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
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
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
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
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
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
Cultural Diplomacy of Iran in Central Asia, Status-seeking and nationbranding.
Ahmet Furkan Ozyakar
PhD Candidate in Politics, University of Exeter
Aijan Sharshenova
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
Dr. Chekirova’s research interests include migration and citizenship, informal institutions, political behavior, and state-society relations.