Diana Toimbek

Dr. Toimbek's background is in quantitative and qualitative research. Her master's thesis explored the knowledge indicators shaping the socio-economic resilience in Kazakhstan. The interest in analysing security issues across political, economic, social, and environmental spheres led to the completion of a PhD in Non-Traditional Security from Zhejiang University in China. The doctoral thesis focused on Kazakhstan's energy security, emphasising the necessity for economic diversification beyond traditional hydrocarbon extraction.

Scholarly contributions extend to peer-reviewed journals, examining political economy and policy of extractive institutional regimes within the context of social and human capital theories. Through a commitment to community service via active engagement with various civic organizations and initiatives, her research interests feature advocacy for addressing public policy and energy transition in the Global South, with particular interest in Central Asia.

Dr. Diana Toimbek holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, and a Ph.D. in Non-Traditional Security from the School of Public Affairs, Department of Government at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China.

She worked as a senior expert at the National Centre for Educational Quality and Assessment (now the Information and Analytical Centre) in Kazakhstan with responsibilities for the nationwide organisation, management, and planning of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

Before joining Ulster University, Dr. Toimbek held academic and administrative positions in China and Kazakhstan.