2024, August 5
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Over 150 Scientists and Engineers in Advanced Materials and Energy Storage Systems Gather at NU
2024, August 5
Share this articleNazarbayev University will host the 12th International Conference on Nanomaterials and Advanced Energy Storage Systems (INESS-2024), marking the 125th anniversary of Kazakh scientist Kanysh Satpayev.
More than 150 scientists from various countries, including Japan, Germany, China, South Korea, Russia, the UK, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan, are expected to attend. Nurzhan Umirov, a leading researcher at the Energy Storage Systems Laboratory and head of LLP "Battery Institute," sat with a Kazinfrom reporter to discuss the conference.
What topics will be discussed at INESS-2024?
The INESS conference was initiated in 2013 by NU Professor Zhumabay Bakenov and has since remained a leading platform for discussing the latest trends in nanomaterials and energy storage systems in Central Asia. This year, INESS will address challenges and prospects for technological breakthroughs in critical areas such as advanced materials for energy storage systems, sensor materials and technologies, alternative energy storage systems, renewable energy sources, ecology, and sustainable development. Research on advanced nanomaterials for next-generation energy storage systems is especially relevant as it drives progress in green energy and transportation.
Scientists from the UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia, and Kazakhstan will participate in INESS-2024. Panel sessions will feature leading scientists from Osaka University, Skoltech (Russia), Warwick University, and others and representatives from industrial sponsor companies such as MNLabtech, Faraday Factory Japan, Interactive Corp., Netzsch, and more.
What are your expectations for the conference?
We hope the conference will catalyze discoveries in nanomaterials and energy storage systems, establish new partnerships, and strengthen existing ties between scientific laboratories and centers. The participation of young Kazakh scientists and students is also important, as it will allow them to experience an international forum and interact with leading scientists from various countries.
Are any breakthroughs or innovative developments expected to be presented?
Yes, breakthrough developments in nanomaterials and energy storage technologies, particularly regarding the efficiency and safety of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, are expected to be presented at INESS-2024. Some of these technologies are on the verge of commercial implementation. Our research group, Battery Group Nazarbayev University, will be represented in each conference topic, and in some research areas, we are world leaders. For example, we collaborate with research groups from South Korea on developing nanostructured materials that show excellent results in laboratory conditions and have high potential for commercialization.
What are the most significant challenges researchers are trying to solve?
The main challenges include material durability and safety, reducing production costs, and ensuring environmental sustainability. For example, we are developing methods for recycling used batteries with minimal ecological impact. Our goal is not only to reduce waste but also to return valuable materials to production.
How important is cooperation between scientific and industrial circles in developing nanomaterials and energy storage technologies?
Cooperation between scientific and industrial circles is crucial for accelerating the commercialization of scientific developments and increasing the chances of successful innovations. Our group includes scientists who worked at leading research centers and international companies. For example, NU SEDS Professor Aishuak Konarov and I obtained PhDs working in leading laboratories in South Korea. One of our colleagues is currently training in Canada under the guidance of a leading scientific consultant from Tesla. Several of our colleagues work in international lithium-ion battery manufacturing companies.
What policy or regulatory changes are needed in Kazakhstan to develop your scientific field?
In my view, to develop the scientific field in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to support research through grant programs, encourage the industry to invest in innovative technologies and materials and create a processing industry focusing on producing intermediate and high-value-added materials.
Thank you for the interview.
