About us
We were formed in 2014 with the aim of strengthening and deepening the University’s research and engagement with Asia. Its central aims are to make Asia better known at La Trobe. La Trobe better known in Asia, and to share Asia-focused knowledge with the public. Our goals are to ensure that La Trobe University is a central player in public debates and discussions within and about Asia, to maintain and grow our national and international reputation as one of Australia’s most visible centres of Asia-focused public engagement, and to promote the University’s Asia research and scholarlship. We also cultivate partnerships with universities, think-tanks, NGOs, and policy-makers across the region, collaborating on issues of critical importance to Asia and the world.
We have a long history of expertise in Asia. It is one of two universities in Australia that teach its most widely spoken languages: Chinese, Hindi, and Japanese. It pioneered Asian Studies in Australia, and has since developed strong links with universities across the region.
We, at La Trobe Asia:
- support La Trobe to enhance its brand and reputation for excellence in Asian-focused research and scholarship
- provide a focal point for La Trobe’s many academics who work in and on the region, facilitating La Trobe’s Asia-focused research and engagement opportunities
- produce high-quality publications and podcasts, and hosts events that translate research for the general public
- support academics and seminars for academic audiences
- develop strong partnerships and connections with external government and non-government stakeholders in and beyond Asia
- promote and enhances the real-world impact of La Trobe’s Asia-focus research and engagement
- lead and inform public debate in Australia about Asia and contributes to public debate in the region.
Our team
Senior staff
| Name | Position | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Ruth Gamble | Director, La Trobe Asia | 9479 3667 | R.Gamble@latrobe.edu.au |
Professional staff
| Name | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Smith | Senior Communications Coordinator | matthew.smith@latrobe.edu.au |
| Hannah Bourke | Senior Program Coordinator | h.bourke@latrobe.edu.au |