An Academic Journey to Russia and Kazakhstan

The month of June 2025 marked a memorable experience for Dr. Ankit Garg, Associate Professor, Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, School of Science (SCI), Xi¡¯an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Dr. Ankit embarked on an academic journey from China across Kazakhstan and Russia¡ªtwo key nations along the Belt and Road Initiative. The trip was filled with moments of professional recognition, intellectual exchange, and cross-border collaboration, further strengthening ties between XJTLU and leading institutions in Eurasia.

One of the highlights was Dr. Ankit¡¯s appointment as an Honorary Member (Figures 1 and 2) of the Kazakhstan Geotechnical Society (KGS)¡ªa prestigious recognition of his contributions to nature-based solutions in geo-environmental engineering. The honor was conferred by Prof. Askar Zhussupbekov, President of KGS, Chairman of the TC 305 Committee of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), and former Vice President of ISSMGE Asia. This acknowledgment underscores the growing global impact of sustainable geotechnical practices, particularly in addressing climate-resilient infrastructure challenges.

Certificate of Honorary Membership from Kazakhstan Geotechnical Society, Kazakhstan

Conferment of Membership Certificate Conferred?

During his visit, Dr. Ankit also had the privilege of delivering a plenary speech at an international conference on Soil Rheology (Figures 3-5) in Kazan, Russia. The conference brought together leading researchers, engineers, and scientists from the US, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Russia, China, and beyond, focusing on cutting-edge research in field testing and monitoring of permafrost soils¡ªa critical area for environmental and infrastructure development in cold regions, including Northern China and Central Asia.

Doctoral degree Conferement to Dr Elena Bragar (Second from left). Prof Eun Shin (South Korea; left most), Prof Askar Zhussupbekov (President Kazakhstan Geotechnical Society;

Former Vice President ISSMGE Asia) and Prof Ankit Garg (rightmost)

At the conference, alongside Prof. Askar Zhussupbekov (PhD supervisor) and Prof. Eun Chul Shin (Emeritus Professor, Incheon National University, South Korea), Dr. Ankit participated in the PhD conferment ceremony for Dr. Elena Bragar, a brilliant scholar from Russia. As one of the examiners for her PhD defense, Dr. Ankit witnessed her academic achievement, which was a testament to the power of international collaboration in higher education and research.

Beyond the conference, Dr. Ankit engaged with faculty and researchers at Eurasian National University (ENU) in Astana, Kazakhstan (Figures 6-8) and the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology at Kazan Federal University, Russia (Figure 9), where he shared insights into the SCI and XJTLU¡¯s unique internationalized education model. Scholars were particularly impressed by the SCI¡¯s and XJTLU¡¯s diverse faculty and student body, global research networks, and innovative programs such as the Visiting Research Student Policy and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF). Many expressed keen interest in fostering academic exchanges, reinforcing the SCI¡¯s and XJTLU¡¯s growing reputation as a hub for global learning and research collaboration.

Scientists from Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University

Additionally, there was the launch of an international award competition, "Excellent Young Minds in Geotechnics (EIYMG)", in collaboration with Prof. Askar Zhussupbekov and Prof. Assel Tulebekova (General Secretary, Kazakhstan Geosynthetics Society). This initiative aims to recognize outstanding young scholars in soil science and provide them with a platform (such as a webinar series) to inspire others.