Nazarbayev University and Purdue University hold round table to advance collaboration in ai, energy, and sensor technologies

ASTANA, Kazakhstan — On August 5, 2025, PI “National Laboratory Astana” (NLA), Nazarbayev University, hosted a Round Table discussion with Purdue University (USA) to explore new avenues for joint research in artificial intelligence (AI), energy systems, and advanced sensor technologies.
The event brought together leading academics and researchers from both institutions. The Purdue delegation was led by Professor Lefteri H. Tsoukalas, a distinguished expert in sensor technology, AI, and nuclear energy with
more than three decades of research experience, over 300 publications, and several influential
textbooks to his name.

Nazarbayev University participants included:
Prof. Zhumabay Bakenov – Vice Provost for Research and Innovation; Director, Center for Energy and Advanced Materials Science, NLA; Professor, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences.
Dr. Baktiyar Soltabayev – Head, Laboratory of Advanced Sensors, NLA.

Strategic Priorities Discussed at the Round Table. During the Round Table, both sides identified priority areas for future cooperation, including:
Nuclear Energy with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The AI-Energy Nexus Advanced gas sensor technologies
AI and its applications in nuclear power plant and advanced sensor systems
Materials science for next-generation energy applications with use of AI.

Opening the session, Dr. Baktiyar Soltabayev emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting the potential to advance sensing technologies, broaden AI applications, and drive innovation in materials science. Prof. Bakenov introduced the research areas at NU and NLA, highlighting the significant research achievements of the Laboratory of Advanced Sensors under the leadership of Dr. Soltabayev. Since its establishment, the laboratory has gained an excellent track record of successful research projects and innovations in a very short time.

In his address, Prof. Tsoukalas provided an overview of Purdue University’s history, academic strengths, and research capabilities, emphasizing the institution’s leadership in nuclear engineering, AI policy, and interdisciplinary problem-solving in energy and sensing.

The Round Table concluded with an agreement to:
Prepare and sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between Nazarbayev University, PI “National Laboratory Astana” and Purdue University.
Initiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nazarbayev University and Purdue University to formalize broader institutional collaboration.
This Round Table marked an important milestone in building a strategic partnership that will unite the expertise of Nazarbayev University, National Laboratory Astana, and Purdue University to tackle global challenges in energy resilience, AI integration, and next-generation sensor technology.