Nazarbayev University School of Mining & Geosciences

🎓 GUEST LECTURE ALERT! 🔬🌍

The School of Mining and Geosciences invites students, researchers, and faculty to attend a special guest lecture by Dr. Adriano Banak, Senior Research Associate at the Croatian Geological Institute.

SEM Analysis of Quartz Grain Surface Microtextures: Application and Challenges in Sedimentology

Dr. Banak is an experienced sedimentologist with over 20 years of research expertise in Neogene and Quaternary sediments. His work focuses on stable isotope analysis and the interpretation of environmental processes through SEM imaging of quartz grain surface microtextures across various sedimentary environments.

📅 Date: June 12, 2026 (Friday)
🕒 Time: 15:30
📍 Venue: Block 6, 6.105

This lecture will provide valuable insights into the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in sedimentological research and discuss the opportunities and challenges of using quartz grain microtextures for environmental interpretation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

NazarbayevUniversity

🎓 GUEST LECTURE ALERT! 🔬🌍

The School of Mining and Geosciences invites students, researchers, and faculty to attend a special guest lecture by Dr. Adriano Banak, Senior Research Associate at the Croatian Geological Institute.

SEM Analysis of Quartz Grain Surface Microtextures: Application and Challenges in Sedimentology

Dr. Banak is an experienced sedimentologist with over 20 years of research expertise in Neogene and Quaternary sediments. His work focuses on stable isotope analysis and the interpretation of environmental processes through SEM imaging of quartz grain surface microtextures across various sedimentary environments.

📅 Date: June 12, 2026 (Friday)
🕒 Time: 15:30
📍 Venue: Block 6, 6.105

This lecture will provide valuable insights into the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in sedimentological research and discuss the opportunities and challenges of using quartz grain microtextures for environmental interpretation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Research NazarbayevUniversity

On May 29, 2026, the School of Mining and Geosciences at Nazarbayev University hosted the 3rd Annual Industry Advisory Committee meeting.

The meeting brought together industry partners, SMG leadership, faculty, and staff to discuss the School’s achievements, future priorities, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.

Participants were introduced to SMG’s ongoing and upcoming initiatives, reflecting the School’s commitment to practical learning, applied research, and industry-oriented education.

The event also included a feedback session focused on industry relations, future challenges in the mining and petroleum sectors, student experience, and ways to attract more young people to strategic professions.

We sincerely thank all industry partners and participants for their continued support, valuable feedback, and contribution to the development of education, research, and industry collaboration at Nazarbayev University.

Congratulations to Shynggys Aitkazy, Master’s student at the School of Mining and Geosciences, on winning the Master’s Division at the SPE Russian and Caspian Regional Student Paper Contest!

The contest was held at Satbayev University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on May 16, 2026, bringing together talented students and researchers from across the region.

Shynggys presented his research titled:

“Experimental Evaluation of Relative Permeability Modifiers for Selective Water Control: Coreflood Study on Field Reservoir Cores.”

His research focuses on the use of relative permeability modifiers (RPMs) for selective water control in reservoir formations through experimental coreflood studies.

Supervisor: Prof. Peyman Pourafshary

Congratulations to Shynggys on this outstanding achievement!

The School of Mining and Geosciences proudly congratulates PhD student Ibraheem Salaudeen on winning the PhD Division at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Russian and Caspian Regional Student Paper Contest held at Satbayev University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 16th May 2026.

The SPE Regional Student Paper Contest brings together outstanding students and researchers from universities across the region to present innovative research addressing key challenges in the petroleum and energy industry.

During the competition, Ibraheem presented his research titled:

“Mitigating Salt Precipitation in CO2 Storage Through Humidified Injection: An Experimental-Numerical Study.”

The research focuses on improving CO2 storage security in saline aquifers by mitigating injectivity impairment associated with salt precipitation during CO2 injection.

Reflecting on the achievement, Ibraheem stated:

“I am honored to represent Nazarbayev University at the regional SPE competition and sincerely grateful for the support and mentorship of my supervisors, Prof. Masoud Riazi and Prof. Peyman Pourafshary, as well as the encouragement and support of the Dean of the School of Mining and Geosciences, Prof. Randy Hazlett.”

This achievement highlights Nazarbayev University’s growing research contribution in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), reservoir engineering, and sustainable energy research.

🔥 SMG Takes 1st Place at the Republican Geology Olympiad!

Big congratulations to our amazing students from the School of Mining and Geosciences at Nazarbayev University for their outstanding performance at the XVII Republican Student Subject Olympiad in Applied Geology, hosted by Satbayev University!

🥇 Ruslan Terechshenya — 1st PLACE WINNER!

👏 Team SMG proudly represented NU:
• Ruslan Terechshenya
• Dias Iskakov
• Ali Akylbekov

From exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Charyn Canyon 🌄 to tackling challenging tasks in structural geology, mineralogy, and geological history - our students demonstrated strong knowledge, teamwork, and true geoscience passion.

Guided by Associate Professor Milovan Fustic, the team showed what SMG students are capable of on the national stage 💪⛏️

🙏 Special thanks to Gylym Sapinov for escorting and supporting our students during their trip to Almaty.

We are incredibly proud of you for bringing home the victory and representing SMG with excellence!

🇰🇿 Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day!

Today we honor the courage, dedication, and service of all who protect the independence and future of Kazakhstan. Your strength, responsibility, and commitment inspire our community every day.

At the SMG, we proudly recognize the defenders who help build a safe and strong nation - both in service and through knowledge, science, and innovation.

Thank you to all defenders of our homeland!

On May 2, Petroleum Engineering students presented their Capstone Design Projects — a key milestone in their final year of study.

A capstone design project is an integrative, practice-oriented project where students apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their program to solve real-world petroleum engineering challenges.

In practical terms, students work on designing and evaluating field development concepts by combining knowledge from exploration, reservoir engineering, drilling, production, economics, and HSE. The project is designed to simulate professional practice and prepare students for the demands of the energy industry.

Congratulations to our students on completing this important academic and professional milestone!

We were pleased to host a guest lecture at the School of Mining and Geosciences, Nazarbayev University, delivered by Saida A. Nigmatova — Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, paleontologist, stratigrapher, Deputy Director of the K.I. Satpayev Institute of Geological Sciences, and Chair of the National UNESCO Geoparks Committee in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Her lecture, “Geoheritage as a Strategic Resource: The Geological Memory of the Earth and Its Significance for Science, the Economy, and Sustainable Development,” highlighted the growing importance of geoheritage not only for science, but also for sustainable development, geotourism, and environmental awareness.

The session offered valuable insights into how geoheritage helps us better understand Earth’s history and its relevance to today’s global challenges.

We sincerely thank Saida A. Nigmatova for sharing her expertise with our students and academic community.