The Lau China Institute is a global centre for the research, study and understanding of contemporary China. We aim to study both China and work with Chinese scholars and others. As such, we seek research collaborations and deeper mutual understanding with the People's Republic of China, ensuring we sit at the heart of King's strategic approach.
Established in 2011, we now have a community of core academics and postgraduate students, including roughly 30 PhD students. We are based within the School of Global Affairs, yet work across all nine faculities and beyond, to engage in multi-disciplinary and innovative research.
Applied knowledge on China
In our research and teaching practices, we give emphasis to generating and disseminating applied China knowledge. This includes research on Chinese affairs that is both relevant and impactful, and informs our teaching. Meaning our graduates acquire applicable, state-of-the-art knowledge on Chinese business, state and society, investment, finance and politics – all of which are useful for their future careers.
Why is it important to study China?
The rising importance of China has had, and will continue to have, a deep impact on the wider world. Whether positively, or negatively, the appearance of a country with such immense economic influence has global significance across geopolitics, culture and globalisation. It shapes approaches to climate change, global health and more.
We are unique in our approach to the interdisciplinary study of China and are equipped to inform on China's global impact. In recent years, we have worked with environmental scientists, psychiatrists, psychologists and neuroscientists, among others, to explore mental health in China. This is just one example of our ability to connect and enhance our efforts to provide applicable and relevant research.
Our research community
Our core staff cover Chinese political economy; Chinese domestic politics, environment, society, anthropology; and international relations. We have current projects on the role of migration in China and India; the Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on Europe; European inward and outward investment engagement with China; and the role of land ownership and property rights in contemporary China.
Our partnerships
Through our academic staff and research students, we publish widely, and undertake outreach events. We are proud of our collaborations with the following organisations:
- China Dialogue: a unique bilingual platform, offering analysis and understanding of the environmental challenges facing China, and the ways these relate to the wider world. We have undertaken research and supported events in collaboration with China Dialogue.
- The Young China Watchers: a global network of young professionals engaged with a wide range of issues around China. We support their annual essay competition, and work with them on hosting major events broadcast across the world. Find out more.
- The Journal of Current Chinese Affairs: published in partnership with the German Institute of Global Affairs (GIGA), by Sage Academic Publishing, this is one of the most respected peer reviewed journals on contemporary China. Professor Kerry Brown is the co-editor.