Nazarbayev University (NU) contributed to high-level discussions on the future of global research collaboration during the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit 2026, hosted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
As part of the official programme, NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad joined a panel discussion titled “Borderless research in a nationalistic age: Utopian dream or achievable future?”, examining how universities can sustain international collaboration in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment.
Opening the discussion from NU’s perspective, Professor Ahmad emphasized the need to rethink the foundations of global academic partnerships:
“Universities have not always been beacons of hope and progress. They have, at times, reflected and reinforced the inequalities of their eras. That is why we must continuously ask ourselves: are we truly a force for good, or are we perpetuating the very inequities we seek to challenge? In a world where crises from pandemics to energy shocks transcend borders, the case for collaboration is undeniable. But it must be genuine: built on shared values, not hierarchy or extraction. The future of higher education lies in equitable partnerships where institutions work together, across regions and systems, to address global challenges and create lasting impact.”
The panel addressed the growing tension between the ideal of open, borderless science and the realities of rising nationalism and geopolitical fragmentation. Discussions focused on the practical limits of international research cooperation, including how institutions balance openness with national security concerns, and whether regional academic networks can serve as viable alternatives to global collaboration frameworks.
Participants also explored what forms of collaboration remain resilient under increasing political pressure, highlighting the need for adaptable, trust-based partnerships that can operate across shifting regulatory and political environments.
The session brought together leading voices from academia and global higher education, including Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education; Sylvia Schwaag Serger, President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences; Kar Yan Tam, Vice-President for Administration and Business at HKUST; and Carole-Anne Upton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University (Singapore Campus).
NU’s participation reflects its growing role in shaping international dialogue on research collaboration, academic leadership, and the future of higher education.
The three-day Summit also features the presentation of the THE Asia University Rankings 2026 and the THE Awards Asia 2026, recognizing outstanding achievements in academic leadership across the region.
