Department of Science & Innovation

Mission
We do not merely produce knowledge — we cultivate an intellectual ecosystem in which ideas turn into technologies and research into real solutions. Our goal: to nurture researchers of a new formation and embed science-intensive developments into the real sector of the economy — for the technological sovereignty and sustainable progress of Kazakhstan.

Philosophy: Synergy of Intellect and Sustainability
AI-First Strategy. We follow the national vector "AI-Sana." For us, artificial intelligence is not just a discipline but the foundation on which science, the economy, and public administration are being restructured.
Impact-Orientation (UN SDGs). Our scientific inquiry is aimed at measurable social and economic impact:
• SDG 4 — intellectualization of education through adaptive AI.
• SDG 8 & 9 — stimulating technological entrepreneurship and innovation infrastructure.
• SDG 11 — designing cognitive services for "smart cities."
Convergence of Sciences. We erase the boundaries between STEM, social, and digital disciplines — because the complex challenges of our time do not recognize disciplinary frameworks.

Main Functions of the Department

1. Designing the Future (Strategy and SDGs)
   • We form a portfolio of breakthrough projects: green energy, inclusion, resource security.
   • We verify the university's scientific agenda for compliance with global sustainable development indicators.
2. Expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI-Sana)
   • We administer the roadmap of the national project "AI-Sana" within the university's contour.
   • We deploy infrastructure for AI-driven research: neural networks and predictive analytics at all stages of the scientific cycle.
   • We scale up specialized competence centers: AI in Education, AI in Urbanistics, AI in Fintech.
3. Effective Management of Innovation and R&D
   • We centrally coordinate grant activity with priority on high-tech developments.
   • We aggressively support commercialization: from intellectual property protection to bringing R&D products to market.
   • We launch an accelerator for student startups built on artificial intelligence architecture.
4. Global Integration and Technological Networking
   • We work directly with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub, and the "Damu" Fund — for seamless implementation of university developments.
   • We collaborate with international centers of excellence in sustainable development and DeepTech.
5. Predictive Analytics and Audit
   • We automatically analyze the scientometrics of research productivity using AI tools.
   • We publish an annual strategic report: "Turan-Astana: Impact on SDGs & AI-Sana."

Contacts
Director of the Department of Science and Innovation — Nurmanov Almas Maratbekovich
a.nurmanov@tau-edu.kz
8 (7172) 39-81-18 (ext. 103)
Astana, Dukenuly St., 29
Academic Building "V," Office 402
Working hours – from 09:00 to 18:00