News

On April 2, 2024, an open meeting was held at the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, bringing together students from domestic universities with Kazakh cosmonaut, Kazakhstan’s National Hero, Major General of Aviation, and Chairman of the Board of JSC “Baiterek” Aydin Aimbetov. The event was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Baikonur Cosmodrome and the International Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics.

The meeting gathered students from various universities, including 10 second-year students specializing in Data Science at the AIU School of Information Science and Technology. Future IT specialists eagerly listened as Aydin Aimbetov shared insights into pre-flight preparations, scientific research conducted in orbit, and the prospects for Kazakhstan’s space industry development.

A special focus of the discussion was on the development of Kazakhstan’s national space program. The country is actively advancing its aerospace sector, represented by a wide range of scientific and engineering institutions, including Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary National Company, the National Center for Space Research and Technology, the Republican Center for Space Communications, the Kazakhstan-Russia joint enterprise "Baiterek," and the Institute of Space Technology and Engineering.

Additionally, Gennady Alekseevich Saenko, a representative of the Russian State Corporation "Roscosmos" in Kazakhstan, addressed the students. He spoke about international cooperation in space exploration, the future of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and opportunities for Kazakhstani specialists in the field. Specific topics included the modernization of the "Zenit-M" launch complex, specialist training, the implementation of new technologies, and environmental safety in space launches.

An important part of the discussion was future projects, such as the development of an eco-friendly rocket carrier, satellite launches, and the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure. Kazakhstan also presented its achievements in satellite communications and remote Earth sensing, along with plans to modernize Baikonur and promote space tourism.

The meeting was interactive, allowing AIU students to ask questions about the daily routine of cosmonauts in orbit, working in a zero-gravity environment, and the role of IT specialists in the space industry.

For AIU students, this event was both educational and inspiring, opening new horizons in scientific research and high technology. The university expresses its gratitude to the organizers for the invitation and to the students for their active participation!

In Spain, in the ancient city of Toledo, a personal exhibition of the renowned Kazakh artist and professor at the Higher School of Arts and Humanities of the Astana International University, Serzhan Bashirov, took place. The exhibition, titled Escuchando los metales («Listening to Metals»), showcased his unique creations made from materials such as wood, brass, leather, silver, bone, and bronze. These works seamlessly blended with the historic ambiance of the Ar+51 gallery, located in the very heart of the ancient capital.

The Escuchando los metales exhibition is far from being the first instance of Serzhan Bashirov's recognition abroad. His works are part of the collection at the Asia and Pacific Museum in Warsaw, Poland, and his jewelry was featured in the avant-garde collection of the British fashion brand Aminaka Wilmont, which won the prestigious Fashion Fringe competition in 2007. In 2020, Bashirov was invited as a special guest to the In Motion («In Motion») exhibition at the gallery of the renowned German jeweler Martina Dempf in Berlin, where his extraordinary works were displayed alongside the masterpieces of the German artist.

Dear colleagues!
Astana International University invites you to participate in the International Scientific and Practical Conference “AIU-2025: Kazakhstan and the International Educational Space – Cooperation for the Future”, which will be held on April 22–25, 2025, in Astana. The event is dedicated to Science Day and will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, discussion of innovations, and the development of international cooperation.

Who Can Participate?

• Scientists and university faculty from Kazakhstan and around the world
• Researchers and specialists
• Young scientists, PhD students, master’s students, and undergraduate students

Conference Topics

1. International Education and Academic Mobility
2. Digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Big Data
3. Lifelong Learning and Adaptation to Change
4. Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development
5. Global Economy and International Cooperation
6. Creative Industries, Art, and Visual Culture
7. Tourism, Digitalization, and Business
8. Humanities and Social Sciences
9. Inclusive Labor Market and Global Employment Trends

Format

• Hybrid: In-person participation in Astana and online participation
• Program: Plenary session, section meetings, round tables, and workshops

Key Dates

• April 22: Plenary session (10:00–13:00), section meetings (15:00–18:00)
• April 22–25: Section meetings, round tables, and workshops (10:00–17:00)
• April 25: Conference closing ceremony (17:00)
• Registration and submission of materials: Until April 12, 2025

Venue

• Plenary session: Astana, Alikhan Bokeikhan St., 1a
• Section meetings: Astana International University campuses (№1, №2, №4, №5, №6)

Working Languages

Kazakh, Russian, English

Publication of Conference Materials

An electronic conference proceedings will be published. Requirements for article formatting and submission procedures are available in the information letter.

Registration

To participate, please send the following documents to the responsible person of your section by April 12, 2025 via email:

• Participant’s application form (“Full Name Application”)
• Manuscript (“Full Name Article”)
• Payment receipt of the registration fee (3000 KZT or 6 USD; international participants are exempt from the fee)

We look forward to welcoming you to AIU-2025 to explore solutions for the future of education and science together!

