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On December 11, 2025, a meeting between first-year students of the Geoinformatics program and representatives of GeoMaster was held at the Astana International University School of Natural Sciences.

During the event, the company's specialists presented modern surveying equipment that combines GNSS and lidar scanning technologies, enabling the acquisition of point clouds at a range of up to 70 meters with a 120° field of view, as well as the creation of highly accurate 3D terrain models.

The students expressed active interest in the practical application of the presented technologies, discussed the prospects for the development of the geoinformatics profession, and asked questions regarding specialization and career opportunities in the industry.

The meeting was organized by A.A. Smailov, a lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences.

On December 5, a meaningful meeting was held at the Higher School of Natural Sciences of Astana International University for students with Serikgul Sälim, a renowned psychologist widely recognized in the professional community. Students from study groups RGiT-23 and RGiT-25 participated in the event, and the meeting was moderated by instructor N. S. Auezova.

The main goal of the event was to improve young people's psychological awareness, foster a culture of stress management, develop self-improvement skills, and strengthen academic motivation. Modern students need not only professional knowledge but also emotional stability, the ability to maintain inner balance, and personal growth. The meeting proved to be a significant and useful event, providing participants with important information in this area. In her presentation, Serikgul Sälüm discussed in detail the role of self-knowledge in personality development, effective stress management techniques, goal-setting, and ways to address the psychological challenges faced by modern students. She shared recommendations based on her own practical experience.

The meeting also focused on the issue of gambling addiction, which is actively discussed in society. The psychologist noted that gambling addiction is a form of psychological dependence and poses a serious threat to academic performance, professional development, and the personal lives of young people. The speaker explained how to recognize the early signs of addiction and what measures can help prevent its development.

The questions posed by the students confirmed the relevance of the topics discussed.

Launched on 10 November and dedicated to the World Recycling Day on 15 November, the EcoChallenge of the School of Natural Sciences at Astana International University has come to its conclusion. The results of this environmental initiative aimed at fostering ecological culture were announced on 28 November.

The EcoChallenge is an important component of the Restart project implemented within the memorandum between the G-Global Green Economy and Development Coalition and Astana International University.

Restart Project: phased development and enhancement of environmental literacy

The Restart project, aimed at building a culture of proper waste management among university students, is being implemented in several stages.

🔹 Since 2024, AIU students have actively used Sparklo reverse vending machines to submit plastic waste and engage in accessible recycling practices.
🔹 In 2025, the project’s infrastructure expanded with new plastic waste collection channels: Freedom vending machines and LS Astana — a secondary raw materials collection and processing center.

LS Astana is an eco-center that receives, sorts, and sends solid household waste to recycling facilities. Students’ active use of this center indicates a rising level of environmental awareness.

EcoChallenge Results

The challenge recorded the following indicators:

• more than 50 video submissions;
• 500 students actively participated;
• 500 kg of plastic waste were sent for recycling.

These indicators reflect strong student engagement in sustainable development initiatives.

Winners

🥇 1st place — EiP 25A group
🥈 2nd place — IYa 24-3 group
🥉 3rd place — Chemistry 24A group

The EcoChallenge contributed to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 — Climate Action, SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals

Held from 10 to 28 November and dedicated to the World Recycling Day, the EcoChallenge helped enhance AIU students’ environmental responsibility and strengthen the recycling culture. The Restart project and cooperation with the G-Global Green Economy and Development Coalition represent an important step toward sustainable development at the university.

AIU will continue to support environmental initiatives and advance work toward the SDGs.

Organizers: Aidanа Kydyrova, Ayman Karabalayeva

          On November 25, the course instructor N.S. Auezova conducted an open lesson in a competition format for the subject “Geology and Geomorphology” with the RGiT-25 student group of the School of Natural Sciences at Astana International University.

        The main objective of the open lesson was to reinforce students’ theoretical knowledge, enhance their ability to recognize geological processes and landform types, and develop teamwork skills.

          The competition format increased students’ engagement and ensured their active participation. The teams competed with one another, creatively demonstrating their knowledge at each stage. The lesson included interactive questions, tasks, map-based activities, and the identification of geomorphological features.

           The open lesson was held at a high level, motivated students, and contributed to a deeper understanding of the importance of the course.

On November 27, 2025, scientists from the Faculty of Biology and Geography of the Karaganda National Research University named after Academician E.A. Buketov visited the Nature Lab research laboratory at Astana International University as part of their scientific collaboration and held a series of scientific and educational events.

Specialists PhD (Biology), Leading Researcher M.Yu. Ishmuratova, PhD (Biology), Head of the Botany Department S.U. Tleukanova, PhD (Biology), and Researcher R.T. Musina held an educational and methodological seminar on "Methods of Microscopic Examination of Plant Objects" for faculty, students, doctoral candidates, and young researchers from the AIU Graduate School of Natural Sciences.

