On 29 July, with the support of MyAPA, the University of Nottingham hosted an academic and research meeting bringing together representatives of the research and academic communities of Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

The visit focused on exploring the University’s research infrastructure, exchanging academic and technical expertise, and identifying opportunities for future research collaboration, academic exchange and joint international initiatives.

The programme took place at the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute at the University of Nottingham, where participants were introduced to advanced research facilities and ongoing work in power electronics, electrical machines, drive systems and related engineering technologies.

Participants

Representatives from Kazakhstan included Amangeldy Karmanov, Head of the Department of Thermal Power Engineering at Toraighyrov University, and Ainur Begimbetova, Acting Director, International University of Anhalt.

The academic discussions also included Arman Mazhikeyev, researcher at Loughborough University, UK.

From the University of Nottingham, participants included Maria Pia Ciano, Assistant Professor in Operations Management at Nottingham University Business School, and Fengyu Zhang, Principal Research Fellow specialising in thermal management for electrical drive systems, together with other members of the University’s research community involved in the academic coordination of the visit.

A representative of Fraunhofer also contributed to the research discussions during the programme.

Exploring the PEMC Research Facilities

The programme began with a visit to the PEMC/HPS laboratories, providing participants with first-hand insight into the University of Nottingham’s research infrastructure, specialist facilities and current technological developments.

During the laboratory visit, participants discussed research and innovation in areas including:

• electrical drives;
• power electronics and electrical machines;
• modelling and testing of engineering systems;
• alternative fuels;
• sustainable energy technologies;
• digital technologies.

The visit enabled participants to explore the laboratory facilities and discuss the potential application of advanced engineering solutions in both academic research and industrial contexts.

Exchange of Research Expertise

Following the laboratory tour, participants took part in an academic working session where they presented their current research interests, projects and areas of expertise.

Representatives from Kazakhstan shared their research priorities and academic activities, while researchers from the University of Nottingham presented their current work and specialist capabilities.

The exchange helped identify areas of shared interest and opportunities where the expertise of participating researchers and institutions could complement one another.

Future Areas of Collaboration

A significant part of the programme was dedicated to discussing potential areas for future collaboration.

Particular attention was given to:

• artificial intelligence and digital twins;
• sustainable energy and alternative fuels;
• electrical drives and advanced energy systems;
• supply chain management and the circular economy;
• joint research projects;
• academic exchanges;
• international research initiatives;
• research placements for academic staff and PhD researchers.

The discussions demonstrated a shared interest in developing longer-term collaboration through joint research, knowledge exchange, academic mobility and future international projects.

Building Foundations for Future Research Partnerships

Academic and research visits of this kind play an important role in strengthening international cooperation. They provide researchers with an opportunity to gain direct insight into the expertise and facilities of partner institutions while enabling focused discussions around future joint initiatives.

With the support of MyAPA, the meeting at the University of Nottingham created a platform for direct academic dialogue between researchers connected with Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom, helping to establish new professional links and identify practical opportunities for future cooperation.

The visit laid the groundwork for further knowledge exchange and potential collaborative initiatives in areas including energy, engineering systems, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and sustainable development.

MyAPA will continue to support international academic engagement and research partnerships, helping researchers and universities from Kazakhstan develop meaningful and sustainable connections with the UK academic community.