On March 28, 2025, under the guidance of candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor L. G. Kassenova, a seminar "Pedagogical ethics - the basis of teacher skills" was held.

The purpose of the seminar: discussion of theoretical and practical aspects of the topic of ethics and authority of the teacher, exchange of views between participants.

Scientists-teachers, students and honored guests who took part in the seminar were able to find answers to one of the most difficult questions that are often raised in society.

Among the speakers, a well-known scientist-teacher E. A. Urunbassarova (Esil University), associate professor of the Department of Technical Physics, PhD Dr. G. M. Aralbaeva (ENU), deputy director for academic affairs of the institution "Gymnasium #5" in Astana T. M. Bakhridenova, undergraduates and students of the educational program "Physics" - Akhmedina Azia (teacher of the Turan-Astana college), Berikbay Akerke (teacher of the Talan educational center), Beibutovich Ramazan (IDP mentor of the “Mugalim Ardaim” project) and the organizer of this event - associate professor of the EP "Physics", candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Kasenova L. G.

The reports were aimed at identifying the root causes of topical issues and solving them.

At North Kazakhstan University named after M. Kozybayev, an inter-university online chemistry olympiad was held, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the candidate of technical sciences, academician Evney Arstanovich Buketov. The event was organized by the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies.

As a result of the competition, 30 representatives of bachelor's/specialist chemistry education programs from 15 universities participated. The participants had to complete a round that included both theoretical and practice-oriented tasks, with advanced-level chemistry problems.

Among the participants were prestigious universities from Russia, including the National Research Tomsk State University, the National Research Mordovia State University named after N.P. Ogarev, and the Ishim Pedagogical Institute named after P.P. Ershov.

According to the results of the International Olympiad, AIU’s team included:

·         Aslanbek Altynbekuly Akramov, a 1st-year student of the "6B01503 – Chemistry" program, who secured 2nd place in the individual ranking (among 30 participants), while our team placed 3rd in the overall ranking (among 15 universities).

·         Nurlan Muradovich Kairov, a 4th-year student and multiple-time winner of various-level Olympiads since 2022, also achieved a remarkable result.

I congratulate our Olympiad winners on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success!

Sincerely, Associate Professor of AIU, Head of the Program, D.A. Nurgalieva

On March 27, 2025, as part of the 5th incubation program «AIU BUSINESS INNOVATION», an online masterclass was held via Zoom with the participation of Zamir Shukho , a serial entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of the Silicon Valley-based venture capital fund Vibranium VC.

The topic of the session, "Attracting Investments in Silicon Valley," sparked great interest among startup teams aiming to scale their projects and secure funding. During the masterclass, Zamir Shukho shared his personal experience in building successful startups and teams, spoke about current investment trends, the key criteria investors use when making decisions, and offered practical advice on how to effectively pitch a project to capture the attention of venture capitalists.

Special attention was given to common mistakes made by novice founders and how to build proper communication with potential partners and investment funds.

The masterclass was conducted in an interactive format, featuring a live Q&A session where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized feedback on their projects. The event served as a strong motivation boost for all participants of the incubation program.

We sincerely thank Zamir Shukho, head of Vibranium VC, for his valuable advice, expertise, and contribution to the development of entrepreneurship!

From March 17 to 20, 2025, Aiyntura Tagabergenovna Sisenova, Senior Lecturer at AIU and a member of the interdisciplinary research team of the PTSF STP project “Presuicidal Attitudes as a Complex Indicator and Monitoring Object: A Population Study of Youth and Adolescents in Kazakhstan” for 2024-2026 (IRN BR24993083), conducted a training seminar for healthcare professionals in the city of Turkestan. This seminar was held as part of the Winter School on “Effective Interaction of PHC Specialists for Strengthening Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Among Young People in Kazakhstan.”

The event aimed to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. During the program, primary healthcare (PHC) professionals working with young people studied key aspects of suicide risk assessment, psychological counseling, and the development of effective intervention strategies. Special attention was given to issues of interdisciplinary collaboration within the healthcare and social support systems.

Seminar participants highlighted the high practical value of the acquired knowledge and expressed interest in further cooperation. This event marked an important step in strengthening the mental health system and preventing suicidal behavior among young people.

Astana International University (AIU) welcomed the Ambassador of Belgium to Kazakhstan, H.E. Henri Vantieghem, as part of his official visit. During the meeting, the parties discussed key areas of educational cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on experience exchange in higher education, engineering training, and space research.

Ambassador Vantieghem noted that universities in Belgium enjoy a high degree of autonomy, yet their activities are fully funded by the state. This allows them to maintain high-quality education while keeping tuition fees relatively low. Additionally, a variety of scholarship programs are available for students, making higher education in Belgium both accessible and attractive to international students, including those from Kazakhstan.

