On the eve of International Women's Day, the pages of the university newspaper "Kazakh University" traditionally become a platform for women whose ideas and enthusiasm shape the face of modern science in Kazakhstan. In an era of rapid technological breakthrough, behind dry algorithms and complex codes there are always individuals whose energy and intellect define the vector of the future. Today, our interviewee is Gulshat Amanzholovna Amirkhanova, PhD, head of a strategic project on the development of digital twins and assistant professor of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data at 91传媒 Kazakh National University. In the course of the conversation, we discussed how parental support and a solid education open the path to technological heights, as well as how scientific traditions connect generations .
– Gulshat Amanzholovna, at the beginning of our conversation, I would like to congratulate you on International Women’s Day – March 8! Scientists are often asked how they came to their path and which personalities influenced them the most. Allow me to ask you the same traditional question. Who inspired you to make this choice?
– Any success in science, even the most technological, begins not with program code, but with upbringing, values, and unconditional love. Looking back on my path, I realize with deep gratitude that everything I have achieved today is the result of the enormous contribution of my parents: Sholpan Toleukyz and Amanzhol Omarhanuly Musabekov. Their belief in me from childhood, their wisdom and support gave me the inner foundation necessary for a researcher to overcome any difficulties. An important milestone was my education at the legendary Republican Specialized Physics and Mathematics School named after O. Zhautykov. This school is not just a school; it is a forge of intellectual elite. It taught me mathematical rigor, discipline of mind, and the ability to find elegant solutions to the most complex problems. It was there that the foundation was laid on which my career in high technologies grew. My parents’ belief in my abilities has always been and remains my main motivation to move forward.
– You graduated from a school for gifted children, then continued your education at a university and defended your doctoral dissertation. Who was your scientific supervisor?
– My development as a scientist is inseparably connected with the Institute of Information and Computational Technologies, where under the guidance of the outstanding academician Maksat Nuradilovich Kalimoldayev, I completed my doctoral studies and defended my dissertation. He taught me the most important principle: high science must be applied and serve the interests of the country. Defending my PhD under his supervision became my “entry ticket” into the world of serious technological developments. A new stage began with the invitation of Madina Yesimkhanovna Mansurova to the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. Under her guidance, I was able to transform my accumulated mathematical background into competencies of the future: predictive analytics, deep learning, and cloud computing. Today, our faculty of information technologies is a place where theory instantly turns into an innovative product.
– What research project are you currently working on?
– Today, I lead a large-scale project on developing a digital twin of a food industry enterprise. It is a living ecosystem where real-time data manages production. Within the project, we use powerful global tools — licensed products of Siemens, such as Tecnomatix Plant Simulation.
With this platform, we:
• create virtual models of workshops;
• conduct “what-if” simulations, predicting bottlenecks and optimizing throughput;
• reduce costs and increase equipment efficiency even before real changes are implemented.
One of the unique achievements of our DigitalEgiz laboratory is the development of an intelligent bot for generating 3D models from photographs. Modern production requires precise visualization, and our AI tool allows creating volumetric models of equipment from a regular image, which significantly accelerates the digitalization process.
In the era of digitalization, enterprises need not only automation but also full transparency and real-time control. For this purpose, the Digital Egiz System was developed — an intelligent monitoring system adapted to modern production needs. The platform combines capabilities for collecting, visualizing, and analyzing data from various objects and sensors, allowing: tracking equipment condition; monitoring environmental parameters; detecting deviations and responding instantly; generating reports and analytics based on real indicators. The system supports integration with external sources and ERP environments, making it flexible and scalable. The user interface simplifies access to information: graphs, metrics, notifications — all in one window. Digital Egiz System is a step toward smart manufacturing, where data works for reliability, safety, and business efficiency .
– Are there any results so far, for example, completed projects?
– Of course. We do not just research — we create tools for life and business. Our developments include:
- OpenTeams — a unique collaboration system integrating the best open-source tools (Wekan, Rocket.Chat, Jitsi Meet, Nextcloud, OpenLDAP). It is a secure platform that allows teams to work autonomously on their own servers without dependence on external services.
- LMS “Kamilya” — our own learning platform based on Chamilo, adapted for Kazakhstani companies. It helps build employee development trajectories and manage knowledge in a unified digital environment. It is not just a platform but part of a digital enterprise ecosystem aimed at workforce development and business efficiency .
– March 8 is associated with women, but a woman is not only a symbol of beauty and spring, but also the keeper of family comfort. How does your family support you?
– My family occupies a special place in my life. It is not just support, but like-minded people. My husband, Bauyrzhan Saydashovich Amirkhanov, and I studied together at the mechanics and mathematics faculty — that legendary foundation from which our modern faculty grew. He not only supports me but actively participates in projects, and our scientific discussions continue even at home. My son, Alikhan Bauyrzhanuly Amirkhanov, is a 4th-year Data Science student and already a young researcher working with me on digital twin projects. This continuity of generations — “RFMSH – KazNU – Science” — gives me tremendous energy.
– Artificial intelligence is a new reality changing our world. What do you think about it?
– Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for humans, but their most powerful partner. Today, AI is everywhere: from predictive analytics in factories to LLM models helping in education. I see how our students change — they become faster and more efficient using these tools. And I am glad to guide them into this new world.
– What would you like to wish your colleagues on the eve of March 8?
– On the eve of this wonderful holiday, I would like to express sincere respect to every woman at our university. Incredible women work at KazNU — beautiful, intelligent, strong in spirit. I am happy to be among you. I wish you balance between scientific achievements and personal comfort, support for your projects, global recognition of your research, and endless inspiration. May every day be filled with light and the joy of creation.
Happy spring holiday, dear colleagues!
– Thank you for the interview! Happy celebration of Women’s Day!
