The Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) applies environmental and climate science expertise to study complex earth surface processes in areas such as pastoralism and farming, sustainable land management and mountain tourism.

It aims to enhance the resilience and livelihoods of mountain societies in an era of dynamic climate change, through research, postgraduate education, capacity-building initiatives, and collaboration with local communities, governmental organisations and international partners.

The Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA) specialises in economic and social policy, particularly public finance, trade, market structure, agriculture, labour markets, SMEs, mining, and socioeconomic issues including health, gender, youth and nutrition.

It seeks to shape public policy policy and governance in the region. It provides programmes in urban sustainable development and economic policy for government officials, professionals and civil society, and contributes to UCA Graduate School masters programme initiatives in the field of sustainable development.

The Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit (CHHU) helps preserve Central Asia’s rich cultural traditions and heritage as assets for the future. It is developing special expertise in cultural production through film, documentary making, music and art.

CHHU pioneers innovative publications and events, works with regional scholars and cultural practitioners, contributes to UCA's teaching, and produces practice-based and scholarly research.

The Civil Society Initiative advances critical thinking about civil society’s development, institutions, stakeholders and leaders in Central Asia, sharing knowledge with stakeholders such as governments to foster an enabling environment for civil society and nonprofits. It hosts the School for the Advancement of Gender Equality (SAGE) and the Academy of Women Leadership.

The Afghanistan Research Initiative (ARI) aims to help sustain the research and capacity gains made over the last decade and continue producing knowledge critical to the country’s present and future.

ARI supports Afghan students in doctoral programmes, especially those facing funding challenges in completing their dissertation research in the social sciences, humanities, gender studies, and biological, earth and environmental sciences. It hosts online lectures, conferences, and other activities to disseminate research and connect disparate research groups.