On June 17, 2026, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University welcomed a delegation from Cardiff University, Kazakhstan to discuss opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, research, and higher education.

The delegation included Dr. Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University; Dr. Ronald Voogdt, Provost of Cardiff University Kazakhstan; Dr. Gavin Shaddick, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering at Cardiff University; and Marzhan Kabdulsharipova, Chief Operating Officer of Cardiff University Kazakhstan.

The ISSAI team was represented by Dr. Huseyin Atakan Varol, General Director of ISSAI and Inaugural Dean of the NU School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (NU SCAI); Dr. Zhanat Makhatava, Senior Data Scientist; Aigerim Sarsenova, Senior External Affairs Manager; and Ulzhan Alibek, External Affairs Manager.

The visit began with a presentation by Ulzhan Alibek, who introduced ISSAI’s research activities and highlighted the Institute’s work alongside NU SCAI in advancing AI research, education, and innovation in Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, the participants discussed Cardiff University Kazakhstan’s academic vision, including its interdisciplinary approach to artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, robotics, and data science, as well as plans to develop new educational and research programs in Kazakhstan. The discussion also covered Kazakhstan’s growing AI ecosystem, AI literacy initiatives at Nazarbayev University, and opportunities to exchange expertise in responsible and ethical AI.

A key focus of the meeting was identifying areas for future collaboration. Both sides expressed interest in developing joint research projects, participating in international research consortia, and strengthening cooperation in the application of artificial intelligence across geospatial technologies, healthcare, and educational technologies. 

As a practical next step, ISSAI and Cardiff University agreed to organize a series of online research matchmaking workshops, bringing together researchers from both institutions to present their work, identify common research interests, and explore opportunities for joint projects.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to establishing a long-term partnership that will promote excellence in AI research, education, and innovation while strengthening academic ties between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.