Cheng Lisa

Lisa Cheng is a Chair Professor of Linguistics at the Department of Linguistics, Leiden University (Netherlands), holding this role since 2000. She previously served as Associate Professor (with tenure) and Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine (1991-2000). Her research focuses on the syntax-phonology interface, syntax-semantics interface, Chinese syntax-semantics, Bantu syntax, and comparative syntax.

• PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1991)
• MA/BA, Linguistics, University of Toronto (1986)

She has led major projects including Ellipsis licensing beyond syntax (NWO-funded), Understanding Questions (NWO-funded), and coordinated the FP7 collaboration Advancing the European Multilingual Experience. She co-founded the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (2005) and served on its board until 2013.

• Regional Chair, University of Nantes (2013)
• Member, The Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities (2013-present)

In her academic service, she chaired ERC panels for impact evaluation and consolidator grants, and sat on the NWO VIDI committee.