Nazarbayev University (NU) hosts the 2nd Annual School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) Research Conference on April 9–10 as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations. Held under the theme “Transforming the Future of Engineering and Digital Sciences Research in Central Asia,” the conference brings together leading researchers, academics, and students to advance dialogue on innovation and collaboration in the region. The event also aligns with the upcoming Kazakhstan Science Workers’ Day on April 12, recognizing the vital contributions of scientists and researchers to the country’s development.
We asked SEDS Professor Shazim Memon to share the most important highlights of the 2nd NU SEDS Annual Research Conference and explain what sets it apart from other events.
“This conference highlights the university’s commitment to inclusivity and student leadership. Women make up around 50% of the student community but remain underrepresented in engineering and digital sciences. To address this, the Women in Engineering Club, a student group of around 20 female members, co-organizes the event, providing a platform for students to take an active role in shaping the conference”, – he shared.
Another highlight of the conference is the introduction of a seven-minute research presentation format, designed to give both undergraduate and graduate students from across Kazakhstan the opportunity to showcase their work. This homegrown initiative, developed at NU, is held for the first time in the country and reflects the university’s commitment to fostering young research talent. The inaugural edition brings together 60 students from more than 10 universities nationwide, creating a dynamic platform for concise and impactful scientific communication. The grand finale takes place on the second day, where international experts, including representatives from the University of Michigan and Clausthal University of Technology, evaluate the finalists.
In parallel, the conference hosts a large-scale research poster exhibition focused on engineering and digital sciences. More than a hundred posters are submitted by participants representing 12 universities from cities across Kazakhstan, highlighting the breadth of research activity in the country.
The grand finale highlights outstanding student research, with Riya Bhat from South Kazakhstan Medical Academy receiving the First Prize and Best Undergraduate Researcher award. A number of NU students have received the following awards: Botagoz Akhmetzhanova from is named Runner-up, while Kamila Bissenbayeva earns the Best Societal Impact award. The People’s Choice Award goes to Muhammad Awais Jamali, reflecting strong engagement from the audience. The achievements of this year’s winners highlight the growing talent of young researchers and the vital role NU plays in supporting the next generation of innovators.
Targeted panel sessions further demonstrate the strong connection between academia and industry. The panel session welcomed speakers from Airbus Helicopters Kazakhstan, Alstom, Air Liquid, MCS Group, WebTech Kazakhstan, Samruk-Kazyna Ondeu LLP, Chinese major corporations, KazAeroSpace, UNDP and others. These sessions showcase NU’s commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration between top companies and academic researchers to address Kazakhstan’s key technological and urban challenges.
