Researcher Directory

The Central Asia Researcher Directory is an inter-regional network of experts which builds a community of scholars, exposes members to a range of ideas, promotes constructive debate, dialogue and mutual trust.

Activities held in conjunction with our network of associate partners from the private sector, policymaking and civil society worlds offer further opportunities for members to gain different perspectives, network and find job opportunities.

  • Internal research symposia: Oxus convenes bi-annual research meetings, in which members can present their latest research and receive feedback.
  • Internal training workshops: Members benefit from regular training sessions in research methodology, safety, ethics, writing, publishing and public speaking.
  • Co-applications for funding: Members are encouraged to form partnerships and apply for external funding for projects of mutual interest.
  • Publications: Through the Oxus Society website, members have the opportunity to publish their research.
  • Events with policymakers: Oxus holds regular briefing events with government agencies.

We welcome anyone who:

  • Conducts research on Central Asia;
  • Has a university degree in a relevant field (Master’s level or equivalent) or equivalent professional experience.

Please fill out this form and upload your headshot at this link.

We will endeavor to add or update your profile as quickly as possible; however, please be aware that this can take up to several weeks.

Information is periodically sent to this group on recent research, possible research sites, funding, and other areas of potential interest. Inclusion in the directory does not constitute formal affiliation with Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs.

Abhi Goyal

Position: Senior Program Associate, International Republican Institute
Email: agoyal@email.wm.edu

My previous research was on urban migrant communities, novostroiki, around Bishkek. I currently conduct polling with IRI and research the political system and parties of Kyrgyzstan as well as adjacent socio-political issues.

Abhi Goyal

Senior Program Associate, International Republican Institute

Abigail Scripka

Position: Graduate Student, University of Glasgow, Tartu University, KIMEP University (IMCEERES Program)
Email: abbyscripka@gmail.com
Affiliation: University of Glasgow, Tartu University, KIMEP University (IMCEERES Program)

Secularism, Tengrism, and Islam in Central Asia and their effect on policy-making and society.

Abigail Scripka

Graduate Student, University of Glasgow, Tartu University, KIMEP University (IMCEERES Program)

Ablet Kamalov

Position: Professor of History, Turan University, Almaty
Email: abletk@mail.ru
Affiliation: Turan University, Almaty

My research interests include history and culture of Uyghurs of Xinjiang (Eastern Turkistan) and Central Asia, historiography and written sources, Diaspora and Migration studies, History of International relations with Central Asia, Russia and China.

Ablet Kamalov

Professor of History, Turan University, Almaty

Adam Hug

Position: Director, Foreign Policy Centre
Email: adam.hug@fpc.org.uk
Affiliation: Foreign Policy Centre

I am a generalist but with a strong interest in the post-Soviet space (particularly Central Asia and the South Caucasus) . My research in the region has involved a number of deep dives examining the overall performance of governments and suggesting areas for reform. I focus on placing analysis of human rights and governance issues in wider political and geopolitical contexts.

Adam Hug

Director, Foreign Policy Centre

Adrian Zenz

Position: Senior Fellow in China Studies, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
Email: adrian@zenz.org
Affiliation: Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

China’s ethnic minority policy in Xinjiang and Tibet. Securitization, internment, budgets.

Adrian Zenz

Senior Fellow in China Studies, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

Ahmet Furkan Ozyakar

Position: PhD Candidate in Politics, University of Exeter
Email: ao349@exeter.ac.uk
Affiliation: University of Exeter

Cultural Diplomacy of Iran in Central Asia, Status-seeking and nationbranding.

Ahmet Furkan Ozyakar

PhD Candidate in Politics, University of Exeter

Aijan Sharshenova

Position: Associate Research Fellow, OSCE Academy
Email: a.sharshenova@osce-academy.net

My current research interests include Russia’s soft power in Central Asia, Russian colonialism, Soviet Central Asia, and Central Asian authoritarianism. Other research interests are the EU in Central Asia, democracy promotion and autocracy promotion in Central Asia, governance and security sector reform.

Aijan Sharshenova

Associate Research Fellow, OSCE Academy

Ajar Chekirova

Position: Assistant Professor, Lake Forest College
Email: achekirova@lakeforest.edu
Affiliation: Lake Forest College

Dr. Chekirova’s research interests include migration and citizenship, informal institutions, political behavior, and state-society relations.

Ajar Chekirova

Assistant Professor, Lake Forest College

Ajay Patnaik

Position: Professor, Centre for Russian & Central Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi
Email: patnaik.ajay@gmail.com
Affiliation: Centre for Russian & Central Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi

Works on issues of Nationality, Ethnicity, urbanisation and migration, Gender roles, Energy, Geopolitics and Security in the Central Asia/Eurasia Region. Latest research interests include Nature and Forms of Protests in Central Asia and BRICS.

Ajay Patnaik

Professor, Centre for Russian & Central Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi

Akbota Karibayeva

Position: PhD student, George Washington University
Email: akaribayeva@gwu.edu
Affiliation: George Washington University

My research interests include political regimes, security cooperation, technological modernization, energy markets, and women empowerment in Central Asia.

Akbota Karibayeva

PhD student, George Washington University

Aksana Ismailbekova

Position: Researcher, Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient
Email: aksana_ismailbekova@yahoo.co.uk
Affiliation: Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient

My research focus is on Fergana Valley (conflict, ethnicity, peace-building, migration, corruption, remittances).

Aksana Ismailbekova

Researcher, Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient

Alan DeYoung

Position: Emeritus Professor, University of Kentucky
Email: aldeyoung@gmail.com
Affiliation: University of Kentucky

Transitions of secondary and higher education. Status of teachers and teaching in CA. Inequalities in education.

Alan DeYoung

Emeritus Professor, University of Kentucky

Alan Outram

Position: Professor of Archaeological Science, University of Exeter
Email: a.k.outram@exeter.ac.uk
Affiliation: University of Exeter

Archaeology of horse domestication and prehistoric pastoralists.

Alan Outram

Professor of Archaeological Science, University of Exeter

Albina Muratbekova

Position: Research Fellow, Eurasian Research Institute
Email: albina.muratbek@gmail.com
Affiliation: Eurasian Research Institute

I am interested in China-India interests in Central Asian region, Central Asian regional cooperation, and Development of Oriental Studies in Central Asian states.

Albina Muratbekova

Research Fellow, Eurasian Research Institute

Alexander Kupatadze

Position: Lecturer, King's College London
Email: akupatad@gmail.com
Affiliation: King's College London

Organized crime, corruption, terrorism.

Alexander Kupatadze

Lecturer, King's College London