Askar Khikmetov

Graduate of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University majoring in applied mathematics, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, IITU Chairperson of the Management Board and Rector. Specialist in mathematical modeling and computational mathematics (specialty code 05.13.18).

Has a vast experience in digitalization of higher education, implementation of R&D projects in the area of information and communications technologies and collaboration with major global IT companies.

Worked as an engineer in a seismological experimental methodical expedition of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Offices held: teacher at the Department of Mathematical and Computer Modeling; head at the Laboratory of Computational and Information Technologies; deputy dean for academic and innovative activities and international relations; head of the Academic and Methodological Office; director at the Department for Academic Affairs and pro-rector for curriculum at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

His research interests cover the tasks associated with the theory of turbulence, mathematical modeling and organization of high-performance computations.

He has over 70 published academic papers on issues of turbulence modeling and development of information systems to deal with various tasks.

Starting from 2002, he has been extensively involved in the university’s R&D activities. As a leading researcher, he served as the head and investigator within projects under fundamental and applied research programs, international cooperation and contract-based programs.

In 2015, he completed advanced training courses at the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education – Professional Development Program for Higher Education Leaders of Kazakhstan 2015, whereupon recommendations on transforming national universities into entrepreneurial ones were given for the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Throughout his professional life, he was awarded with the following national prizes: “National Unity of Kazakhstan” (“Birlik”) medal, “Ibrai Altynsarin” award pin of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, honorary certificate of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, “Kazakhstan Police – 25 years” medal and various letters of appreciation.