From July 21 to 25, Nazarbayev University became the epicenter of global mathematical thought as it hosted the 15th International Congress on Analysis, Applications and Computation (ISAAC-2025) — held for the first time in Central Asia.
The event brought together over 700 participants from around the world, including leading scientists, researchers, and young mathematicians, who convened in Astana to discuss cutting-edge developments, modern approaches, and interdisciplinary perspectives in mathematics and its applications.
Over the course of five intensive days, NU hosted plenary and parallel sessions, scientific discussions, and informal meetings that served as a foundation for new ideas and international collaborations. The Congress concluded with a closing ceremony, where organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants, speakers, and volunteers.
Over the course of five intensive days, NU hosted plenary and parallel sessions, scientific discussions, and informal meetings that served as a foundation for new ideas and international collaborations. The Congress concluded with a closing ceremony, where organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants, speakers, and volunteers.
In his address, Dr. Gonzalo Hortelano, Dean of the School of Sciences and Humanities at NU, highlighted the universal nature of the mathematical language: “While English is our working language, mathematics is our second language. It is international. It requires no translation — equations and graphs are understood by any mathematician, anywhere in the world. Today, mathematical methods are becoming essential not only in the natural sciences, medicine, and engineering, but also in the social sciences and humanities, where the analysis of large datasets is increasingly important.”
Adding a unique cultural touch to the event were musical performances by students from the NU Orchestra, who introduced international guests to traditional Kazakh kui — national instrumental pieces performed on the dombra.
The Congress was chaired by Professor Suragan Durvudkhan of NU, a distinguished mathematician internationally recognized for his contributions to inverse problems, differential equations, and mathematical models in physics and engineering.
The Congress was chaired by Professor Suragan Durvudkhan of NU, a distinguished mathematician internationally recognized for his contributions to inverse problems, differential equations, and mathematical models in physics and engineering.
“This Congress was special in many ways. For the first time in its history, ISAAC featured sessions on artificial intelligence — a reflection of the emergence of new fields, growing participation, and the expanding ISAAC community. And perhaps most symbolically, the 15th ISAAC Congress coincided with the 15th anniversary of NU. On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event,” Professor noted.
During the week, leading mathematicians from around the world gathered at NU to discuss current scientific achievements, new approaches, and methods in mathematics and related disciplines. The event is supported by the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the NU Impact Foundation for Social Development.
Background: The ISAAC Congress is held under the auspices of the International Society for Analysis, its Applications and Computation, and convenes every few years to gather the elite of the global mathematics community. In its history, the Congress has been hosted in the United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Its 2025 edition in Astana reflects both the growing contribution of Kazakhstan to modern mathematics and the high level of international trust in the country’s academic potential.
You can find photos from the event here.
You can find photos from the event here.