Following the successful visit of representatives from IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems to Nazarbayev University and the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) in May 2026, the two institutions continued their dialogue through an online research workshop held on June 3, 2026.

The workshop served as a platform for researchers from both institutions to present their ongoing research activities, exchange expertise, and identify potential areas for future collaboration in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and emerging technologies.

The event was moderated by Aigerim Sarsenova, Senior External Affairs Manager at ISSAI. Opening remarks and an overview of ISSAI’s activities were delivered by Yerbol Absalyamov, Executive Director of ISSAI. Researchers from ISSAI, including Dr. Ainur Zhaikhan, Postdoctoral Researcher; Dr. Gourav Moger, Postdoctoral Researcher; Askat Kuzdeuov, Lead Data Scientist; and Vladimir Albrekht, Data Scientist, introduced a range of research projects spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, speech technologies, and intelligent systems.

Representing IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems were Dr. Deepak Dhungana, Head of the Institute for Digitalization; Dr. Rubén Ruiz-Torrubiano and Dr. Chibuzor Udokwu, Professors at the Institute for Digitalization and Informatics. The IMC team presented their research activities in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, intelligent systems, privacy-enhancing technologies, digital health, optimization, and trustworthy AI.

The workshop agenda included presentations of research teams and ongoing projects at both institutions, followed by a brainstorming session focused on identifying promising avenues for joint research initiatives, academic cooperation, and international project development.

The discussions highlighted several complementary research strengths and revealed opportunities for collaboration in AI, robotics, digitalization, human-centered technologies, and responsible AI systems. Participants also explored possibilities for future joint publications, research proposals, and researcher exchanges.

Concluding the workshop, both ISSAI and IMC Krems expressed a strong interest in deepening cooperation and agreed to continue discussions on specific collaborative projects. The workshop marked another important step in strengthening academic and research ties between Kazakhstan and Austria and building a foundation for long-term international partnership in innovation and artificial intelligence.