The medium of instruction is English. The university will soon add schools of mining, agriculture and communications. Aslan Sarinzhipov, chairman of the university’s executive council, said the institution’s vision is to train professionals with qualifications meeting the highest international standards who will be able to contribute to research, education and the national economy. At least 95 percent of the faculty comes from international universities. Sarinzhipov said the university’s mission is to advance the development of education and research in Kazakhstan as well as to contribute to Astana’s aim of becoming Eurasia’s research and educational center.

‘‘Our main area of focus will remain research,’’ he said. ‘‘At least 50 research programs are under way. It’s an international standard university located in Astana. The curriculum is designed by foreign universities, and faculty hiring is also approved by the strategic partners.’’ Nazarbayev University will play host to the

Eurasian Higher Education Leaders Forum in Astana on Aug. 20-21. Sarinzhipov said the purpose of the conference is to create a discussion platform for scientists, professionals and researchers from Kazakhstan and elsewhere to share their experience, best practices and ideas on cutting-edge research and development, innovations and discoveries in the field of education. The university also welcomes internationally known speakers. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited the university last month to deliver lectures. HARRY NANDA http://www.kazakhembus.com/uploads/NYT/7 - 15_06_2012 KAZAKHSTAN_1407.pdf

Nazarbayev University plans to double its funding for research and technology, and to open a school of medicine by 2014. http://www.kazakhembus.com/uploads/NYT/7%20-%2015_06_2012%20KAZAKHSTAN_1407.pdf