Centre for China Studies

About the Centre

Located in the Institute for Advanced Study of La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, the Centre for China Studies was formally established in September 2005 as an initiative of La Trobe University, Peking University and Beijing Foreign Studies University. It is the first joint Centre specifically dedicated to China Studies in Australia.

The Centre aims to provide a focal point in Australia for both individual and collaborative research in China Studies, for the development of business and training opportunities in a period of rapidly increasing bilateral links, and for the promotion of Chinese language and culture in Australia.

Objectives

• To establish itself as an internationally recognised research Centre for scholars interested in China Studies;
• To develop co-operative training programs and exchange agreements between China and Australia;
• To promote Chinese language and culture in Australia;
• To strengthen links between China and Australia with a view to contributing to a better mutual understanding between  the peoples of the two countries.

Board Members

The Centre is headed by an Executive Director, who is assisted by a Board of Management which includes senior representatives from the three universities. The current membership of the Board of Management comprises:

Professor Michael J Osborne, Co-President, former Vice Chancellor of La Trobe University;
Professor Hao Ping, Co-President, President of Beijing Foreign Studies University;
Mr Li Yansong, Co-President, Assistant President and Director of International Relations of Peking University;
Mr Bob Goddard, Pro-Vice Chancellor of La Trobe University;
Professor Pei Likun, Foundation Executive Director.

Activities

The Centre will seek in the initial phase to fulfill its mission and achieve its objectives by means of the following specific activities:

• to engage in and coordinate joint research programs related to China;
• to promote Chinese language and Chinese culture in Australia;
• to provide quality training programs and information services.

Location

The Centre is situated in the Institute for Advanced Study in the Michael J. Osborne Centre at La Trobe University, in Melbourne, Australia. View our location map (PDF 272Kb).

Facilities

The Centre’s tranquil setting in beautiful parkland offers an ideal milieu for scholarly activity. The Centre’s facilities include furnished offices, work stations, a library and a multi-functional seminar room. The work stations, equipped with advanced facilities, can accommodate several visiting scholars. The library’s collection holds a large number of books and magazines in both Chinese and English. The library is an important part of the Centre, and is open for use by university staff and students, and by the public. The multi-functional seminar room is equipped with electronic teaching facilities, and is therefore an ideal place to conduct lectures and seminars.

Expert Members of the Centre

The Centre invites outstanding scholars from La Trobe University, Peking University and Beijing Foreign Studies University to join as Expert Members.