration, Semizbay-U LLP (NAC Kazatomprom); Zair G.Ualiyev, Director of the Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanics and Engineering; and Moldir Zh.Kuatova, Director of the Department for Scientific and Innovation Activities of the International Engineering and Technological University, as well as representatives of universities and research institutes.
At the roundtable, Rudny Industrial University Rector Nurbek Saparkhojayev emphasized the role of government programs of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan - in particular the AI Sana initiative – in shaping an «AI generation» capable of delivering industrial solutions:
«We are building a talent lift: from student AI labs to prototypes and serial production. Kazakhstan enters the architecture of the global knowledge economy not as an observer but as a co-author».
The Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanics and Engineering and SIA CAS have cooperated for three years in robotics and intelligent manufacturing systems, including joint research, academic exchanges, and workforce development. A key outcome is the Kazakhstan–China Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems in Almaty, a platform for advanced technology development, testing, and industrial scaling.
The delegation visited Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., China’s largest industrial-robot manufacturer. The parties confirmed readiness to localize assembly, service, and an engineering center at the Joldasbekov Institute in Almaty for the Kazakhstan and Central Asian markets. The agreements include a roadmap for collaborative and intralogistics robot lines, personnel training, and a demo-production site to rapidly adapt solutions to the needs of domestic enterprises.
During the visit, Rudny Industrial University and the International Engineering and Technological University signed Memoranda of Understanding with SIA CAS. The documents provide for joint educational tracks in AI and robotics, applied R&D with industry partners from China and Kazakhstan, short academic exchanges and internships, and the creation of consortia to compete for international grant programs.
The visit was practical and results-oriented, built around the triad «science – education – industry». It aligns fully with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s agenda for accelerated digital transformation and the development of the national AI ecosystem. The parties agreed to launch new joint projects in robotics and intelligent manufacturing, expand AI and digital-technology education programs, and prepare pilot deployments and technology transfer for Kazakhstan’s enterprises.
The event marked a significant step toward strengthening Kazakhstan–China ties, opening new opportunities for technology transfer, and integrating Kazakhstan’s research outputs into the international innovation ecosystem.
On September 4, the International Engineering and Technological University hosted the International Workshop «Development of Academic and Research Cooperation», which brought together leading scholars, representatives of the academic community, and engineering schools of Kazakhstan and Italy.
The seminar was attended by the President of the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov. Also taking part were representatives of the International Federation for the Theory of Machines and Mechanisms (IFToMM), including the Honorary President of the Federation, Professor of the University of Rome Tor Vergata Marco Ceccarelli, and the Chairman of IFToMM in Kazakhstan, Vice-President of the National Engineering Academy, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Amandyk Tuleshov. Their participation gave the event a special status and highlighted the importance of integrating Kazakhstani engineering science into the international professional community.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of open dialogue and became a fruitful platform for strengthening international cooperation and training a new generation of engineering specialists.
During the seminar, concrete agreements were reached: on the development of academic mobility - exchange of students and faculty; on the launch of two joint double-degree programs; and on strengthening cooperation between universities and research institutes in the fields of engineering, robotics, and applied research.
President of the National Engineering Academy of Kazakhstan, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov, emphasized in his address:
«In the era of digitalization, when the President of the country and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education pay special attention to the training of engineering personnel, holding such a seminar at one of the few engineering universities in Kazakhstan – METU – is of particular importance. It not only expands the horizons of scientific cooperation but also lays a solid foundation for the development of the national engineering school».