Governance
In compliance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated January 19, 2011 “On the status of “Nazarbayev University”, “Nazarbayev Intellectual schools” and “Nazarbayev Fund”, the governance bodies of Nazarbayev University are as follows:
- Supreme Board of Trustees
- Board of Trustees
- Executive Bodies
Supreme Board of Trustees
Nazarbayev Intellectual school
Board of Trustees
Executive Body
Nazarbayev University
Board of Trustees
Executive Body
Nazarbayev Fund
Board of Trustees
Executive Body
The Supreme Board of Trustees is the highest governance body of the University, Intellectual schools and the Fund, which is headed by the Chairman of the Supreme Board of Trustees.
The competencies of the Supreme Board of Trustees include: approval of the long-term development strategy and the Charter of the University, Intellectual Schools and the Fund; approval of the procedure for asset management; composition of the Boards of Trustees of the University, Intellectual Schools and the Fund; and decision on reorganization or liquidation of the University, Intellectual Schools and the Fund.
The Board of Trustees is the governance body that is in charge of general management of the Nazarbayev University’s activities.
The competences of the Board of Trustees of the University include: approval of annual and midterm budgets; determining the number of members of the University’s executive body, electing their heads and members as well termination of their powers; approval of the rules of procurement of goods, works, services; and other powers in compliance with the Charter.
President
The President chairs the Managing Council that serves as the collective executive body of the University which oversees and directs operations of the University, organizes the implementation of the decisions of the Supreme Board of Trustees and Board of Trustees.
The Provost heads the Academic Council and the Research Council that represent the highest authorities that decide on academic and research matters.
The Academic Council provides leadership in the creation and adoption of policies governing academic standards, practices, and discipline; oversees quality assurance and quality enhancement in teaching and learning; establishes criteria for academic ranks; approves educational programs; and oversees the development of the Schools.
The Research Council approves and adopts policies defining standards of research conduct and ethnics, organizes and manages the distribution of research funding, develops intellectual property policies, and coordinates research, innovation and development efforts among the Research Centers and the Schools. The memberships of these three bodies are defined by the Charter of the University.
Supreme Board of Trustees
In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 26, 2023 No. 78 “On the appointment of the Chairman of the Supreme Board of Trustees of Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools and Nazarbayev Fund” and the Decree of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 27, 2023 No. 153-p “On some issues of the Supreme Board of Trustees of Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools and Nazarbayev Fund” the composition of the Supreme Board of Trustees has been changed. The following members were appointed into the Supreme Board of Trustees from September 28, 2023.
Members of the Supreme Board of Trustees
Alikhan Smailov
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Chairman of the Supreme Board of Trustees
Yerulan Zhamaubayev
Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of the Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Tamara Duisenova
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Social Affairs
Aset Irgaliyev
Aide to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Economic Affairs
Sayasat Nurbek
Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakstan
Ilesanmi Adesida
Acting President of Nazarbayev University
Board of Trustees
Based on the Decision of the Supreme Board of Trustees of Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools and Nazarbayev Fund dated October 2, 2023, No. 11, the new members were appointed to the Board of Trustees of Nazarbayev University:
Members of the Board of Trustees
Aset Irgaliyev
Aide to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Economic Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Sayasat Nurbek
Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Bagdat Mussin
Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Ilesanmi Adesida
Acting President of Nazarbayev University
Shigeo Katsu
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Alan Ruby
Senior Fellow, University of Pennsylvania
Frederick Starr
Chairman of the Central Asia and Caucasus Research Institute in Washington
Stavros Yiannouka
Chief Executive Officer, World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)
Philip Yeo
Chairman of Economic Development Innovations Singapore, Chairman of Accuron Technologies
Members of Nazarbayev University Managing Council
Ilesanmi Adesida
Acting President of Nazarbayev University
Argin Kipshakov
Executive Vice-President
Kadisha Dairova
Vice-President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation
Massimo Pignatelli
Vice President for Medicine – Dean of School of Medicine