Central Asia

PCEF Regional office for Central Asia

The Centre is supported by PCEF Regional Offices, which are actively involved in preventing and countering fraud in education, promoting ethics, transparency, and integrity in higher education through research, analysis, prevention, and law enforcement, ensuring a stronger national and regional perspective.

The PCEF Regional Office for Central Asia, based in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, is hosted by Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU).

Director of the Regional Office: Prof. Sergey Pen

Contact info:  pen.sergei@mnu.kz

Institution details

Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) is widely recognized as a leading institution for legal education, innovation, and international collaboration in Central Asia. Located in the heart of Astana, MNU educates the next generation of Kazakhstan’s leaders and plays an active role in global academic and policy dialogue. The University delivers academic programs that meet the highest international standards, supported by excellence in research, practice-oriented teaching, and engagement in global initiatives.

MNU comprises five Schools:
  • MNU School of Law;
  • International School of Economics;
  • International School of Journalism;
  • School of Liberal Arts;
  • Business School.

MNU has earned broad international recognition, as demonstrated by
its accreditations and partnerships with prominent global organizations.

These affiliations confirm the University’s strong alignment with
international quality standards and ensure the academic rigor
and relevance of its programs. Key accreditations and memberships include:

MNU serves as an active hub for global dialogue and academic cooperation. The University regularly hosts heads of state, leaders of international organizations, ambassadors, and distinguished global experts, thereby reinforcing its role in promoting ethics, transparency, and integrity in higher education.
Building on this commitment to responsible and forward-looking institutional development, MNU also supports the UN Sustainable Development Agenda and is dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability on campus. In this context, the University strengthens its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals each year through education, research, community engagement, and operational practices.

Maqsut Narikbayev Institute for Network and Development (MIND)

The Maqsut Narikbayev Institute for Network and Development (MIND) is an analytical and research hub at Maqsut Narikbayev University. It was established to support scientific inquiry, strengthen expert knowledge, and foster informed public dialogue.

1) THINK & DO

MIND convenes researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and civil society representatives to address contemporary issues in economics, international relations, law, and the social sciences.

2) Networking & Development

The Institute provides a platform for dialogue among academia, government, business, and civil society, actively building partnerships that advance constructive engagement across sectors.

3) Public Project Office of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan

MIND collaborates with the legislative branch by offering expert support and contributing to the development and promotion of evidence-based initiatives.

4) Research Support Unit

MIND supports the implementation of research projects at MNU and contributes to strengthening the University’s transition toward a research-driven model.

Research Focus Areas: MIND’s research activity spans four major thematic fields: Law, International Relations, Economics, and the Social Sciences. These areas reflect both the University’s academic strengths and the Institute’s commitment to producing research that is relevant to national and regional policy challenges.

Key Areas of Work:

• Supporting project activities of MNU faculty and researchers;
• Conducting government relations (GR) research and policy analysis;
• Fundraising and resource mobilisation for scientific projects;
• Organising closed-door scientific events (seminars, roundtables) to advance academic and expert discussion;
• Hosting public events (lectures, discussions) to popularise scientific knowledge.

As a university-based think tank, MIND works closely with MNU’s Research Schools. The Institute prioritises sustainable collaboration with academic units to strengthen scientific rigor, enhance policy relevance, and increase the societal impact of research conducted by MNU scholars.

Research Schools at MNU:

1. Research School of Labour Law;
2. Research School of German and Administrative Law;
3. Research School of Theory and Philosophy of Law;
4. Research School of International and Private Law;
5. Center for Islamic and Kazakh Law;
6. Institute of Constitutional and Political Studies;
7. Center for Global and Regional Governance;
8. MNU Center for Economic Research.

Additional information about MIND is available here.