On September 19, 2024, members of the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) participated in plenary talks and panel sessions at the NU Annual Research Conference (NU ARC) at Nazarbayev University.
They attended a plenary session on “New Materials and Technologies” by Prof. Rashid Bashir, Grainger Distinguished Chair, Professor of Bioengineering, and Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prof. Bashir discussed the intersection of engineering and biology, focusing on opportunities for personalized diagnostics and printing cellular machines. Next, they attended a session by Prof. John Rogers, Founding Director of the Querrey-Simpson Institute of Bioelectronics at Northwestern University. Dr. Rogers gave a presentation entitled “Transient Electronics: From Bioelectronic Medicines to Environmental Monitors” providing an overview of his pioneering research in this field.
ISSAI team actively participated in several events during the inaugural Annual Research Conference of NU. They also attended a key panel session on universities’ role in the 21st century with distinguished panelists such as Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Prof. Andreas Cangellaris, President of NEOM University, Prof.Waqar Ahmad, President of Nazarbayev University, Prof. Ilesanmi Adesida, Provost of Nazarbayev University, and Dr. Laura Karabassova, Rector of K.Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University.
The vivid discussion emphasized the need for universities to adopt long-term missions and involve students in governance. Minister Sayasat Nurbek highlighted universities’ importance for regional economies, cultural development, and building human capital. The panel also discussed the importance of female leadership in academia and how diverse perspectives drive innovation.