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On September 15, 2025, the faculty of the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University organized a guest lecture by the Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Azhar Bakhitovna Sagyndykova, on the topic: “Discussion of the Address of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the People of Kazakhstan: ‘Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation’.”

The moderator of the meeting was Kairat Amangeldinovich Abdrakhmanov, Vice President for International Cooperation and Student Affairs.

The lecture was attended by students of all courses of the “Russian Language and Literature” educational program. During the discussion, pressing issues were raised, such as ecology, the use of artificial intelligence as a tool for social development, the principle of zero tolerance, and the rational use of water resources.

Students actively participated in the dialogue and asked questions about:

·                      the challenges faced by women in politics;

·                      parliamentary initiatives to support youth employment;

·                      the importance, as future teachers, of conveying these key issues and discussions to their pupils.

The meeting was held in an open dialogue format and left a strong impression on students, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in discussing the country’s strategic development priorities.

А republican seminar was held at Astana International University (AIU) as part of a conference on the topic “Professional Development of Educators — The Foundation of Effective Learning.”

The seminar featured a presentation by senior lecturer B. N. Zhanibekova from the Pedagogical Institute. The event was attended by teachers from leading schools across various cities of the country.

The report focused on the role of continuous professional development for educators and the exchange of best practices. By supporting initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education, AIU continues to strengthen its partnership with school communities.

Master’s student of the “Chemistry” program at the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, Zhuldyzai Ramazan, was awarded a Second-Degree Diploma at the National Scientific Research Competition.
This achievement is the result of her perseverance, dedication to learning, and commitment to science.
Special thanks to her scientific advisor – Professor B.Kh. Musabaeva, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, for her guidance and support.

In addition, Balnur Kulbolovna Almanova, a master’s student of the “Mathematics” program, took third place at the National Competition dedicated to the best scientific research works.
This success was made possible thanks to her responsibility, persistence, and scientific approach.
Special gratitude goes to her scientific advisor – Daulet Bagdatovich Nurakhmetov, for his professional assistance and mentorship.

We congratulate our students and their supervisors on their well-deserved awards and wish them new achievements in their scientific journey!

Project title:
"Geoecological and Molecular-Genetic Assessment, Monitoring of Distribution and Development of Rare Plant Species of the Genera Prunus, Sibiraea, and Rosa (Rosaceae) in Kazakhstan"

A unique scientific project is launching in Kazakhstan!
The "NatureLaB" laboratory at Astana International University begins research on rare and endemic plant species of the genera Rosa, Prunus, and Sibiraea, found in the mountains of Altai, Tarbagatai, Mugodzhar, and the Western Tien Shan.

The project integrates cutting-edge methods: DNA analysis and sequencing, NDVI satellite monitoring, plant physiology evaluation, and habitat modeling using MaxEnt and QGIS.
The aim is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the genetic and ecological condition of rare populations, determine their adaptation to environmental factors, and develop scientifically grounded recommendations for their conservation.

The results will be made available in international scientific databases such as NCBI, GBIF, and iNaturalist, and published in relevant academic journals.
The project is led by PhD Talant Samarkhanov, Associate Professor at Astana International University.

Follow the project updates on the website and social media - science begins in the heart of Kazakhstan’s nature!

Artificial intelligence is confidently entering all spheres of our lives.
It has already become an axiom that it is not AI that will replace people, but people who use AI will replace those who don’t.

Naturally, our future generations-our schoolchildren and students-can only be competitive if they master all the advantages that AI tools offer. But who will teach them this? Their social environment, family, and, of course, their teachers. And teachers themselves must learn how to use AI effectively both in life and in their professional teaching activities.

Thoughtless and unstructured use of AI can harm the intellectual development of both teachers and their students. It can reduce critical thinking and problem-solving skills and increase overdependence on AI. If AI constantly provides ready-made answers and solutions, people may lose the motivation and ability to develop their own critical thinking, analyze information, and find solutions independently. AI may also provide results without explaining the logic behind them, which hinders users from understanding how these results were generated and from developing their own analytical skills. Furthermore, AI can distort reality by generating biased, incomplete, or inaccurate information.

Excessive reliance on AI also weakens memory and learning abilities, atrophies cognitive functions, prevents deep understanding of subjects and sustainable knowledge formation, and decreases creativity and cognitive engagement. This, in turn, leads to social and emotional degradation, including reduced empathy and emotional intelligence.

To avoid these risks, a scientifically grounded and systematic approach to working with AI is necessary-an approach where AI is seen as a tool to enhance human potential, not to replace it.

Until now, there has been no research on how AI can be used to develop critical thinking in future teachers.

