The Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University welcomed Dr. Bereket Yilma, Senior Research Scientist and Lecturer at the University of Luxembourg, for a visit focused on exploring opportunities for research collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of artificial intelligence.
The visit began with a meeting attended by ISSAI Executive Director Yerbol Absalyamov, Postdoctoral Researcher Ainur Zhaikhan, Junior Data Scientist Adema Sharipova, Senior External Affairs Manager Aigerim Sarsenova, and External Affairs Manager Ulzhan Alibek.
During the meeting, Ulzhan Alibek presented an overview of ISSAI, highlighting the institute’s research directions, flagship AI technologies, and recent achievements. Ainur Zhaikhan then introduced several ongoing research projects, including work in robotics.
Dr. Yilma presented the research activities of the University of Luxembourg and the ArtAICare initiative, which applies artificial intelligence to digital mental healthcare. The discussion focused on identifying areas of mutual interest and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. Participants exchanged ideas on joint research initiatives, international funding opportunities, educational activities, and the application of AI technologies to healthcare and other socially impactful domains.
The visit continued with a guest lecture titled Designing AI Around People: Lessons from Discriminative to Generative AI, and the Path Toward Human-Centered Intelligence, held at the Nazarbayev University Senate Hall. The event brought together more than 100 participants, including ISSAI researchers, faculty members, students, and participants of the 2026 ISSAI Summer Research Program (SRP).
In his lecture, Dr. Yilma discussed the evolution of artificial intelligence from discriminative models to generative and agentic systems, emphasizing the importance of designing AI that adapts responsibly to human needs and supports collaboration between people and intelligent technologies. Drawing on examples from digital mental healthcare, collaborative robotics, and cyber-physical-social systems, he highlighted the growing role of human-centered AI in addressing real-world challenges.
The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which ISSAI researchers, SRP students, and members of the Nazarbayev University community discussed recent advances in generative AI, interdisciplinary research, and opportunities for international collaboration.
ISSAI extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Bereket Yilma for visiting Nazarbayev University and sharing his expertise with the ISSAI team and the wider NU community. The institute looks forward to developing new opportunities for collaboration that advance human-centered artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary research, and international scientific partnerships.