During the seminar, participants:

• learned about methods of microscopic analysis of plant tissues;

• studied approaches to studying the anatomical and morphological structures of plants;

• acquired practical skills in using optical and digital microscopes;

• observed the stages of sample preparation and analysis of microscopic specimens.

The research staff was also introduced to the infrastructure of the Nature Lab laboratory, including equipment for plant genotyping, methods for determining biological activity, and areas of morphological research. The parties discussed prospects for joint research projects, publication preparation, and the exchange of research results.

Astana International University expresses its gratitude to its colleagues from Karaganda National Research University for their fruitful collaboration. The seminar was an important step in strengthening scientific ties between the universities and contributed to the enhancement of the professional competencies of young scientists.

Head of the Nature Lab Laboratory: A.E. Orazov

On November 21, Haileybury International School in Astana held a press conference for the "Green Steppe: Sustainability in Every Step" project, which aims to develop environmental culture, volunteerism, and sustainable development principles in Kazakhstan. The event was attended by environmental experts, regional project coordinators, representatives of educational organizations, young environmental volunteers, and government agencies.

The press conference addressed issues of particular relevance to Kazakhstani society. Climate change, biodiversity loss, air pollution, and overuse of natural resources require increased environmental responsibility and the development of environmental education.

Aiman ​​Karabalaeva, PhD, ecologist and senior lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences at Astana International University, presented a report on the initiatives being implemented as part of the "Zhas Galym" project. She emphasized the scientific basis for ecosystem restoration programs and noted the importance of engaging young people in environmental activities. Sholpan Bisembayevna Abilova, PhD, a senior lecturer at HSE AIU, presented a report on "Biodiversity Conservation," focusing on the need to maintain the natural balance, protect rare species, and foster environmental responsibility in society.

Aidana Salamatkyzy Kydyrova, a doctoral student at HSE AIU, and an ecologist and environmental activist, proposed practical methods for promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle among schoolchildren and young people. She emphasized that developing environmental habits from an early age is key to achieving sustainable development in the future.

Results in Sustainable Development Areas

Over the course of its first year, the "Green Steppe" project has united thousands of young volunteers and become a platform for dozens of environmental initiatives. Eco-clubs have been established in many schools, and environmental education has reached a new systemic level.

The project has demonstrated concrete results across the UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4: Quality Education: training modules aimed at increasing environmental literacy are being introduced;

• SDG 11 Sustainable Cities: the number of environmental projects in urban areas has increased;

• SDG 13 Climate Action: tree planting, waste management, and nature restoration campaigns are held regularly;

• SDG 15 Life on Land: initiatives to protect rare species and develop nature reserves are supported;

• SDG 17 Partnership: cooperation between government agencies, educational institutions, NGOs, and volunteer movements is strengthened.

A Step Toward a Green Future

The press conference demonstrated the importance of open dialogue in fostering environmental awareness in society. The meeting of experts, educators, and young people provided a platform for discussing new ideas and exchanging experiences in sustainable development.

Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility of society as a whole, not just individual organizations or specialists. Projects like "Green Steppe" help develop environmental awareness and foster a responsible attitude toward nature among young people.

On November 25, 2025, the "Geonavigator: Territory of Tourism" intellectual competition was held at the Higher School of Natural Sciences of Astana International University. Second- and third-year students of the "Recreational Geography and Tourism" educational program participated.

Three teams - Meridian, Nomad, and GeoVision - competed in the competition. Participants demonstrated deep knowledge in economic, social, and political geography, as well as logical thinking and teamwork skills. The Nomad team emerged victorious, demonstrating a high level of preparation and confidently completing all tasks.

The event was organized by S.A. Zhanabaeva, A.A. Smailov, and A.A. Avezova, instructors of the Higher School of Natural Sciences, who ensured the professional conduct of the competition and created a competitive yet constructive atmosphere. The event, implemented within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 4 "Quality Education," aims to develop students' critical thinking, practical skills, teamwork, and interest in geographical and tourism research.

The university notes that such initiatives foster academic motivation, broaden the horizons of young professionals, and enable the application of theoretical knowledge in a practical format. The competition participants expressed gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to showcase their talents and emphasized the importance of such events for professional growth.

A scientific seminar, "Characteristics of the Anatomical Study of Vascular Plants," will be held on November 27, 2025, organized by Astana International University jointly with the Karaganda National Research University named after Academician E.A. Buketov.

The event is being held as part of the targeted funding program BR21882166, aimed at studying and preserving fruit and berry plants of the natural flora of Kazakhstan's regions to ensure food security for the country.

Leading experts in biology and botany will participate in the seminar: Saltanat Ushkempirovna Tleukenova, Margarita Yulaevna Ishmuratova, and Roza Tletaevna Musina.

The seminar will be held on November 27, 2025, in Auditorium 207 of Astana International University. It will begin at 10:00 AM and end at 2:00 PM.