Researchers at Astana International University have received grant funding to address this issue.
The project titled "Development of Critical Thinking in Future Computer Science Teachers Based on AI Tools", led by Saule Kairollovna Damekova, PhD in Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor at the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, aims to develop and implement educational modules and AI-based simulators that foster critical thinking in future computer science teachers, as well as assess their effectiveness in the university’s educational process.

The project plans to create an innovative educational simulator with AI that not only develops critical thinking skills in future computer science teachers but also enhances their professional competencies, including methods for teaching critical thinking in schools.

The project will be carried out in collaboration with researchers from Columbia University (New York, USA), which will allow the integration of international experience and best practices into the methodological system for developing critical thinking in future teachers. On the international level, the project's results can be adapted and implemented in educational programs of other countries, creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The outcomes of the project have wide application potential:

• In education: the developed modules and AI simulator can be integrated into teacher education programs.
• In science: the results may serve as a basis for further research in educational technology, pedagogy, and artificial intelligence. Studies in this field could lead to new algorithms and methods that expand AI’s capabilities in education and help build more effective, accessible, and equitable educational systems.

From June 9 to 13, 2025, first-year students of the Geography education

program at the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University completed

a field training at the Karkaraly State National Nature Park, supervised by

instructors T.N. Samarkhanov and A.B. Sagynbayeva.

During the training, students studied the region’s landforms, vegetation

cover, soil structure, water resources, and landscape features.

In addition, they actively participated in an ecological campaign organized

by the park’s administration. They followed designated tourist routes and took part

in cleanup activities. This event helped to cultivate a caring attitude toward nature

and enhanced their ecological awareness.

The field training significantly improved the students’ professional skills and

played an important role in shaping them as future geographers or teachers. The

richness and diversity of Karkaraly’s nature made a strong impression and further

deepened their interest in the natural environment.

On May 28, 2025, the Astana International University (AIU) signed a memorandum of cooperation with Dyslex Home School — the first and only school in Kazakhstan and the CIS dedicated to teaching children with dyslexia using the Ronald Davis method.

The goal of this cooperation is to establish a strategic partnership in developing inclusive education in Kazakhstan and to build mutually beneficial relations in educational, research, and practical fields. Key areas of collaboration include the organization of professional internships for AIU students, implementation of joint projects, and the development and delivery of training and retraining programs in the field of pedagogical sciences.

Raising awareness about neurodiverse conditions such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia is more important than ever. These conditions are not related to intellectual disabilities but require a specialized educational approach. Children with such features often demonstrate strong creative thinking skills but face significant challenges in traditional educational systems.

Dyslex Home School applies the internationally recognized Ronald Davis method, which helps children struggling with reading, writing, and math unlock their potential and learn in a comfortable, supportive environment.

The signed memorandum marks an important step toward establishing a comprehensive system for training highly qualified educators capable of working effectively with children who experience learning difficulties. AIU continues to actively promote inclusive education, expanding the horizons of pedagogical science and practice.

On May 22, 2025, Astana International University, in collaboration with the Language Policy Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the International “Kazakh Language” Society, and the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a republican seminar-meeting entitled “Language Strategy in Science: Problems and Solutions.”
The purpose of the seminar was to expand the use of the state language in the scientific sphere.

The seminar was attended by officials responsible for the development of the state language in higher educational institutions, research institutes, and centers, as well as representatives of the Committees for quality assurance in postgraduate education, science, and higher education, and the Association of Universities. The participants discussed ways to improve the administrative and organizational processes related to the use of the state language in scientific articles, dissertations, scientific and technical projects, and documentation.

The seminar opened with a welcoming speech by the Chairman of the Language Policy Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Candidate of Philological Sciences Yerbol Yerdembekuly Tileshov. The session continued with presentations by the Vice-President of the International “Kazakh Language” Society, Doctor of Philology, Professor, and academician of the NAS RK Sherubai Kurmanbaiuly on “Topical Issues of Improving and Standardizing Scientific Terminology,” and the Vice-President of Astana International University Kairat Amangeldyuly Abdrakhmanov on “Compliance with Language Legislation in Educational Documentation,” among others.

Particular attention was drawn to the report by Berikhan Iisbekuly, Doctor of Science and Chief Expert of the Department for Ensuring Compliance with Language Legislation under the Language Policy Committee, titled “Language Situation in Science: Achievements and Challenges,” which analyzed the use of Kazakh in scientific publications and official documentation at universities across the country.

According to the leadership of the Language Policy Committee, from now on, documentation and activities related to the Kazakh language in universities will be strictly monitored. It is hoped that this renewed focus on the Kazakh language will yield positive results.

On May 16, 2025, a Republican Scientific Seminar titled “Education System Based on National Values: Differentiation, Systematization, Justification” was held at Astana International University, organized by the AIU Pedagogical Institute. The event was dedicated to the outstanding educator, Professor Seysekul Aitzhankyzy Koshimbetova, and her 45 years of devoted service to education.

