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On December 8, 2025, Astana International University hosted a meeting between fourth-year students studying on a grant from the local executive authority (LEA) and representatives of the Astana Department of Education. The event aimed to explain the mechanisms for assigning young specialists and the conditions for mandatory grant completion.

During the meeting, representatives of the education department detailed the current procedure for assigning teaching staff to secondary education institutions in the capital, discussed the list of vacancies, employment requirements, and career advancement opportunities for young teachers. Particular attention was paid to the regulatory conditions for completing the LEA grant, the deadlines, possible grounds for postponement or extension, and liability for failure to fulfill obligations.

Graduates had the opportunity to ask questions regarding school placement, the choice of educational institution, working conditions, salaries, and professional development prospects. Representatives of the Education Department emphasized that the capital's schools are experiencing a high demand for qualified teaching staff and are interested in collaborating with the university.

Following the meeting, students noted the importance of such events, which allow them to plan their future careers in advance and receive reliable information directly from employers. The university emphasized that interaction with government agencies is a crucial element in training personnel for the education system.

Astana International University expresses its gratitude to representatives of the Astana Education Department for the constructive dialogue and to the graduates for their active participation and commitment to professional development.

Today, at the Higher School of Arts and Humanities of Astana International University, as part of the "Kazakh Nomadic Civilization" module, Professor Ulan Umitkaliyev, PhD in History, delivered a lecture on "Saka Civilization: An Archaeological Analysis."

During the event, attendees were introduced to the latest scientific research on the Saka era, as well as modern methods for analyzing archaeological sources. In his lecture, the professor covered in detail the social structure of Saka society, its material culture, mythological worldview, and its influence on the formation of the Eurasian cultural space. Particular attention was paid to archaeological discoveries of recent years.

Faculty and students from the Design program at the Higher School of Arts and Humanities participated in the lecture, providing the opportunity to discuss current issues in the study of the history of civilizations and exchange opinions on the materials presented.Throughout the lecture, the scholar presented new scientific perspectives on the social structure of Saka society, burial traditions, stylistic and symbolic features of artifacts, and the interconnectedness of nomadic cultures across the Eurasian steppe. Drawing upon recent archaeological studies, Ulan Umitkaliuly provided concrete evidence supporting the scientific basis of the concept of nomadic civilization and offered a comprehensive explanation of the achievements and current directions of modern Kazakhstani archaeology.

As the professor highlighted, the eight “Golden Man” complexes discovered in various regions of Kazakhstan serve as clear evidence of the high artistic level and complex ideological system of Saka-era culture. He also emphasized that nearly 20,000 burial mounds and settlements from the Early Iron Age in the Kazakh steppe remain insufficiently researched, making this field a significant scientific arena for future young archaeologists.

Every slide presented during the lecture was supported with concrete scientific data based on archaeological materials, radiocarbon analyses, petrographic studies, and comparative cultural research. This new information broadened the academic perspective of students and master’s candidates and further strengthened their interest in research.

On November 25, students of the “TаVT” educational program visited the exhibition at the “Kulanshy Forte” art space dedicated to the work of Abdrashit Sydykhanov. The exhibition, titled “TANBA” (translated as “SIGNS”), reveals the artist’s unique visual language.

Abdrashit Sydykhanov is one of the few artists capable of speaking through symbols while preserving remarkable sincerity and depth. His works breathe with the spirit of the earth, the vastness of the steppe, and a light in which time and distance seem to dissolve. He possessed a rare gift - the ability to see the eternal in the ordinary and to hear the melody of the world hidden within signs and symbols.

The artist often emphasized that true art does not merely depict, but revives. This is exactly the sensation one experiences when standing before his paintings: they open up as a living space, inviting the viewer into dialogue and making them a witness to something far greater than painting alone.

The visit to the exhibition became an important and inspiring experience for the students, allowing them to immerse themselves in the artist’s profound symbolic world and feel the power of art that continues to resonate even beyond the life of its creator.

