HSE and Nazarbayev University: Scientific and Educational Cooperation
In April 2026, HSE University welcomed an official delegation from Nazarbayev University. The visit primarily focused on establishing cooperation between the two universities, expanding partnership ties, and developing joint projects in support of strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and Kazakhstan.
The meeting began with warm welcoming remarks from Elena Odoevskaia, HSE Vice Rector. She congratulated her colleagues from Astana on the upcoming holidays—Cosmonautics Day and Kazakhstan’s Science Workers’ Day (both celebrated on 12 April)—and noted that even before the official discussions began, it had become clear that the two young leading universities in their respective countries shared much in common.
‘Both HSE University and Nazarbayev University are leading scientific and technological centres addressing the pressing challenges of their nations. We share similar concepts and models of governance in science and education. Our countries are also actively cooperating, and it is especially encouraging that the largest group of international students at HSE University comes from Kazakhstan,’ Elena Odoevskaia remarked.
Kadisha Dairova, Vice President of Nazarbayev University, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and shared her personal delight at the visit, noting that Moscow is her home city. She assured the hosts that Nazarbayev University would be pleased to welcome an HSE University delegation on a return visit and invited her colleagues to participate in the international conferences organised by the university throughout the year.
During the constructive dialogue, the two sides outlined key areas for future cooperation, placing particular emphasis on natural sciences, engineering, and technology. Elena Odoevskaia proposed exploring the establishment of a mirror physics laboratory, which would facilitate reciprocal internships for students and researchers, as well as academic exchange programmes. Mikhail Trunin, Dean of the HSE Faculty of Physics, supported the initiative, while representatives of Nazarbayev University also suggested considering the launch of joint double and multi-degree programmes.
Kadisha Dairova further proposed fostering cooperation between Nazarbayev University’s Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence and HSE’s relevant academic divisions. The Kazakh delegation also highly praised the expertise of the HSE Graduate School of Business and expressed interest in joint work in management and business administration.
Following the official part of the meeting, the delegation from Nazarbayev University continued its introduction to HSE University by visiting the Faculty of Physics, where the guests toured the laboratories and discussed practical steps towards implementing joint research initiatives.
‘Today, we have not merely outlined plans—we have laid the foundation for a genuine academic friendship. Ahead of us lie exciting projects, the exchange of expertise, and shared discoveries for the benefit of science and education,’ Elena Odoevskaia concluded.
Participants of the Meeting
- Kadisha Dairova, Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation at Nazarbayev University
- Kanat Baigarin, Advisor to the President of Nazarbayev University
- Kanat Abdrashitov, Advisor to the President of Nazarbayev University
- Alen Kuspanov, General Manager of the Department of Internationalisation at Nazarbayev University
- Elena Odoevskaia, HSE Vice Rector
- Mikhail Trunin, Dean of the HSE Faculty of Physics
- Kirill Kisel, Director for Internationalisation, HSE Department of Internationalisation
- Maria Mudretsova, Deputy Director for HSE Research Projects
- Ekaterina Popova, Chief Specialist of the International Partnerships Centre at the HSE International Cooperation Office
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