About
Dr. Alex Ding is Professor of English for Academic Purposes at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds, where he also contributes to the Language Centre. He co-leads the new online MA in Teaching English for Academic Purposes and has played a key role in advancing scholarship through leadership roles including Director of Scholarship and founding Director of the Centre for Excellence in Language Teaching (CELT). He initiated the Language Scholar Journal, enhancing academic visibility for language educators.
- B.A. in Philosophy, University of Essex
- Postgraduate qualification in Educational Technology and TESOL, University of Manchester
- Ph.D. in Education, University of Nottingham
His research centers on the identity, agency, and professional development of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) practitioners, drawing on social theory—especially Bourdieu’s conceptual framework—to explore power, legitimacy, and marginalization in academic language education. He investigates how EAP educators navigate institutional structures and construct scholarly identities, with a critical focus on the politics of EAP and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
The body of his recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on practitioner identity, academic communication, and the sociopolitical dimensions of language in higher education. His work consistently integrates applied linguistics with sociological theory, emphasizing equity, ethics, and professional autonomy. He frequently collaborates with scholars such as Ian Bruce and Cynthia White, contributing to influential handbooks and monographs in the field.
Professional Memberships:
- BALEAP (British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes)
- IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language)
Alex Ding has supervised numerous MA, EdD, and PhD students and has led curriculum development and scholarship initiatives across institutions. His leadership in establishing EAP programs at the University of Nottingham and University of Leeds highlights his impact on pedagogical innovation. He has also taught English for Specific Purposes in elite French institutions, demonstrating international expertise. His current projects continue to advance the recognition and theoretical grounding of EAP as a scholarly and professional field.
He is actively involved in research groups including PRIA and the Language Centre, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting postgraduate research opportunities in applied linguistics and language education.
