On September 17, Nazarbayev University launched the Second Annual Research Conference 2025.
This event brings together researchers, scholars, and students from Kazakhstan and abroad. The theme of this year’s conference — “Empowering Innovation: Nurturing Kazakhstan’s Next Gen Researchers” — highlights the importance of faculty engagement and practical experience in shaping the next generation of innovators.
At the opening of the conference, NU Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, Zhumabay Bakenov, emphasized: “In line with our commitment to sustainability and innovation, NUARC 2025 is being implemented in a digital format. This year, we have eliminated the printing of posters and handouts — the entire conference program is available online via QR code. Poster sessions are presented digitally, and thanks to our colleagues from ISSAI, we have introduced the TilSync real-time speech recognition app, making the conference even more accessible. In addition, all plenary sessions and panel discussions are streamed live on YouTube, allowing us to reach a broader audience beyond the conference hall. This digital approach not only reduces environmental impact but also reflects our drive to integrate technology into all aspects of research and knowledge exchange.”
Special focus this year was given to panel discussions that brought together representatives of government, business, academia, and civil society. Key topics included institutional reforms, ESG practices, climate finance, and human capital development.
Associate Professor of the NU Graduate School of Public Policy, Dina Sharipova, noted: “This is the second time we are hosting the conference, and we are determined to continue this tradition because we already see tangible results. Young researchers gain the opportunity to present their projects, find partners for interdisciplinary studies, expand their professional networks, and establish collaborations not only in Kazakhstan but also internationally. This is exactly why NUARC was conceived — as a platform where diverse academic fields intersect and new ideas are born.”
The afternoon sessions featured a discussion on the entry of foreign universities into Kazakhstan — from branch campuses to independent institutions. A central question was how such models influence the national research ecosystem, whether they align with the country’s priorities, and what opportunities they create for young researchers. These discussions embody the core idea of NUARC 2025: finding solutions through collaboration and innovation to address the challenges that shape the future of science, the economy, and society in Kazakhstan.
NUARC 2025 is not a narrowly focused event but a platform covering a wide range of scientific fields, supported by multiple research institutes. Its program includes poster and oral sessions, plenary lectures, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Participants gain new knowledge, strengthen their research skills, explore challenges and prospects in science, and discover new opportunities for collaboration.
Professor Essam Shehab of the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences summarized: “Our goal is to create an environment where young researchers in Kazakhstan can not only present their achievements but also actively engage with the global scientific community. We firmly believe that conferences like this play a vital role in strengthening the national research ecosystem, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of science in the country.”
This year, the conference was supported by the NU Impact Foundation. Their contribution made it possible to invite international speakers and experts, as well as ensure the high-quality organization of the event.
