DSpace Repository

Nazarbayev University Repository (NUR) is an institutional electronic archive designed for the long-term preservation, aggregation, and dissemination of scientific research outcomes and intellectual property produced by the Nazarbayev University community and affiliated organizations.

NU Research Portal - here you can find information about research projects, publications, and other activities of our 400+ researchers and faculty members.

Communities in DSpace

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5

001. Theses 2886
002. NU Research Publications 11285
003. NU Research Institutes & Centres 586
004. NU Journals & Magazines 279
005. Forums, Conferences & Projects 1332

Recent Submissions

Access status: Open Access ,
Neural-Augmented Modeling and Control of Hybrid Series-Parallel Elastic Actuators for Humanoid Robotics
(Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 2026-04) Umurzakov, Timur; Folgheraiter, Michele; Rubagotti, Matteo; Gini, Giuseppina
Humanoid robots require actuators that are adaptive, efficient, and cost-effective, yet conventional solutions such as harmonic drives often struggle to balance compliance, precision, and affordability. This thesis introduces a neural-augmented modeling and control framework built around a novel hybrid Series-Parallel Elastic Actuator (SEA-PEA). The actuator integrates a BLDC motor, a planetary gearbox, and a rotary pneumatic element, leveraging controlled gearbox backlash to switch between series and parallel elastic behaviors. Within the backlash region, it functions as a Series Elastic Actuator (SEA), providing tunable stiffness through pneumatic pressure, enhancing compliance and safety, and enabling the storage and release of mechanical energy. Outside the region, it transitions to a Parallel Elastic Actuator (PEA), delivering stiff, precise, and energy-efficient torque transmission. To capture these nonlinear dynamics, a hybrid modeling strategy is proposed: an Echo State Network (ESN) for the SEA regime and a Wiener model for the PEA regime. Experimental validation shows that this architecture reduces modeling error compared to conventional ANN approaches. Beyond modeling, the artificial neural network framework was applied to enhance control of the hybrid SEA–PEA actuator itself, showing improved tracking performance and robustness compared to traditional control approaches. Building on this foundation, the same neural modeling and control principles were extended to a 12-DOF humanoid robot, where ESN-based Computed Torque Control (CTC) enabled reliable sim-to-real transfer validated both in simulation (PyBullet) and on a physical robot prototype. Compared to PID and torque control, neural-augmented CTC achieved lower mean square error (MSE) and reduced energy consumption, with further improvements under external load when combined with online Recursive Least Squares (RLS) adaptation.
Access status: Open Access ,
Engineering of metal oxide nanostructures and interfaces for applications in perovskite solar cells
(Nazarbayev University School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, 2026-04) Yelzhanova, Zhuldyz; Balanay, Mannix; Ng, Annie
Continued growth of the global population has driven electricity usage to unprecedented heights, placing pressure on conventional energy sources and accelerating the transition to renewable technologies. Among these, solar energy is especially attractive due to advances in materials science and scalable photovoltaic fabrication. Although silicon-based photovoltaic cells dominate the market, their high-temperature and energy-intensive manufacturing underscores the demand for alternative technologies. Consequently, solution-processable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising candidates, characterized by low-temperature fabrication, rapid power conversion efficiency (PCE) gains reaching 27% in just 17 years, and tunable bandgaps suitable for single-junction and tandem devices. However, persistent stability issues hinder the broader application of PSCs. Central to this investigation is the electron transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interface, as it significantly impacts charge transport, recombination dynamics, and device stability. Accordingly, two distinct interfacial engineering techniques were investigated for different PSC architectures: hybrid organic-inorganic and all-inorganic perovskite-based solar cells. The first approach focused on nanostructured ETLs, offering a large surface area, tunable geometric characteristics, and enhanced charge transport pathways for effective interfacial engineering. Considering that the solvothermal growth of SnO2 nanorod arrays is highly sensitive to the synthesis conditions, every critical parameter was systematically optimized to establish a reliable and reproducible fabrication protocol. Several parameters are involved: reactor pressure, substrate orientation, solvent ratio, seed-layer configuration, acetic acid concentration, and growth duration. The findings emphasize the importance of precisely controlling growth parameters for effective interfacial engineering and provide a practical framework for future customization of specific nanorod shapes by adjusting the identified synthesis parameters. In the second approach, an ultrathin MgO interlayer was incorporated between the ETL and the CsPbI2Br. The influence of the MgO interlayer was evaluated through a comprehensive set of investigations, revealing that MgO-incorporated PSCs significantly improved the photovoltaic performance and stability. Following 7 weeks of storage, the MgO-incorporated devices maintained 70% of their initial PCE, whereas the unmodified counterparts dropped to 55%. The devices were further tested for their resilience against proton irradiation to assess their performance in harsh environments. The MgO-optimized devices exhibited high durability and demonstrated a slight improvement in photovoltaic parameters. In contrast, the unmodified devices showed a significant reduction, retaining only 47% of their initial performance after 11 weeks. This thesis underscores the critical role of interfacial engineering in PSCs, demonstrating how innovative strategies enable the development of stable and efficient perovskite solar technologies.