          On November 18-19, 2025, the Faculty of Natural Sciences of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana hosted the XVII Republican Subject Olympiad among students of higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of “B052 - Earth Sciences.”

          The main purpose of the Olympiad is to identify and support talented students, foster the development of their personal and intellectual potential, enhance their interest in scientific research activities, and encourage participation in solving contemporary scientific problems.

          The Olympiad was attended by 2nd-year students of the “Recreational Geography and Tourism” educational program of the Higher School of Natural Sciences - Gazizov Batyrkhan, Askarov Agatai, and Amirov Arman. Scientific Supervisor: Candidate of Biological Sciences, Senior Lecturer Nұрқұйған Сражадинқызы Auezova.

          During the three stages of the XVII Republican Olympiad, our students demonstrated their knowledge and professional competencies while completing practical and applied tasks. The participants performed tasks involving geographical analysis, cartographic work, data interpretation, and the development of scientifically based solutions according to real-life cases.

          Based on the results of the final stage, our team showcased their high level of knowledge and professional skills and was awarded a diploma in the nomination “Best Team Spirit.”

On November 20, 2025, a scientific webinar was held in Astana, organized by Astana International University (AIU) jointly with the Poznan University of Life Sciences (UPP, Poland). The event marked another step in strengthening Kazakh-Polish scientific cooperation.

The webinar was held in a combined format: offline in AIU Room 207 and online, with participants from Kazakhstan, Poland, and other countries. It began at 2:00 PM Astana time.

Professor Krzysztof Szoszkiewicz, Rector of the Poznan University of Life Sciences, welcomed the participants, noting the growing importance of international cooperation in environmental research. The webinar was moderated by Professor Klaudia Borowiak, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering (UPP), and Ruslan Muratov, Dean of the AIU School of Life Sciences. They provided scientific support for the webinar and facilitated a rich discussion on current environmental issues and modern methods for studying aquatic ecosystems.

The program included scientific presentations.

Dr. Michal Brzozowski (UPP) presented the results of a multi-year experimental study on the impact of climate warming on periphyton, aquatic plants, and charophytes in temperate lakes.

Acting Professor Aizhan Kashagankyzy Zhamangara (AIU) discussed the problems of aquatic ecosystem pollution and modern approaches to their restoration, focusing on innovative methods for assessing anthropogenic impact.

Following the meeting, the parties emphasized their intention to expand cooperation in the field of ecology and sustainable development, promote academic mobility, and jointly host international scientific events.

On November 7-8, 2025, Astana International University representative Aidyn Ergaliuly Orazov, PhD researcher, Acting Associate Professor at the School of Natural Sciences, and Director of NatureLab, participated in the scientific and practical seminar "Scientific and Practical Foundations of Reproduction, Conservation, and Use of Fruit and Berry Plants of Kazakhstan's Natural Flora." The event was organized under targeted funding program BR21882166.

The scientist's participation was based on an official invitation from the Mangyshlak Experimental Botanical Garden, a Republican State Enterprise under the Right of Economic Management (RPE) of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Health, Education, and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the seminar, Aidyn Orazov presented two scientific papers:

• "Study of the Floristic Composition, Morphological, and Genetic Differences in Plant Populations of the Mangystau Region";

• "Modern Approaches to Decoding and Analyzing Plant Chloroplast Genomes Using Oxford Nanopore MinION Technology."

The host organization ensured a high-level event, creating conditions for constructive discussions on current issues in botany, genetics, and bioinformatics.

Following the meetings, agreements were reached on further scientific collaboration, the development of joint research, and the preparation of publications in international peer-reviewed journals. Astana International University recognizes the contribution of Orazov Aidyn Yergaliuly to strengthening scientific cooperation and advancing research in botany, genetics, and bioinformatics.

On November 4, 2025, the School of Natural Sciences at Astana International University held debates on a pressing topic:
“The necessity of microchipping wild and domestic animals: a threat to wildlife or a real need?” The event took place in the Assembly Hall (Room 213).

 Students discussed important issues related to animal protection, biodiversity conservation, and the use of modern technologies in ecology and veterinary science.
The debates were filled with logic, emotion, and strong rhetoric  participants demonstrated their skills in argumentation and public speaking.

 Special Guests:

·       Alexander Yevgenyevich Fedulin  an ecotourism expert with over 25 years of experience in environmental protection, including work at the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve. Currently organizes and conducts ecotours in the region for international ornithologists.

·       Nurlibek Didarovich Katkenov Master of Technical Sciences, PhD candidate (Veterinary Medicine), Research Fellow at Nazarbayev University – National Laboratory Astana.

 The event took place in an engaging and inspiring atmosphere, bringing together students, faculty, and experts who are passionate about protecting nature and animal welfare.

 Organizer:
Zhanna Aryntayevna Adamzhanova, Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Astana International University.