Special attention was given to engineering education. Belgian engineering schools adhere to high international standards and are known for their practice-oriented approach to teaching. Their graduates not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop valuable hands-on skills by working with modern technologies. In this regard, Kazakhstan and Belgium have the potential to establish fruitful collaboration through educational programs and internships.

Another key topic of discussion was multilingualism in education. Belgium has a strong tradition of supporting multilingual learning, which gives it a competitive edge in the global educational landscape. Kazakhstan is also actively developing a trilingual education model, creating a solid foundation for the exchange of teaching methodologies and the development of joint programs.

Space research was highlighted as a promising area of cooperation. Kazakhstan has significant potential in this field, including satellite development and launches. AIU already operates a space technology laboratory and is planning to launch its first satellite. In this context, the Belgian side expressed interest in potential collaboration on space research and scientific data exchange.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their dialogue and further define potential areas of cooperation. Further discussions on specific projects are planned, aiming to strengthen educational ties between Kazakhstan and Belgium and create new opportunities for students and researchers from both countries.

On March 20, 2025, a scientific seminar of students of the Globe club was held at Astana International University, organized by the senior lecturer of the Higher School of Natural Sciences, Ayman Avezova. The seminar was dedicated to two important dates - World Water Day and World Meteorology Day.

The seminar was attended by 2nd-year students of the RGiT specialty, who presented their scientific reports on the problems of water resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and global climate change.

During the seminar, the students not only demonstrated their knowledge and first scientific research, but also received recommendations and advice from the jury members, which will help students develop their research skills in the future,

contribute to an in-depth study of important topics related to hydrology and meteorology, and also to the formation of environmental awareness among students.

The jury determined the winners: 3rd place - the Zhuldyzdar team, 2nd place - the Meteorite team and 1st place - the Everest team. Congratulations to the students and thanks to all participants for their activity and creativity!

AIU hosted a bright and heartfelt celebration of "Nūr Sebele, Ulystyn Uly Kuni," dedicated to Nauryz. The evening was filled with traditions, music, and an atmosphere of unity.

The event opened with a performance by the "Amanat" ensemble, setting the tone for the celebration. This was followed by the songs "Begim-ai" and "Qazaq Osy" performed by the "ST.K" group, while the "ÖZGE" theater presented a scene that captured the spirit of the holiday.

The higher schools of AIU prepared theatrical performances that immersed everyone in the rich traditions of the Kazakh people. The Higher School of Natural Sciences presented the play "Yrys Auyly," showcasing the traditions of "Süyinshi" and "Bessik Toi." The Higher School of Law demonstrated the "Tusaukeser" ritual, while the Higher School of Economics staged "Kuda Tүsu," symbolizing the matchmaking process. The Higher School of Arts and Humanities performed the "Qyz Uzatu" ceremony, and the Pedagogical Institute presented the traditions of "Kelin Tүsiru" and "Betashar," revealing the beauty and depth of Kazakh customs.

The event was further enriched by musical performances featuring folk songs and contemporary interpretations of Kazakh melodies. Guests enjoyed the voices of talented students – Akizhibek, Dilnara, and Zhuldizai – as they performed "Sügir's Terme."

The evening concluded with an engaging quiz on Nauryz traditions. Guests enthusiastically answered questions about the key ingredients of Nauryz Kozhe, the symbolic colors of the holiday, and traditional national games. As the night drew to a close, everyone once again felt the warmth and unity that Nauryz brings, exchanging words of gratitude and well wishes.

The Nauryz celebration at AIU is more than just an event—it is a cherished tradition that unites students, faculty, and guests of the university, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and the strength of human connections.

On March 15, 2025, Smail Gulfairuz, a student of group IY RY 23-4 at the Pedagogical Institute of AIU, took part in the international competition "Leader of the 21st Century", which was held at Kazmedia (Astana).

The competition brought together talented and active students who demonstrated their leadership qualities, public speaking skills, and ability to make decisions in challenging situations. Participants went through several stages, including public speaking, case-solving tasks, and teamwork.

Thanks to her determination, high intellectual potential, and active civic position, Smail Gulfairuz successfully completed all the challenges and became one of the best contestants. As a result, she was awarded a First Degree Diploma, an official certificate, and a badge, recognizing her strong leadership competencies and contributions to student self-governance.

The organizers highlighted her outstanding performance and creative approach, as well as her commitment to self-improvement and social responsibility.

Supervisor: Senior Lecturer Zhanibekova B.N.

🎉 Congratulations to Smail Gulfairuz on her well-deserved victory! We wish her continued success, new achievements, and bright future victories! 🌟👏