At Nazarbayev University, we ensure a fair and rigorous evaluation process for SmartEarth 2025 by selecting esteemed judges from both industry and academia. Our panel consists of experts with deep domain knowledge and experience in sustainability, environmental innovation, and green technology.
Who Are Our Judges?
Sustainability Leaders
Professionals from environmental organizations, clean energy companies, and sustainable development initiatives.
Environmental Scientists
Researchers and professors specializing in climate science, conservation biology, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.
Technology Experts
Specialists in emerging technologies like IoT for environmental monitoring, renewable energy systems, and sustainable smart cities.
Impact Investors & Entrepreneurs
Visionaries who fund and build sustainable businesses with environmental and social impact.
Selection Criteria for Judges
Environmental Expertise
- Must have significant experience in environmental science, sustainable technology, or green innovation.
- Should have demonstrated commitment to addressing climate change and environmental challenges.
Professional Excellence
- Senior professionals from reputed environmental organizations, sustainable businesses, or research institutions.
- Professors or researchers with relevant publications and contributions to environmental science or technology.
Innovation & Solution Orientation
- Must have experience evaluating or developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
- Ability to assess both technical feasibility and real-world impact of proposed solutions.
Fairness & Impartiality
- Must demonstrate integrity and the ability to provide unbiased evaluations of diverse approaches.
- Should not have direct affiliations with participating teams or conflicts of interest.
Commitment to Mentorship
- Ability to review projects, provide constructive feedback, and help participants improve their solutions.
- Willingness to share expertise and guide the next generation of environmental innovators.
How We Appoint Judges
Invitation & Nomination
We invite recognized environmental experts and accept nominations from Nazarbayev University faculty and partner organizations.
Diversity & Expertise Balance
We ensure our judging panel represents diverse perspectives, disciplines, and backgrounds relevant to environmental innovation.
Ethics Review
Judges must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and commit to our ethical judging guidelines.
Final Confirmation
Appointed judges receive detailed assessment criteria and participate in a pre-event briefing on SmartEarth's goals and values.