The UK – Central Asia Research Network has been initiated by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to facilitate collaboration between researchers from the UK, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The network focuses on the climate — water — energy — food nexus. Reliable access to clean water and supply of the affordable modern energy are essential for achieving the sustainable development goals including food security. Central Asia is a water-deficient region and one of the hot spots of climate change which puts additional stress on water (supplied predominantly by the mountain cryosphere whose degradation is well-documented) and increases risk of the extreme events such as droughts and floods.

Adaptation to the climate emergency, reduction of risks, and timely mitigation of climate change require cross-disciplinary research and collaboration between academics and practitioners working in Central Asia and international experts. To facilitate the collaboration, the Walker Institute at the University of Reading created a hub providing provide home for the UK – Central Asia Research Network. Here, you can find information about the ongoing and recently completed projects, new opportunities, other networks focusing on Central Asia, connect with relevant institutions, and find new collaborators. Join the network by creating your own profile so that the network members can connect to you.

The importance of collaboration between the UK and Central Asia in achieving greater climate and economic resilience

“By working together, the UK and Central Asia can address shared concerns such as economic resilience, climate change, food and water security. Therefore, we have convened a network of academics across British universities working on these challenges in Central Asia. Through joint research initiatives, capacity-building programmes, and knowledge exchange, the academics affiliated with the UK–Central Asia Research Network contribute directly to these goals. Strengthening these collaborations not only advances academic and policy-driven research but also ensures long-term socio-economic benefits, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for both regions.”

— Undala Alam, FCDO Regional Climate Adviser