On November 13 of this year, the HasSanat Gallery in the capital hosted the opening of the exhibition “Eternal Love” by the legendary Kazakh sculptor Vagif Rakhmon and applied arts artist Gulshat Dzhuraeva. As per tradition, faculty members, master’s students, and undergraduate students of the Higher School of Art and Humanities were invited to the vernissage. The official opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Astana, renowned Kazakhstani artists, art historians, and guests of the capital.

The exhibition sparked great interest and active discussion among the master’s and bachelor’s students of the “Graphic Design” educational program and their instructors. The analysis of the works of V. Rakhmon and G. Dzhuraeva, carried out in direct interaction with their artistic content, became part of the new academic course “Cultural Context and Artistic Traditions of Contemporary Art of Kazakhstan.” The exhibition also drew notable attention from second-year students as part of their coursework in “Cultural Studies.”

Associate Professor, PhD in Architecture T. A.Kiseleva
Associate Professor, PhD in Philosophy, Art Historian G. N. Povaliashko

At the art space “Kulanshy Forte”, Serzhan Bashirov, a lecturer at the Higher School of Art and Design of Astana International University, has been selected as the Artist of the Month. His unique exhibition has become a significant event in the cultural life of the capital.

Serzhan Bashirov is an artist, jeweler, and master of decorative and applied arts who has assembled a rare collection of artifacts revealing the richness and multilayered nature of the nomadic civilization. The exhibited pieces demonstrate how harmoniously and skillfully nomadic culture combined practicality, utility, and profound symbolism.

The antique objects featured in the exhibition are valuable examples of material culture. They serve as an important tool for understanding Kazakh identity, its origins, and evolution. Through these items, visitors can connect with the world of their ancestors, where every sign, ornament, and shape carried sacred meaning and reflected the worldview of the people.

The exhibition, presented at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, has made a significant contribution to the preservation and study of national heritage. It highlights the cultural importance of Kazakh civilization in a global context and strengthens young people's interest in exploring their own roots.

The Astana International University community takes pride in having among its faculty a master whose work not only preserves history but also inspires a new generation of researchers and artists.

Lecturer Tlekbay Laura

On November 29, 2025, Astana International University (AIU) became a center of attraction for entrepreneurial initiative: the Demo Day - the final event of the 7th incubation program AIU BUSINESS INNOVATION - took place at the business incubator of the Higher School of Economics.

Over the course of a month, the program participants, among whom were both aspiring startuppers and active entrepreneurs, underwent an intensive course of incubating their projects, working through every aspect of the business - from generation and verification of idea viability to building a detailed financial model.

The result of this work was the final pitches of 6 teams that presented innovative solutions in the spheres of healthcare, production, and the development of digital platforms. The main outcome of the Demo Day was not only expert recommendations but also the opening of real projects for scaling: the finalists received certificates granting them the right to participate in the competition for grant financing from JSC “QazInnovations”, which is a significant step towards the realization of business ideas. We wish the graduates further success in the implementation of projects!

Astana International University (AIU), together with the OSCE Programme Office, organized a photo exhibition as part of the annual international campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence." The exhibition aims to foster zero tolerance for violence and strengthen legal and humanitarian mechanisms for the protection of women and children.

The exhibition focuses on documentary photographs of emergency services and government agencies in Kazakhstan: the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Almaty Department of Emergency Situations, the Disaster Medicine Center, the Kazaviaspas unit, and the Zhan-Saya Crisis Center.

The photographs convey the daily work of the first responders in emergency situations. Moments of rescue, support, and rehabilitation, as well as the work of psychologists, paramedics, firefighters, and volunteers, allow viewers to see the problem of gender-based violence through the lens of real human experience.

The photo exhibition was opened by Kairat Amangeldievich Abdrakhmanov, Vice President of Astana International University. He emphasized the university's commitment to gender equality and its participation in such projects as a key contribution to fostering a safe educational and social environment.

Aleksey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, expressed gratitude to the university for organizing the exhibition and noted the importance of regular interaction between government agencies, civil society, and educational institutions on strengthening gender security.

The OSCE Office in Kazakhstan expresses its readiness to continue its cooperation with the AIU and support initiatives aimed at raising youth awareness of human rights, preventing violence, and developing effective social protection institutions.

