As part of its long-term strategy to strengthen emerging fields of research and prepare talent for the economy of the future, Nazarbayev University is introducing a renewed academic structure for the 2026–2027 academic year. The transformation includes the launch of the Doctoral Institute, the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), and the restructured School of Engineering (SoE). In addition, the School of Medicine has established a new academic department, while several academic and administrative units across the University have appointed new leaders.
School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence
Professor Atakan Varol, a distinguished researcher and innovator, has been appointed the inaugural Dean of the newly established School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI). He also serves as the founding Director of the University’s Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI).
Professor Matteo Rubagotti has been appointed Acting Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, while Professor Durvudkhan Suragan will serve as Acting Vice Dean for Research and Innovation.
School of Engineering
Professor Essam Shehab, formerly Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, has been appointed Acting Dean of the restructured School of Engineering (SoE).
Professor Sherif Gouda has been appointed Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Professor Peyman Pourafshary will serve as Acting Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, while Professor Masoud Riazi has been appointed Head of the Department of Mining and Geociences.
School of Sciences and Humanities
Professor Riccardo Pelizzo, formerly Dean of the Graduate School of Public Policy, has been appointed Acting Dean of the School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH). Professor Colin Knox has been appointed Vice Dean of the School.
School of Medicine
The School of Medicine (NUSOM) has established the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences through the merger of the Department of Biology and the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
Professor Huck Hui Ng, a distinguished biomedical scientist, has been appointed Vice President for Medicine at NU and Dean of the School of Medicine. Prior to joining NU, he served as Assistant Chief Executive for Research and Talent Development at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the country’s leading national research agency.
Professor Abduzhappar Gaipov has been appointed Vice Dean for Clinical Partnerships, while Professor Antonio Sarria-Santamera will lead the newly established Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
Other Appointments
Professor Eric Wente, formerly Deputy General Director of the Centre for Preparatory Studies, has been appointed Acting General Director of the Centre.
Professor Shazim Memon has been appointed Associate Provost for Doctoral Studies. Before assuming this role, he served as a faculty member in the School of Engineering.
Professor Thomas Duke, formerly Director of the Writing Center, has been appointed Director of the Academic Success Center.
Nazarbayev University congratulates its colleagues on their appointments and wishes them every success in advancing new initiatives, driving the University’s continued development, and strengthening its position as the leading academic institution in Central Asia and the Caucasus!
