The Greater Eurasia Research Center (GEAR)

Introduction

The Greater Eurasia Research Center (GEAR) is a forward-thinking institution initiated by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. GEAR is regionally located at HKUST in Hong Kong and at New Uzbekistan University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. GEAR is devoted to exploring the diverse and evolving dynamics of the Eurasian region. GEAR aims for interdisciplinary research and academic excellence, probing into the historical, contemporary, and future aspects of Eurasia’s economic, social, technological, and political landscapes.

Our Mission

At GEAR, our aspiration is to emerge as a leader in addressing the distinctive challenges and opportunities of the Eurasian region. We are dedicated to generating groundbreaking research and promoting a collaborative environment among scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and communities. We extend beyond the realm of traditional academia, actively participating in both regional and international academic discussions, public policy debates, and development ventures. GEAR operates as an engaging research hub, a vibrant think tank, and a platform for influential research, aiming to contribute significantly to our understanding of Eurasia's past, present, and future.

Research Priorities

  • Socioeconomic Inequality
  • Energy & Environment
  • Education, Human Capital & Migration
  • Technology, Innovation & Knowledge Transfer

International Advisory Board

Professor Steve Durlauf

University of Chicago (Head)

Professor Eyal Winter

Lancaster University

Professor Felix Elwert

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professor Hans Wiesmeth

Technical University of Dresden

Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili

University of Pittsburgh

Professor Klaus Desmet

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Professor Larry Blume

Cornell University

Professor Paul Dower

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professor Song Xi

University of Pennsylvania

Professor Ted Gerber

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Resident Research Fellows

Non-Resident Affiliated Scholars:

Prof. Zafar Nazarov

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Prof. Sergey Nigai

University of Colorado Boulder

Prof. Michael Alexeev

Indiana University

Leora Eisenberg

PhD Candidate, Harvard University

Khasan Redjaboev

PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dilnovoz Abdurazzakova

PhD, Central European University

Prof. Delgerjargal Uvsh

University of Texas at Austin

Prof. Charles Becker

Duke University

Prof. Bo Chen

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Additional Affiliated Fellows

Ulugbek Aminjonov

Postdoctoral Researcher, Bordeaux School of Economics, University of Bordeaux

Dmitrii Kofanov

Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Center for Governance and Markets, University of Pittsburgh

Anton Liutin

PhD Student, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Manzura Jumaniyazova

PhD Candidate, Global Health, Technical University of Munich

Valeria Umanets

Postdoctoral Fellow in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, University of Pittsburgh

Alexis Belianin

Professor, Almaty Management University

Projects Currently Undertaken by GEAR
Current Research Programs

Natural Resources and Renewable Energy Research Cluster

Belt and Road Initiative and Foreign Investment Research Cluster

Climate and Agriculture Research Cluster

Water Management and Sustainable Development Research Cluster

Islamic Banking and Finance Cluster

National Higher Education Reform Cluster

GEAR Events

Special Lecture with Nobel Laureate Jean Tirole Engages New Uzbekistan University Students

On October 14, New Uzbekistan University had the distinguished honor of hosting Nobel Laureate Jean Tirole for...

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