University of Central Asia and the Glasgow School of Art Sign MoU to Strengthen Academic and Research Collaboration

The University of Central Asia (UCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Glasgow School of Art (GSA), Scotland, to deepen academic cooperation and advance joint research and education initiatives between the two institutions, with a special focus on climate change and cultural heritage in mountain regions.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in UCA’s expanding global partnerships and reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering innovation in education, research, and knowledge exchange.

This new MoU builds on the successful collaboration between UCA and GSA, particularly through the prestigious GSA Winter School. As in previous years, UCA students participated in the Winter School in Glasgow, where they engaged in advanced design, architecture, and creative research projects—gaining valuable international exposure and forging new academic networks.

Under the MoU, UCA and GSA will collaborate on a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Collaborative Research Framework: Establishing a joint framework based on the GSA Master of Research (MRes) model, including cross-institutional contributions and research residencies.
• Research Fellowships: Launching UCA–GSA Research Fellowships, enabling academic staff exchanges to pursue shared research priorities.
• Joint Research Seminars: Developing and delivering a UCA–GSA seminar series focused on place-driven research and intercultural literacy.
• Participation in Teaching Projects: Sustaining UCA’s participation in GSA teaching projects, including the School of Innovation and Technology’s (SIT) annual Winter School.
• Student Exchange Programme: Establishing a reciprocal student exchange programme with recognition of credit transfers through individual learning agreements.

In addition, a Mountain-to-Mountain initiative under the GSA Rural Lab will be developed to advance place-driven innovation, regenerative economies, and cultural heritage preservation in mountain communities of Central Asia and Scotland.

Speaking on the occasion hosted by GSA Director Professor Penny Macbeth and Senior Leadership team, UCA Rector Professor Christopher Gerry noted that the partnership builds on the universities’ shared vision of connecting diverse communities through research, creativity, and education. “This collaboration will provide UCA students and faculty with greater access to global expertise, while also bringing the unique perspectives of Central Asia’s mountain regions into international scholarly and artistic dialogues,” he said.

Founded in 1845, the Glasgow School of Art is one of the world’s leading art and design institutions and is consistently ranked among the global top 10 for excellence in education and research.

The University of Central Asia (UCA), founded in 2000, is one of the world’s few regional, internationally chartered, fully residential universities. Established through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, the Treaty was ratified by the parliaments of the three countries and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents of the three Founding States serve as Patrons of UCA, and His Highness the Aga Khan is the Chancellor.

This partnership supports UCA in working towards its mission to promote the quality of life and sustainable development of mountain communities in Central Asia.