News

On October 15-16, 2025, at the Astana Think Tank Forum 2025 in Astana, PhD Sholpan Saimova, research director of the project "AP26100031 – International Mediation Hub as an Instrument for Peaceful Conflict Resolution and Nuclear Disarmament: Experience of Kazakhstan and Foreign Countries," presented a paper on nuclear disarmament issues.

This year's forum was held under the motto "From Polarization to Partnership: Rebuilding Trust in the International System."

Organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KISS), the forum brought together leading analysts, experts, and representatives of international organizations to discuss current challenges to global security, trust diplomacy, and sustainable development.

As part of the forum, Sholpan Saimova participated in the panel session "The Nuclear Challenge: Non-proliferation and Disarmament in an Era of Strategic Rivalry," dedicated to strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, resuming dialogue between leading powers, and finding new forms of trust in the global security system.

The session was moderated by Dauren ABEN, Head of the International Security Department at the Kazakh Institute of Strategic Studies (KISS) under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Speakers included:

* Ali Sarwar NAKVI, Executive Director, Center for International Strategic Studies (Pakistan);

* Daryl KIMBALL, Executive Director, Arms Control Association (USA);

* Rajiv NAYAN, Senior Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defense Studies (India);

* Tarik RAUF, independent nuclear governance expert, former head of the IAEA Office of Verification and Security Policy Coordination (Austria);

* Vladimir ORLOV, founder and director of the PIR Center, professor at MGIMO (Russia).

The discussion focused on contemporary challenges to the international security architecture, prospects for resuming dialogue between leading powers, confidence-building measures, and Kazakhstan's role as a country consistently advocating for a nuclear-free world and peaceful conflict resolution.

The experts noted the importance of Kazakhstan's experience in nuclear disarmament and emphasized the need to develop new instruments for global cooperation based on trust, transparency, and mutual responsibility.

The session was held in the spirit of a constructive exchange of opinions and interdisciplinary scientific dialogue and will contribute to the implementation of the principles of a fair, secure, and sustainable international system.

The Astana Think Tank Forum is a prestigious platform bringing together leading global experts and thinkers. The participation of AIU scientists in academic discussions of this caliber demonstrates the university's activity in the international research community.

The final jury meeting for the competition to develop the beta version of the Center's official website was held at the National Center for Higher Education Development under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Student teams from higher and postgraduate educational institutions across the country participated in the competition.

During the meeting, the final competition entries submitted by the participants were reviewed. The projects were evaluated based on a number of criteria, including compliance with the technical specifications, level of information security, functionality, modern design, creative solutions, and the presence of additional features.

Following the discussion, Astana International University students Yergali Arystan and Zhanat Almaz took first place. Second place went to the Astana IT University team, and third place went to the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications named after G. Daukeyev.

The winners were awarded diplomas and cash prizes, while the remaining participants received electronic certificates of participation. The competition was an important step in engaging young students in digital educational projects and a platform for developing their professional competencies in information technology.

Astana International University congratulates Yergali Arystan and Zhanat Almaz on their well-deserved victory and expresses gratitude to their academic supervisors for their support and mentorship.

On October 13, 2025, the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University held a session of the AIU Literary Lounge dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the birth of Sergey Alexandrovich Yesenin — an outstanding Russian and Soviet poet, a master of sincere and heartfelt lyricism.

The event took place in Room 207 and brought together first-year students of the Kazakh Department representing various educational programs and schools of the university.

The meeting was opened by the heads of the literary club “Poetry Calls Us Afar…” — Associate Professor T.D. Abzhakov and Master’s degree holder R.I. Narmanova. After a presentation on the poet’s life and creative path, the participants gave expressive readings of Yesenin’s works, conveying the beauty, melody, and emotional depth of his poetry.

Particularly impressive performances were given by the following students:

• Ayankyzy Zhanel (International Relations–24A),
• Ardakova Barshyn (Psychology–25A),
• Brilts Mirra (Russian Language and Literature–25),
• Smagul Meruert (Geography–25A),
• Beisembaeva Tolkyn (Music Education–25A),
  as well as other participants whose heartfelt interpretations of Yesenin’s poems earned warm applause from the audience.

Invited guests, teachers, and students noted the high level of preparation and the atmosphere of genuine inspiration that prevailed throughout the evening.

Each participant was awarded a Diploma of Appreciation from the Director of the Pedagogical Institute, Zh.K. Akhmadieva, for their creative approach and expressive performance of the poet’s works.

Events like this contribute to the development of literary taste, aesthetic perception, and love for both national and world poetry, while enriching the spiritual life of AIU students.

From October 6 to 8, 2025, an official delegation from the Astana International University (AIU), led by President Serik Irssaliev, visited Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria).

