As part of Science Week, the press service of KazDorNII is pleased to spotlight one of the institute’s most remarkable professionals — a man whose expertise can truly be called unique.

This highly respected specialist is Abdiashim Shalkarov, Leading Research Fellow at the Department for Road and Bridge Diagnostics.

Throughout his distinguished career, Abdiashim Shalkarov has devoted his life to nurturing highly qualified professionals for Kazakhstan’s road construction sector. His contribution to education and research is profound: the author of more than 70 scientific and methodological works, he has explored the design, construction, and reconstruction of bridge structures in depth. He developed R&D programs for advancing and renewing the nation’s road infrastructure regulations and played a key role in drafting State Educational Standards for Higher Professional Education in the specialty “Bridges and Transport Tunnels.”

His practical achievements are equally impressive. Under his supervision, over ten bridge construction and reconstruction projects have been implemented on national highways across the Karaganda, Almaty, and East Kazakhstan regions. Dr. Shalkarov also designed standard solutions for pedestrian bridges suitable for two-, four-, and six-lane highways of categories I-a, I-b, and II. Over the years, he has gained vast experience in bridge diagnostics, certification, and technical assessment, becoming one of the country’s foremost experts in this field.

Even at 67 years old, Dr. Shalkarov continues to move the industry forward. He is currently developing software for the Bridge Maintenance Management System (BMMS) and serves as the lead author of the section “Bridges and Engineering Structures” within the national initiative “Reforming the Regulatory Framework of the Road Sector.”

Today, Dr. Abdiashim Shalkarov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, stands as one of Kazakhstan’s most renowned bridge engineers — a pillar of KazDorNII and a mentor to generations of specialists. With 44 years of experience in the construction industry, he has earned numerous honors, including the title “Құрметті жолшы” (Honored Road Worker, 2016), the L.B. Goncharov Medal (2016), and the “For Outstanding Work on the Road” badge of honor (2020).

KazDorNII proudly calls him its Bridge Elder — a symbol of wisdom, mastery, and lifelong dedication to the roads and bridges that connect our country.