The Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices, held on September 20 as part of Nazarbayev University's Annual Research Conference, brought together leading scientists, researchers, and industry experts to showcase the latest developments in material science and nanotechnology. The event, themed "Shaping the Future of Research in Kazakhstan: Working Together for Success," highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing contributions to global scientific advancements.
A series of compelling presentations focused on the application of nanostructured materials in various fields, sustainable chemical synthesis, and innovations in renewable energy.
Professor Nurxat Nuraje from the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences of Nazarbayev University expressed his excitement: "I feel incredibly fortunate to organize the third Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices as part of the NU Annual Research Conference. We’re thrilled to host renowned scientists such as Prof. Belcher (MIT), Prof. Nianqiang Wu (UMass Amherst), Prof. Hiroshi Matsui (CUNY/Cornell University), and Prof. Sarkyt Kudaibergenov (IPMT) as keynote speakers. This symposium not only highlights the significance of materials research and its applications across the energy and health sectors but also fosters collaboration opportunities between NU and prestigious institutions like MIT, Cornell, and UMass. It enhances NU's global visibility and provides a platform for both young and senior scientists to collaborate and advance research in the field of materials science. My team and I, including PhD students, delivered lectures focusing on nanomaterials and their applications in various domains."
Makpal Rakhatkyzy, a PhD student in Chemical Engineering, shared her experience:"I am delighted to present my work at this conference and share my research with others. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and receive feedback from leading experts, which is crucial for early-career researchers like myself. Listening to top scientists from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Cornell, and UMass not only provides invaluable insights and ideas to shape my research but also inspires me to think creatively and critically. Having global researchers come to Nazarbayev University opens up new collaborations and perspectives, enhancing the quality and impact of our work."
During the conference, she presented her research on synthesizing 5-HMF using novel methods. "I’m excited to share that my work, titled 'Innovative Microwave and Continuous Flow Synthesis of 5-HMF from Biomass-Derived Resources Using Deep Eutectic Solvents,' was recently published in the high-impact Chemical Engineering Journal (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.156304). Our research explores how microwave synthesis reduces reaction times and offers greater control, while flow reactors enable continuous, scalable production—critical for industrial applications. Both methods contribute to more sustainable, eco-friendly chemical processes."
Regarding the potential applications of her research, Rakhatkyzy explained: "5-HMF is an extremely versatile building block with the potential to create biofuels, biodegradable polymers, and other valuable compounds. Using DES solvent systems not only increases the efficiency of the synthesis but also makes the process more environmentally friendly, aligning with the principles of green chemistry. This is particularly important in promoting sustainable chemical processes that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by utilizing renewable biomass resources."
She emphasized that this research holds significant promise for Kazakhstan: "Our country has an abundance of biomass resources, which we can harness to develop sustainable technologies. By advancing bio-based industries, we can open up new opportunities for green economic growth and contribute to the global shift toward sustainability."
The symposium provided an excellent platform for collaboration between academic institutions and industry experts, highlighting Kazakhstan’s expanding role in global materials science research.
A series of compelling presentations focused on the application of nanostructured materials in various fields, sustainable chemical synthesis, and innovations in renewable energy.
Professor Nurxat Nuraje from the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences of Nazarbayev University expressed his excitement: "I feel incredibly fortunate to organize the third Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices as part of the NU Annual Research Conference. We’re thrilled to host renowned scientists such as Prof. Belcher (MIT), Prof. Nianqiang Wu (UMass Amherst), Prof. Hiroshi Matsui (CUNY/Cornell University), and Prof. Sarkyt Kudaibergenov (IPMT) as keynote speakers. This symposium not only highlights the significance of materials research and its applications across the energy and health sectors but also fosters collaboration opportunities between NU and prestigious institutions like MIT, Cornell, and UMass. It enhances NU's global visibility and provides a platform for both young and senior scientists to collaborate and advance research in the field of materials science. My team and I, including PhD students, delivered lectures focusing on nanomaterials and their applications in various domains."
Makpal Rakhatkyzy, a PhD student in Chemical Engineering, shared her experience:"I am delighted to present my work at this conference and share my research with others. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and receive feedback from leading experts, which is crucial for early-career researchers like myself. Listening to top scientists from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Cornell, and UMass not only provides invaluable insights and ideas to shape my research but also inspires me to think creatively and critically. Having global researchers come to Nazarbayev University opens up new collaborations and perspectives, enhancing the quality and impact of our work."
During the conference, she presented her research on synthesizing 5-HMF using novel methods. "I’m excited to share that my work, titled 'Innovative Microwave and Continuous Flow Synthesis of 5-HMF from Biomass-Derived Resources Using Deep Eutectic Solvents,' was recently published in the high-impact Chemical Engineering Journal (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.156304). Our research explores how microwave synthesis reduces reaction times and offers greater control, while flow reactors enable continuous, scalable production—critical for industrial applications. Both methods contribute to more sustainable, eco-friendly chemical processes."
Regarding the potential applications of her research, Rakhatkyzy explained: "5-HMF is an extremely versatile building block with the potential to create biofuels, biodegradable polymers, and other valuable compounds. Using DES solvent systems not only increases the efficiency of the synthesis but also makes the process more environmentally friendly, aligning with the principles of green chemistry. This is particularly important in promoting sustainable chemical processes that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by utilizing renewable biomass resources."
She emphasized that this research holds significant promise for Kazakhstan: "Our country has an abundance of biomass resources, which we can harness to develop sustainable technologies. By advancing bio-based industries, we can open up new opportunities for green economic growth and contribute to the global shift toward sustainability."
The symposium provided an excellent platform for collaboration between academic institutions and industry experts, highlighting Kazakhstan’s expanding role in global materials science research.