29-30 October, 2026

XV NIS Conference 2026

School and Human Potential: Quality Education and Equal Opportunities

About Conference

AEO «Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools» is a leading driver of change in secondary education in Kazakhstan. Since 2008, we have developed innovative educational programs, assessment systems, and educational resources for teacher training that are being distributed throughout the education system in Kazakhstan.

Our International Conference is an important event for reformers interested in the future of secondary education in Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole. The Conference attracts a global audience of leaders, thinkers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss and address pressing issues in education.

Conference Hall
2
days
1390
participants
24
international speakers
48
speakers from Kazakhstan
37
thematic sessions

Important Dates

19 June
Registration Start
19 June
Abstract Submission Start
7 August
Abstract Submission Deadline
28 August
Notification of Abstract Acceptance
October, 29 - 30
XV NIS Conference 2026

Program

9:30 - 10:00
Conference Opening
10:00 - 11:30
Plenary Session/ Keynote Speeches
11:30 - 11:45
Break
11:45 - 13:00
Thematic Sections, Q&A Sessions
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 15:15
Plenary Session
15:15 - 16:30
Thematic Sections, masterclasses
16:30 - 16:45
Break
16:45 – 18:00
Panel Discussion

Speakers of the NIS Conference 2026

Eszter Salamon

Eszter Salamon

Director, Parents International; Visiting Professor, Vytautas Magnus University

Francesco Banchini

Francesco Banchini

CEO & Director, European Azerbaijan School (EAS)

Olivia Roth

Olivia Roth

Director of School Evaluation & Development Services, Council of International Schools (CIS)

Simon Lightman

Simon Lightman

Head of Humanities, Victoria International School of Sharjah, UAE

Colleen McLaughlin

Colleen McLaughlin

Emerita Professor of Education, University of Cambridge

Anastasiia Serazetdinova

Anastasiia Serazetdinova

Founder and Head of the educational project Hungry Teachers (a support and training platform for educators), practicing counseling psychologist

Aidan Clerkin

Aidan Clerkin

Research Fellow, Educational Research Centre, Ireland

Douglas K. Hartman

Douglas K. Hartman

Professor of Technology & Human Learning, Michigan State University

Bruce Lander

Bruce Lander

Dean of the Graduate School of Language and Communication, Matsuyama University, Japan

Harry Anthony Patrinos

Harry Anthony Patrinos

Head of the Department of Education Reform and 21st Century Endowed Chair in Education Policy at the University of Arkansas

Andrew Hargreaves

Andrew Hargreaves

Research Professor, Boston College; Visiting Professor, University of Ottawa; President & Co-Founder, ARC Education

Information for Speakers

Information will be available soon.

NIS Korme Exhibition

The conference includes exhibition of publishing houses and digital technologies, which traditionally becomes a key point of attraction for participants.

Every year, the exhibition brings together more than 1,000 guests, including teachers, school principals, representatives of government agencies and international organizations. This is a unique opportunity to present your products, establish professional connections and be at the center of current educational trends.

We invite you to become an exhibition owner! Show your products, talk about your solutions and become part of the community shaping the future of education.

Exhibition
Technology

Strategic Partners

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Contacts

Address:

Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Nura District Khussein ben Talal str., building 21/1