Access status: Open Access ,
NEET Youth in Kazakhstan: Risk Factors and Government Response. Case study of Astana
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2026-04) Andrus, Yekaterina; Turkmenova, Tamila; Ibadulla, Symbat; Sharipova, Dina
The current study explores NEET youth phenomenon, youth who are not actively working, studying or training, in Kazakhstan with emphasis on risk factors, policy related to the phenomenon and institutional constraints. While official NEET rates are relatively low, the problem is still serious because of the hidden types of inactivity and structural barriers that complicate the process of finding a job for young people. This research utilises a mixed methods approach, using quantitative data from the 2024 Labor Force Survey, alongside qualitative data generated by semi-structured interviews with NEET youth and institutional workers. Quantitative analysis revealed that the key risk factors for NEET youth included gender, marital status, presence of children, and education. Qualitative results provide insight into the specific cases of NEET youth and how Youth Resource Centers work. According to the study, NEET status in Kazakhstan is related to more than just the person. There is also a correlation to family dynamics, less work experience, and unclear career paths. The interviews also expose institutional issues such as the lack of awareness of government programs, reactive roles performed by Youth Resource Centers, fragmented governance, the absence of performance measures and a lack of resources. Overall, current policy response is not able to adequately address the complexity involved in the NEET problem. To solve the issue, we need a more focused approach, better communication between people, and new ways of measuring long-term results.
Access status: Open Access ,
Factors Shaping Electoral Outcomes in Kazakhstan’s Local Akim Elections
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2026-04-24) Kusherbayev, Alikhan; Iskendirov, Almas; Aubakir, Alibek; Arynov, Zhanibek
One of the key components of democratic societies are competitive elections. President Tokayev initiated a unique power transition in Kazakhstan by enabling elections of the local executive branch by the people. This study examines the competitiveness of local elections of akims (mayors) in Kazakhstan using a combined analysis of quantitative evidence from the electoral commissions and qualitative data gathered from the interviews and focus groups meetings. Quantitative data describes how components, such as proximity to the regional urban centres and winning candidates’ gender, age, incumbency and party affiliation, predict the competition for the seat of akim. Interviews provide more in-depth insights regarding the factors which influenced the competition in respective districts. The regression results and analysis of stakeholders reviews can fill in the gaps in literature and help understand the electoral processes in Kazakhstan deeper and deliver necessary takeaways for underrepresented groups and new candidates
Access status: Open Access ,
Kazakhstan’s ‘Green Economy’ Strategy: What barriers are hindering the success of Renewable Energy transition goals?
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2026-05-17) Zhaksylyk, Dias; Bakhytzhan, Daniyarbek; Kakimova, Madina; Valentine, Scott
This report will examine the policies implemented by Kazakhstan’s government to move toward renewable energy sources (RES) in the nation’s electric power production. These policies reflect the country’s commitment to the goals outlined within the Paris Agreement to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions and support the use of clean energy technologies. While Kazakhstan is currently largely dependent upon coal and natural gas for generating electrical power, the government has taken steps to encourage the use of RES. Specifically, the country introduced feed-in tariffs for RES in 2014 and competitive renewable energy auctions in 2018. Using Painuly’s (2001) hierarchical barrier model, this research identified twelve key obstacles limiting the growth of RES in Kazakhstan. Based on the responses from stakeholders, which were measured on a Likert scale ranging from one to five, this research evaluated how each obstacle was perceived. A qualitative methodology based on semistructured interviews with eleven different stakeholders utilized grounded theory to analyze their perspectives. The data indicates that technical barriers, specifically outdated energy infrastructure, are viewed as being the greatest hurdles facing RES growth in Kazakhstan (average rating of 4.55/5). Finally, the paper outlines several policy options designed to address these barriers and ultimately contribute to the realization of the country’s stated objective regarding its transition to a cleaner source of energy.