Scientific Developments of ENU Presented at the CREST-2026 International Conference in Cambridge

On September 7–8, 2026, Professor Askar Zhussupbekov, Director of the Geotechnical Institute of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, presented the scientific developments of ENU at the Third International Conference on Construction Resources for Environmentally Sustainable Technologies (CREST-2026), held at the University of Cambridge (UK). Participation in this international scientific forum took place as part of the commercialization project "Development of geoinformation database - artificial intelligence for optimization of bases and foundations for construction in Kazakhstan" funded by the Science Fund.

The international conference brought together around 200 scientists and specialists from 20 countries. The forum was organized by the University of Cambridge (UK) and Kyushu University (Japan). International technical committees TC 307, ATC1, ATC3, and the International Press-in Association also actively participated in the conference.

As part of the scientific program, Professor Askar Zhussupbekov presented a paper titled "Assessment of Engineering-Geological Conditions for the Selection of Building and Structure Foundations Based on GIS," showcasing research results on the application of modern geoinformation technologies to evaluate engineering and geological conditions and improve the rationale for selecting building and structure bases and foundations.

The presented findings are part of the research conducted under the project "Development of geoinformation database - artificial intelligence for optimization of bases and foundations for construction in Kazakhstan" implemented with financial support from the Science Fund. The project aims to develop modern digital approaches to processing engineering-geological data and to enhance design solutions for soil bases and foundations during construction in Kazakhstan.

During the conference, scientists and specialists discussed modern developmental trends in geotechnics and geoecology, current research findings, innovative engineering-geological evaluation methods, and prospects for future international scientific cooperation. The next, Fourth International CREST Conference will take place in 2029 in Bengaluru (India).

During the scientific visit, Professor Askar Zhussupbekov also visited the office of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) at City, University of London, where he met with representatives of the ISSMGE Secretariat and university professors.

Professor Sarah Stallebrass, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, and Professor Michael Davies introduced the Kazakhstani scientist to the university's geotechnical laboratory and demonstrated the capabilities of modern laboratory equipment, including the geotechnical centrifuge. This equipment is used for experimental research in geotechnics. The development of geotechnical centrifuge technology is notably linked to the research of the renowned geotechnical scientist Neil Taylor.

Another key platform of the visit was Brunel University London. Here, Professor Askar Zhussupbekov delivered a lecture on the research outcomes of the project "Development of geoinformation database - artificial intelligence for optimization of bases and foundations for construction in Kazakhstan".

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

Special emphasis during negotiations with the British scientists was placed on developing international scientific and educational cooperation and training doctoral students specializing in Geotechnical Engineering. The parties discussed opportunities for organizing scientific internships, conducting joint research, inviting foreign specialists for guest lectures, co-authoring scientific publications, and engaging young ENU scientists in international research projects.

Professor Askar Zhussupbekov's scientific visit provided an opportunity to present ENU's research findings to the international scientific community, expand professional contacts, and outline new avenues for collaboration with foreign universities and specialized organizations in geotechnics and geotechnical engineering.