The seminar was opened by Zhanna Kuanyshkyzy Akhmadieva, Director of the Pedagogical Institute, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor. Among those who delivered congratulatory speeches were: Senator of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurtore Zhusip, AIU Vice President and Doctor of Biological Sciences Anar Myrzagalieva, founder of the “Senimen Bolashak” Republican Parents’ Association Asan Nurkenov, Director of the NGO “Qara Shańyraq”, ethnologist and member of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan Turar Sattarkyzy, Professor of L.N. Gumilyov ENU and Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Abdimazhit Saipov, AIU Professor of Pedagogy Kadisha Shalgynbayeva, and Professor Zaida Zhumabayeva, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences.

The seminar featured insightful presentations on integrating national values into the education system, the educator’s personal role and moral mission, and the pedagogical legacy and philosophy of Seysekul Aitzhankyzy. Her former students also shared heartfelt memories, reflecting on the continuity of mentorship and educational tradition.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of Seysekul Koshimbetova’s book “Parasat Zholy” (“The Path of Wisdom”). This work reflects the author’s professional journey, educational principles, and philosophy rooted in ethics and humanity. In her closing remarks, Seysekul Aitzhankyzy expressed sincere gratitude to her colleagues, students, and the AIU community for their support throughout her career.

A traditional festive gathering for guests and participants followed in a warm and heartfelt atmosphere. The ideas and recommendations shared during the seminar are expected to contribute to the modernization of education through national values. The AIU team extends deep appreciation to Seysekul Aitzhankyzy Koshimbetova for her invaluable contribution to national pedagogy. A letter of gratitude on behalf of the Chairman of the Council of Veterans of Zhambyl Region, Erkinbek Soltybayev, was presented to her during the event.

AIU also expresses sincere thanks to all speakers and participants for their contributions to the scholarly and methodological exchange. Events like these serve as valuable platforms for knowledge sharing and play a vital role in preparing future educators.

On May 15, 2025, Associate Professor of the Department of Physics at AIU, PhD, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Serik Amangeldinovich Nurkenov took part in the Republican Scientific and Methodological Seminar on the topic “Modern Approaches to Organizing Olympiads in Physics and Informatics,” organized by the Arkalyk Pedagogical University named after I. Altynsarin with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the seminar, Serik Amangeldinovich delivered a presentation entitled “Effective Ways of Preparing Students for Physics Olympiads,” where he shared advanced training methods aimed at developing students’ intellectual potential, as well as his experience in international educational programs and national projects.

The seminar served as an effective platform for discussing modern approaches to organizing intellectual competitions, integrating digital technologies into the educational process, and increasing students’ interest in science.

AIU is proud of its faculty members who contribute to the development of science and education in Kazakhstan.

On May 12, 2025, the international scientific-practical conference titled “Artificial Intelligence in Natural and Mathematical Sciences: Innovations and Future Opportunities” was held at Secondary School No. 101, organized by the Department of Education of Astana city.

The aim of the seminar was to explore modern applications of artificial intelligence technologies in various fields of natural and mathematical sciences, to promote experience exchange among the scientific community, young researchers, and practitioners, to strengthen collaboration, and to pave the way for new scientific projects.

Participants included educators and researchers from Russia, Uzbekistan, the cities of Almaty and Semey, as well as from Akmola, Karaganda, Kostanay, and Mangystau regions, along with teachers of mathematics, physics, and informatics from Astana schools.

Astana International University was represented by two distinguished speakers:

🔹 Almir Askaryevich Aniyarov, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor, with a presentation titled “Methodology of Applying Artificial Intelligence in Mathematics Teacher Education”;

🔹 Serik Amangeldinovich Nurkenov, PhD, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the “6B01505 – Physics” educational program, with a presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence in Quantum Mechanics.”

The presentations by AIU faculty members sparked significant interest and highlighted new opportunities for integrating AI into education and scientific research.

We express our sincere gratitude to our colleagues for their scientific engagement and contribution to the development of AIU’s academic presence!

On April 25, 2025, students of Astana International University took part in the National Subject Olympiad among students of higher education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of educational programs “B011 - Training of Informatics Teachers,” organized by H. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University.

Representing the university were Zhaksylyk Daryabayev, a student of Informatics-21A, and Eldar Kadyrzhan, a student of Informatics-24A. The team was supervised by Ms. Samal Zhamalova, senior lecturer of the Pedagogical Institute and holder of a master’s degree.

For their subject knowledge and professional readiness, the AIU team was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation and a Participation Certificate from the organizers.

We warmly congratulate our students and their supervisor! Thank you for proudly representing AIU at the national academic level!