By bringing together a team of researchers from complementary sciences, the Mountain Society Research Institute can, for example, combine socio-economic analysis, hydrology, and cartography. The objective is to bring together different areas of expertise in order to analyse, understand, and contribute to the development of mountain societies in the isolated valleys of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan), where little or no research is being conducted.

Afghanistan and Central Asia face serious climatic and economic challenges. A three-year partnership with the International Development Research Centre, University of Central Asia (UCA) and Aga Khan Foundation Canada focused on innovative and hands-on research and training to strengthen individual and organisational skills in math, environmental science and economic policy in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.