During the visit, the AIU delegation took part in the international scientific conference “East – West: Synergy of Scientific Knowledge,” held at Sofia University. The conference focused on strengthening scientific and educational cooperation between East and West and uniting the research potential of leading universities in the region.

At the opening ceremony, AIU President Serik Irssaliev delivered a welcoming address. The plenary sessions were attended by representatives of the academic communities of Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, India, Turkmenistan, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

A key focus of the visit was to enhance academic collaboration between Astana International University and Sofia University.

As part of the visit, the two institutions signed an agreement to launch a double-degree master’s program in “Environmental Management” in the field of biological sciences and sustainable development.

The program will be conducted in English, with two semesters at Sofia University and two semesters at AIU. Graduates of the program will receive two diplomas — Bulgarian and Kazakhstani.

Additionally, the parties discussed the possibility of opening another double-degree program in Tourism Management, as well as expanding academic mobility opportunities for faculty and students.

This conference became an excellent platform for developing international dialogue between universities of East and West, strengthening academic ties between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria, and promoting initiatives in sustainable development and environmental management.

From October 6 to 10, 2025, the "Eurasian Climate Talks" summer school was held at Toraigyrov University. Students from the School of Natural Sciences at Astana International University (SUS) actively participated and achieved outstanding results.

The event provided a unique platform for discussing current issues in climate, ecology, and sustainable development, presenting student research projects, and exchanging experiences with international experts.

SUS students excelled in the competition, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and scientific potential, and won prizes:

• Nuray Toktagazina — 2nd place (supervisor — Moldir Zhakypzhanovna Zhumagul);

• Aru Zhumakhan — 2nd place (supervisor — Ailina B. Syzdykova);

• Akerke Nurbekova, participant, was awarded a certificate (supervisor: Moldir Zhakypzhanovna Zhumagul).

During the summer school, participants presented their innovative projects in banner format, aimed at solving pressing environmental and climate issues, as well as developing sustainable development initiatives.

The achievements of Astana International University students are a testament to their high professional and scientific potential, as well as their commitment to contributing to the development of an environmental culture and a sustainable future.

On October 11, 2025, the International University of Astana (AIU) actively participated in a large-scale nationwide cleanup event as part of the "Taza Kazakhstan" campaign.

          The university's administration, faculty, and students joined forces to clean up the university grounds and contribute to the development of environmental awareness.

During the cleanup, students demonstrated the importance of protecting nature and taking responsibility for the environment. They made efforts to promote environmental order and a healthy lifestyle within the university.

In addition, this event helped to strengthen the friendly ties and cooperation between students and teachers, as well as to develop a team spirit. The cleanup was not only a way to ensure cleanliness, but also an action aimed at increasing environmental knowledge and awareness, as well as fostering a love of nature among young people

On October 2, 2025, a roundtable discussion titled «Artificial Intelligence in the Natural Sciences: Ethical and Social Implications» was held at the Higher School of Natural Sciences. The event brought together faculty members, students, master's students, doctoral students, and invited experts to discuss the challenges arising at the intersection of technology and science.

 The participants addressed important questions such as:

— Can AI replace a scientist?

— What risks does AI pose to scientific integrity?

— How does AI affect the labor market in science and education?

— What are the environmental costs of AI infrastructure?

— Where are the boundaries between open data and privacy?

The event was moderated by the Dean of the Higher School of Natural Sciences Muratov R.M. The event was organized by senior lecturers Avezova A.A. and Zhanabayeva S.A. The roundtable format included brief presentations, an open discussion, and a question-and-answer session.

The discussion was lively, with participants sharing different perspectives, experiences, and suggestions. They also received a certificate and a letter of appreciation for their active participation in the roundtable.

Summary:

The roundtable contributed to the development of a critical approach to the implementation of AI in the scientific field. Participants emphasized the need for an interdisciplinary approach and adherence to ethical standards when using AI.

Recommendations:

- Deepen the study of the impact of AI on science;

- Introduce ethical courses for future researchers;

- To continue such discussions in order to develop common approaches to the application of AI.

 AI is not only a technological breakthrough, but also a challenge to our moral and social values.

 On October 4, 2025, a large-scale environmental tree planting event took place in the Shortandy District of the Akmola Region, within the Green Belt of Astana. It was organized by the Karagach Public Foundation with the support of Astana International University, the National Volunteer Network, and the Zhasyl Aimak Republican State Enterprise.

 During the event, 2,200 tree seedlings were planted, aimed at restoring and strengthening the capital's green belt. More than 50 volunteers participated in the event, including students from Astana International University, along with faculty members from the Higher School of Natural Sciences: Aiman ​​Karabalaeva, Sholpan Abilova, Nurkuygan Auezova, Aidana Kydyrova, and Saltanat Zhanabaeva.

