ENU Professor Askar Zhussupbekov Presents Kazakhstan’s Research at CREST 2026 International Conference in Cambridge

Professor Askar Zhussupbekov, Director of the Geotechnical Institute at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), presented the university’s research achievements at the Third International Conference on Geotechnics and Geoecology (CREST 2026), held at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

As part of the conference programme, Professor Askar Zhussupbekov delivered a scientific presentation entitled «Assessment of Engineering-Geological Conditions for the Selection of Foundations for Buildings and Structures Based on GIS,» focusing on the application of modern geoinformation technologies to address current challenges in geotechnical engineering and design.

The international forum brought together around 200 scientists and specialists from 20 countries. The main organizers of the conference were the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) and Kyushu University (Japan). The event also featured the active participation of the international technical committees TC 307, ATC1 and ATC3, as well as the International Press-in Association.

The conference addressed current trends in the development of geotechnics and geoecology, presented the results of scientific research, and discussed prospects for international research cooperation. The Fourth International CREST Conference is scheduled to take place in Bangalore, India, in 2029.

As part of his academic visit, Professor Askar Zhussupbekov also visited the ISSMGE office at City University London, where he met with representatives of the Secretariat of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), as well as professors from City University London.

Professor Sarah Stallebrass, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, and Professor Michael Davies introduced the Kazakh scientist to the university’s geotechnical laboratory and demonstrated its research facilities, including a geotechnical centrifuge. The introduction of the centrifuge into the department’s research and educational activities is associated with the renowned geotechnical engineer Neil Taylor, author of a widely recognized work on geotechnical centrifuge technology.

Another important venue during the academic visit was Brunel University London. There, Professor Askar Zhussupbekov delivered a lecture on the results of “research conducted under the grant project” “Development of a Geoinformation Database - Artificial Intelligence System for Optimization of Soil Bases and Foundations in Construction in Problematical Soil Ground of Kazakhstan.”

During the visit, Professor Zhussupbekov met with Professor Philip Collins of the College of Engineering at Brunel University. The parties discussed the preparation of a joint scientific paper involving doctoral students from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and Brunel University. The results of the joint research are planned to be presented at the 80th International Conference on Vibroengineering, to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25–27 March 2027.

Particular attention during the discussions with British scientists was devoted to developing international academic and research cooperation and strengthening doctoral training in the field of Geotechnical Engineering.

The parties discussed opportunities for organizing research internships, conducting joint research projects, delivering guest lectures, preparing joint scientific publications, and involving young researchers from ENU in international research projects.