In May, AlmaU successfully concluded a large-scale series of international academic and research projects that brought together experts, scholars, students, and partners to address key issues in digital transformation, healthcare, sustainable development, and social innovation.
One of the key events was the National Seminar “Artificial Intelligence in Medicine,” held on May 22 as part of AlmaU’s collaboration with Lehigh University, Shashkin Clinic, and the Seshadri Lab under the Creative Inquiry initiative. The seminar brought together leading physicians, researchers, IT professionals, and government representatives to discuss the future of AI in healthcare, the implementation of digital solutions in medical practice, and ways to improve access to high-tech healthcare services in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
At the same time, from May 18 to 30, AlmaU hosted the Global Social Impact Fellowship (GSIF) field research program. During the program, students from AlmaU and Lehigh University worked on projects aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and healthcare challenges.
Key initiatives included:
● Save Tuba (Gamification of Sustainable Behavior) – a project focused on addressing environmental challenges in Almaty, including waste management and air pollution. As part of the initiative, a mobile educational game for children aged 8-11 was developed. Through interactive engagement with the main character, Tuba the saiga antelope, children build environmentally responsible habits while developing long-term memory and creative problem-solving skills.
● PureAura – a project aimed at improving indoor air quality through accessible air purification technologies and engineering solutions developed in collaboration with international partners.
● SaltX – a project addressing severe winter air pollution in Almaty. In partnership with Lingnan University (Hong Kong), the team is implementing an affordable and highly efficient PureAura air purifier capable of reducing indoor PM2.5 concentrations by up to 80%. AlmaU and IITU students are developing simulation models to optimize filter design and placement.
● Food Security Research – a study focused on the accessibility of essential food products, supply chains, and factors affecting food resilience within local communities.
● Swello – the development of a wearable device for monitoring dysphagia in post-stroke patients, enabling early detection of complications and improving the quality of medical care.
● TremorTrack & TremorAid (Parkinson’s Disease Management) – a comprehensive digital solution for monitoring the condition of people living with Parkinson’s disease and enhancing communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Participation in these projects enabled students to gain valuable hands-on research experience and develop competencies highly sought after in the global labor market. In line with the NACE Career Readiness Competencies framework, participants strengthened their skills in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, teamwork, intercultural communication, digital literacy, leadership, and professional development. Upon completion of the program, all participants received international GSIF certificates.
Another important area of collaboration was the development of the Central Asian Researchers Network (CARN), implemented jointly by AlmaU and the American Councils for International Education. The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s research capacity, foster scientific collaboration, and increase the number of internationally recognized publications through the use of advanced artificial intelligence tools.
These initiatives once again demonstrate AlmaU’s commitment to creating an educational environment where science, technology, and practice serve as the foundation for preparing the next generation of leaders. AlmaU expresses its sincere gratitude to Lehigh University, Shashkin Clinic, and Seshadri Lab for their fruitful partnership and contribution to the development of an innovative educational ecosystem.