From September 9 to 11, 2026, the NU School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) and the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) co-organised the 1st International Conference and Workshop on Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence at Nazarbayev University.
The conference was co-hosted by Dr. Atakan Varol, General Director of ISSAI and Dean of SCAI, and Dr. Durvudkhan Suragan, Vice Dean for Research and Innovation at SCAI. It was officially opened by Nazarbayev University President Dr. Waqar Ahmad, who welcomed the conference participants from Kazakhstan and abroad.
The three-day event provided a platform for researchers, mathematicians, data scientists, and AI practitioners to exchange knowledge and examine the intersection of mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.
The event brought together representatives from Astana IT University, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Buketov Karaganda National Research University, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, SDU University, Heriot-Watt International Faculty, K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, the University of Manchester, and other academic and research institutions.
A delegation from the Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, headed by Prof. Mamhmud Sadybekov, took part in the conference, contributing to the academic programme and fostering exchange between the mathematical and AI research communities.
The programme comprised seven plenary talks, 24 session talks, and four practical workshops. Plenary speakers included Prof. Peter Richtárik (KAUST, Saudi Arabia), Prof. Jong Chul Ye (KAIST, South Korea), Prof. Enrique Zuazua (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany), Prof. Bohyung Han (Seoul National University, South Korea), Prof. Rustem Takhanov (Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan), Prof. Amir Mosavi (Óbuda University; J. Selye University, Hungary/Slovakia), and Prof. Zhenisbek Assylbekov (Purdue University Fort Wayne, USA).
The practical sessions were led by Vladimir Albrekht (ISSAI), Dr. Adilet Otemissov (NU), Auyeskhan Alibekov (ISSAI), and Akylbek Maxutov (ISSAI).
Over the course of the conference, attendees explored recent developments in AI and mathematics, emerging challenges in machine learning, and new avenues for research and interdisciplinary cooperation.
ISSAI extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, participants, and organisers who contributed to the event. It was a pleasure to host the research community at Nazarbayev University, and we look forward to welcoming everyone again at future events.