91��ý

On March 3, 2026, a guest lecture by S. Zhakisheva was held in the conference hall of the Abai Library. The lecture was titled “Mathematical Methods and Information Technologies in Historical Science: Innovations in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The aim of the lecture was to highlight the comprehensive role of historical informatics as an interdisciplinary field that integrates quantitative methods, digital technologies, and humanities knowledge to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The lecturer demonstrated through specific examples how contemporary historical science is actively transforming: alongside traditional approaches, mathematical methods, digital technologies, and big data analysis are widely applied, expanding research capabilities.

Quantitative methods within the framework of historical informatics—such as statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and network analysis—enable the study of demographic and socio-economic processes. At the same time, digital technologies (databases, digital archives, geographic information systems (GIS), big data, and artificial intelligence) ensure the efficient processing and analysis of historical information.

Thus, it was emphasized that historical science is shifting from descriptive approaches toward analytical and model-based research, contributing to the development of education, the preservation of cultural heritage, the strengthening of institutions and scientific infrastructure, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the context of SDG 4 — Quality Education, the digitalization of historical science contributes to the development of a modern educational environment based on the use of e-learning platforms, e-learning systems, and virtual learning environments that support distance learning and open and distance learning. This expands access to historical sources and knowledge, reduces educational inequality, and enhances the quality of higher education. An important priority is the development of competency-based education, as well as the strengthening of analytical and mathematical skills and digital competencies necessary for working with historical data.

The link with SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure is manifested through the development of a digital research environment and scientific infrastructure. Historical informatics relies on ICT infrastructure, internet infrastructure, and the principles of Industry 4.0 and Industry 4.0 technologies, including big data processing and the use of digital platforms. This fosters the development of innovation systems, regional innovation systems, and the implementation of innovation strategies, as well as strengthening university–industry collaboration, thereby reducing the digital divide through expanded access to the internet and digital resources.

Within the framework of SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities, historical science plays a key role in the study and preservation of cultural heritage sites, architectural heritage, and historical buildings, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. Through digital technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and digital archives, researchers analyze urban transformation, urban landscapes, and urban ecosystems. These approaches contribute to heritage preservation and heritage management, ensuring the transmission of historical memory to future generations.

A particularly important contribution of historical informatics is related to SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through the restoration of historical justice. The application of quantitative methods and digital databases enables the study of human rights violations, political repression, and demographic catastrophes, as well as the analysis of violence victimization and data on victims of violence. This aligns with the principles of transitional justice, aimed at acknowledging historical truth and restoring justice. The digitalization of archives promotes information transparency, the development of open government, e-government, and e-governance, and strengthens political trust. Civic participation, public engagement, participatory approaches, participatory governance, and collaborative decision-making, including community-based participatory research (CBPR), play a significant role in fostering a more just and inclusive society.

Thus, the application of mathematical methods and information technologies in historical science forms a modern scientific, educational, and research ecosystem that simultaneously contributes to the advancement of education, the strengthening of infrastructure, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the restoration of historical justice, ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

S. Zhakisheva – Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of World History, Historiography and Source Studies at 91��ý Kazakh National University