As part of the project “Artificial Intelligence and the Ethics of Social Justice: A Conceptual Understanding of Opportunities and Risks in the Processes of Social Modernization in Kazakhstan,” Shyryn Tlenchieva, Head of the Center for Sociology at the Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies (IPhPR), and Research Fellow Aidana Serikbayeva participated in the 24th Annual Conference of the International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS), held on August 11–14, 2026, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, USA.

The conference brought together researchers from different countries working in the fields of quality of life, subjective well-being, and social research. The participation of the Institute’s representatives contributed to the exchange of academic expertise and the development of professional networks.

Following the conference, an agreement was reached to further develop academic cooperation with Professor Martijn J. Burger, Academic Director of the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation (EHERO) at Erasmus University Rotterdam and a specialist in well-being economics and the social factors influencing quality of life.

On August 25, an online meeting was held with the participation of the Institute’s leadership to discuss prospects for joint research and participation in international academic initiatives.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the fields of social transformations, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence, as well as to studying their social and ethical implications, which directly relates to the project’s research agenda on AI and ethics.

The parties expressed their interest in continuing the academic dialogue, developing joint research initiatives, and expanding cooperation.

Strengthening partnerships with international research institutions contributes to the development of interdisciplinary research and enhances the position of Kazakhstani sociology in the international academic community.