On 4 December 2025, the Department of Natural Sciences of the Pedagogical Institute at Astana International University held a thematic event dedicated to gender equality. The participants were 3rd- and 4th-year students of the educational program “6B01503 – Chemistry”, as well as a guest speaker joining online from the USA — PhD, Acting Associate Professor of the Higher School of Natural Sciences at AIU, Bolashak International Scholarship holder, Saltanat Bolatovna Abeuova, who is currently undertaking an internship at the University of California, Davis.

Participants were presented with statistical data on the number of female students studying at AIU. The students discussed women’s contribution to scientific research, their participation in projects, and issues of equal opportunities in the academic sphere.

The event was organized by Associate Professor of the Department, S.M. Bolysbekova, who ensured the meaningful content of the meeting and created a comfortable, open atmosphere for dialogue.

At the end of the event, participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers and the invited guest, noting that open dialogue, exchange of views, and discussion of real practical examples significantly enhance the educational value of such meetings. The students emphasized that such initiatives contribute to personal growth, professional development, and the strengthening of university culture.

On 1 December 2025, the Department of Natural Sciences of the Pedagogical Institute at Astana International University hosted the “Chemistry in Art” competition held within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Fourth-year students of the educational program “6B01503 – Chemistry” took part in the event, demonstrating their skill in artistically representing chemical reactions and molecular models, as well as their ability to convey chemistry through the language of art. Based on the results of all stages, having shown a high level of preparation and confidently completing all tasks, the winner was Samal Zamankhan.

The event was organized by Associate Professor of the Department, S.M. Bolysbekova, who ensured a professional level of the competition and contributed to creating a constructive and friendly competitive atmosphere.

The jury evaluated the projects according to the criteria of scientific validity, originality, artistic expressiveness, practical significance, and the participants’ ability to present their ideas.

The initiative is aimed at developing students’ critical thinking, practical skills, and creative potential, as well as strengthening their interest in chemical science.

The participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers, noting the importance of such events for their professional development.

Fire extinguishers occupy a special place among fire safety equipment. They are easy to operate, require no special skills, and are excellent at extinguishing the initial stages of a fire. However, the effectiveness of a fire extinguisher directly depends on its proper selection. An unsuitable fire extinguisher will not cope with a fire and, in fact, can cause injury.

What kind of fire extinguisher should you have in different situations? Despite the seemingly obvious answer to this question, it's not that simple. I won't discuss the purpose of a fire extinguisher in this article. I will simply note that its presence serves two purposes:

- first, to extinguish a fire in its early stages when it occurs;

- second, to comply with fire safety regulations, thereby eliminating the possibility of a fine during an inspection.

 The document regulating the provision of buildings with primary fire extinguishing equipment is Order No. 55 of the Minister of Emergency Situations of February 21, 2022, "On Approval of Fire Safety Rules," and the Technical Regulations "General Fire Safety Requirements," approved by Order No. 405 of the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan of August 17, 2021. The requirements specified therein should be followed when selecting fire extinguishers, including those for vehicles.

Chief Specialist

Emergency Situations Department of Yesil District, Astana City Department of Emergency Situations

Civil Defense Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Aliyev

On 28–29 November 2025 in Karaganda, students from 1st to 3rd years of the educational programme 6B01601 "History and Social Studies" at AIU actively participated in the XII Republican Congress of Young Researchers dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Academician E.A. Buketov. The event, titled "The Phenomenon of E.A. Buketov: Scientist. Teacher. Personality," was organized by the Historical Faculty and the "Tulgatanu" Research Centre of Karaganda National Research University.

The main objective of the forum was to comprehensively study the scientific heritage of Academician E.A. Buketov, assess his contribution to the development of national science, support the scientific potential of youth, and foster patriotism, humanism, and intellectual culture.

AIU students participated in the work of academic sections, presented their research, engaged in discussions, and exchanged experiences. This allowed them to expand their scientific thinking and became a significant step in their professional development.

Following the completion of the forum, students were taken on an educational excursion to the KARLAG Museum (Corrective Labour Camp of the Kazakh SSR), located in Karaganda Region. The visit to the museum enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of the history of political repression, familiarize themselves with archival materials and museum exhibitions, and contributed significantly to the formation of their historical consciousness.