Nazarbayev University

✨ As we wrap up 2024, we celebrate the incredible milestones and achievements that shaped NU this year! 🚀 Thank you to our students, faculty, and staff for making it unforgettable. Here’s to even greater heights in 2025! 🎓🌟

Advance HE and Nazarbayev University, Central Asia's leading research university, signed a new multi-year contract to develop international credentials in teaching and learning. Nazarbayev University will soon open internal merit-based applications for Fellowships, Senior Fellowships and Principal Fellowships. NU is already home to a number of Senior and Principal Fellows of AHE. The Advance HE Fellowship program is an international professional qualification framework for higher education teachers. This qualification is increasingly seen as the gold standard by many universities in the UK, Australasia, Africa and Europe. Professor Waqar Ahmad FAcSS PhD BA, President of Nazarbayev University, stated: "This new partnership with Advance HE illustrates Nazarbayev University's commitment to our role as the leading university in Central Asia - in teaching as well as research. We have a proud tradition of research-integrated teaching. This partnership will leverage our strengths. Additionally, it will support us in enhancing standards in teaching and learning across Kazakhstan". Mr Ian Hall, Head of Membership (International) Advance HE, explained: "Our partnership with Nazarbayev University shows that teaching excellence in higher education is a global priority. One of NU's strategic remits is to raise standards in higher education across Kazakhstan. This partnership will strengthen NU's leadership across governance, research and teaching." Nazarbayev University is the leading university in Central Asia. Based in Astana, Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev University combines international standards with a distinctive Kazakh identity, dedicated to academic integrity, research excellence and academic innovation. Through taught programs, executive education, mentorships and collaborative research, NU also makes a strong contribution to raising standards among higher education institutions across Kazakhstan. Advance HE, through its Fellowship program, is a globally recognised professional development organisation, enhancing teaching, governance and leadership in higher education.

The Competition Commission of the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education has announced the recipients of the 2024 State Awards in Science and Scientific Scholarships. This year, over 80 individuals, including scientists from Nazarbayev University (NU) and the National Laboratory Astana (NLA), have been recognized. The K. Satpayev State Scientific Award for the best research in natural sciences was awarded to Professor Zhumabay Bakenov and his research group, which includes Professor Aishuak Konarov, Leading researchers Arailym Nurpeissova, Aliya Mukanova and Nurzhan Umirov Professor Galymzhan Nauryzbayev received the D. Kunaev State Award as a young scientist for his outstanding research in natural sciences. Additionally, Professors Yerlan Amanbek Sultangali Arzykulov, Sabina Insebayeva, Gulsim K. , instructor Zhannat Ashikbayeva, and researcher Ayaulym Belgibayeva were awarded state scientific scholarships for young researchers based on their achievements in 2024. Furthermore, former postdoctoral researcher Aynur Almukhambetova was honored with the Y. Altynsarin State Awards for her exemplary research and contributions to pedagogy. National Laboratory Astana

Students and staff of NU express their condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in the Mangystau region. NU students and staff laid flowers at the Embassy of Azerbaijan.

Nazarbayev University (NU) and University of Leeds (UoL) Become Strategic Partners. NU and UoL signed a memorandum of understanding, becoming strategic partners. The document was signed by NU President, Professor Waqar Ahmad FAcSS PhD BA and the University of Leeds Provost, Professor Hai-Sui Yu. The broad-ranging strategic partnership covers collaborative research, conferences and symposia, professional development, student exchange, dual and joint degrees and collaborative doctorates. Currently, the partnership is focusing on the areas of humanities and social sciences, but there are also prospects of collaboration in environmental sciences, engineering, physical and biological sciences, and medicine. University of Leeds is also considering NU as their study abroad partner for students in languages (Russian) and area studies, such as Eurasian Studies. A comprehensive, research-intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, the University of Leeds is ranked #123 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and #82 in the QS World University Rankings. Earlier, representatives of University of Leeds visited the NU campus in Astana to discuss joint programs, faculty exchanges, and research opportunities, with School of Humanities and Social Sciences highlighted as a key area for partnership. In November, the UoL invited NU to join their group of 'strategic partners'. In December, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Professor Loretta O'Donnell attended the Conference of Strategic Partners held at the University of Leeds

Nazarbayev University Research Center for Entrepreneurship (NURCE), with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Trade Central Asia activity (TCA) organized the “EmpowerHER: Women Entrepreneurs Networking Forum”. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the publication "Strength in Constraint: 33 Narratives of Women Entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan." It shares the inspiring journeys of women entrepreneurs from various regions and industries across Kazakhstan. Through compelling stories, the book illustrates how these women established businesses in traditionally male-dominated fields such as logistics, agriculture, IT, manufacturing, healthcare, and others. Shumaila Yousafzai Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business

A Breakthrough in Parkinson's Research! We're thrilled to share the latest research from our talented scientist, Dr. Aizhan Akhmadi . She and her team have made significant strides in understanding the role of the DJ-1 protein, a key player in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. The research, published in the renowned journal Nature Communications , is a groundbreaking achievement for Kazakhstan, conducted entirely by local researchers and students #ParkinsonsDisease #NatureCommunications #NazarbayevUniversity

There’s still time!⏳ We’ve extended the deadline for online grant applications for Master’s Programs and the Doctor of Medicine program🤩Check out the new deadlines below. 🗓️Online application: 2pm, January 23rd, 2025. 🗓️Test results submission: 11:59pm, February 3rd, 2025. 🔗 https://apply.nu.edu.kz

Happy Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan!⁣⁣

Dear people of Kazakhstan,⁣⁣⠀ ⁣⁣⠀ We sincerely congratulate you on the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan! ⁣⁣⠀ This momentous day symbolizes the strength and unity of our people, as well as aspiration for prosperity and well-being. Independence is our shared pride, a source of inspiration for new achievements, and a foundation of confidence in a brighter future.⁣⁣⠀ ⁣⁣⠀ Please accept our greetings featuring NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad FAcSS PhD BA, NU Provost Ilesanmi Adesida, virtual assistant Aibike Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence - Nazarbayev University, Director of the Cultural Center Professor Gultas Kurmanbai, Preparatory School teacher @Raquel Reinagel and School of Medicine student Ruth Abosede Murtala Nazarbayev University School of Medicine ⁣⁣⠀ May this day fill your hearts with pride for our nation, inspire new accomplishments, and strengthen our faith in the bright future of Kazakhstan!