Before the planting, volunteers received a brief briefing on planting techniques and seedling care, after which they jointly contributed to the greening and preservation of Kazakhstan's natural heritage.

 The "Taza Kazakhstan" campaign is not just an environmental initiative, but a movement uniting students, teachers, public organizations, and everyone who cares about the future of our planet in pursuit of sustainable development!

 We thank all participants for their activism, unity, and care for nature! Together, we are creating a green future for Kazakhstan.

On October 2, 2025, SpaceLab won the Industry 4.0 Pitch Battle, a technology competition held at the Digital Bridge 2025 international forum in Astana.

The jury noted the high level of innovation, technological maturity, and practical relevance of the presented product—the Valve Sensor, developed for the industrial sector.

The Valve Sensor is a next-generation intelligent sensor designed for monitoring the status of valves in industrial facilities.

The device detects whether the valve is open or closed and transmits data in real time to a server.

The sensor uses a magnetometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope to accurately record valve position and fluid flow without the need for pipeline modifications. The device is plug-and-play, ensuring easy implementation and operation. SpaceLab's development is aimed at solving one of the key problems in the oil and gas industry: leaks caused by incomplete valve closure.

Such situations lead to loss of raw materials, environmental risks, and threats to personnel safety.

The use of the Valve Sensor significantly improves industrial safety, reduces costs, and ensures compliance with modern environmental and technical standards.

Recognition of Contribution to the Development of Industry 4.0

According to the SpaceLab team, winning the Industry 4.0 Pitch Battle competition is important recognition of the company's contribution to the development of Industry 4.0 technologies in Kazakhstan and the region.

SpaceLab's projects are being developed with the support of the Astana Hub and in collaboration with the National Space Agency Kazcosmos, underscoring the strategic importance of the company's solutions for the development of national innovation, space, and industrial technologies.

SpaceLab's immediate plans include adapting the Valve Sensor technology for use in extreme conditions, including space stations and lunar facilities.

SpaceLab is a Kazakhstani company specializing in the development of satellite IoT terminals, industrial sensors, and 3D printers.

The company is ranked among the top three US space equipment developers by F6S and is a participant in international accelerators and programs of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

    Tanazieva Tansholpan Aydosovna, a graduate of the educational program 6b01502 – "Biology" of Astana International University in 2025, became the winner of the contest "The best young teacher of Astana – 2025", organized by the methodological Center of Astana and the Trade Union of Education Workers of Astana!

We wish the young specialist creative inspiration, further success and new achievements on the way to professional excellence!

Dear students and faculty members!
We are pleased to invite you to a guest lecture with experts from Junke Yinde (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd., a company specializing in the development and application of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as representatives from Beijing University of Technology — a leading university in training engineers in the fields of safety and artificial intelligence.

 Date: October 7, 2025
 Time: 15:00
 Venue: Room 207, Main Building, 8 Kabanbay Batyr St.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies in drones, UAVs, and artificial intelligence, engage with experts, and broaden your professional horizons!

 We look forward to seeing you!

    To develop artificial intelligence technologies, National Information Technologies JSC (NIT JSC) and Astana International University (AIU) signed a memorandum of cooperation.

According to the document, the parties will actively collaborate to expand the application of artificial intelligence technologies in Kazakhstan's digital space. The memorandum was signed on behalf of National Information Technologies JSC by Shyngys Aidarbekuly Orazalimov, Deputy Chairman of the Board, and on behalf of Astana International University by Serik Aztayevich Irsaliev, President.

In the first stage, National Information Technologies JSC will accept five AIU students for professional internships to learn and gain practical skills in artificial intelligence. The most successful students will subsequently be employed by the company, allowing these young professionals to apply their acquired knowledge and contribute to the development of digital technologies in Kazakhstan.

According to the memorandum, the parties plan to:

• organize professional internships for AIU students at NIT;

• implement dual training and internship mechanisms to enhance the competencies of future specialists;

• exchange experience and knowledge through joint seminars, conferences, and projects;

• collaborate in software and IT systems development;

• create joint working groups and committees to implement educational and research initiatives.

The signing of the memorandum provides direct access to practical skills and experience at Kazakhstan's leading state-owned IT company. This will provide the opportunity to consolidate theoretical knowledge, receive mentoring support, and work on real digital solutions in demand in the market.

Cooperation with the university will enable the training of young specialists with relevant competencies in artificial intelligence, big data, and digital services. This meets the state's needs for the development of the national IT ecosystem and digital economy.

This initiative will contribute to the implementation of the "Digital Kazakhstan" state strategy and will strengthen the country's position in the development of future technologies.