On November 20, the International Exhibition Center EXPO in Astana hosted the award ceremony for the competition “Best Innovative Development in Road Construction”. The contest brought together young researchers and practitioners presenting forward-looking ecological solutions capable of transforming the approach to road construction and maintenance in Kazakhstan.
The event was held under the theme “Environmental Aspects of Transport Infrastructure: Decarbonization and Industrial Waste” and was organized by the Kazakhstan Road Research Institute (KazdorNII). Participants included scientists, engineers, representatives of research institutes and universities, as well as officials from government agencies and road construction companies.
The competition was part of a broader global discussion on the future of road construction, held within the framework of the international scientific and practical conference “Roads and Innovations.”
Finalist projects showcased the diversity of scientific approaches and the growing role of secondary resources in the road sector. The participants presented solutions based on the use of recycled materials, industrial waste processing, and the enhancement of traditional materials through modern technologies. Many developments aimed to increase the strength and durability of road surfaces under heavy traffic loads, extreme temperatures, and the specific conditions of Kazakhstan’s climate. A significant number of projects focused on reducing the carbon footprint by optimizing logistics, lowering energy consumption, or introducing materials that require fewer natural resources.
Submissions were evaluated according to strict criteria, including technological relevance and demand, economic efficiency, readiness for implementation, availability of prototypes, and the depth of scientific justification.
The competition jury included the Chair of the National Committee of the World Road Association (PIARC) in Kazakhstan, the Head of Science and Quality Management at the Committee of Highways of the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, a professor from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, the Quality Management Director of PROGRESS KZ, and the leadership of KazdorNII.
The jury assessed each project’s potential to enhance the environmental sustainability of road infrastructure. Key considerations included investment prospects, marketing strategy, and the potential for commercialization.
A common feature of all presented solutions was their practical focus: authors demonstrated that eco-friendliness can go hand in hand with economic efficiency, and that innovations can be implemented in real production processes today. This approach highlights the growing role of science in shaping a new model of road construction centered on sustainability, safety, and long-term effectiveness.
Winners received certificates, cash prizes, and, most importantly, the opportunity to implement their solutions in practice. First place went to Vyacheslav Kunaev for his project on high-strength hot and cold asphalt mixtures based on enriched blast-furnace slag; second place was awarded to Sung-Woo Moon and Nazerke Sagidullina for their solution on sustainable soil stabilization using converter slag; third place went to Erzhan Imanbayev for developing a bitumen modification technology using industrial waste, revealing the potential of secondary materials to improve road surface quality.
Participants also gained access to mentorship from leading experts, advisory support for project implementation, and opportunities for publication in scientific journals. For young researchers, the competition provided a pathway into the talent pool of KazdorNII and a chance to continue working on innovations with the support of a professional community.