Jason Lau

Jason Lau is a Richard Charles Lee Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the United States and the Asian Institute, affiliated with the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. His work bridges anthropology, digital technology, and societal impact in the context of China.

• Ph.D. in Anthropology from New School for Social Research
• Supported by the National Science Foundation and Wenner-Gren Foundation

Research interests include:

• Digital Development within Asia
• Global Digital Cultures
• Impact of Smartphones and Mobile Internet
• Technology-Society Interactions
• Cultural Design in Digital Contexts
• Policy Implications of Digital Wellness

Recent publications span both digital anthropology and plant-microbe mutualism studies, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement. Awards include the M+ Museum / Design Trust Research Fellowship and the Stanley Diamond Memorial Award. Previously taught at Parsons School of Design, integrating social sciences with design and technology.

Scientific awards:

• 2022-2024 M+ Museum / Design Trust Research Fellowship
• 2021 Stanley Diamond Memorial Award in the Social Sciences
• 2017-2018 Graduate Institute for Design, Ethnography & Social Thought Fellowship
• 2013-2015 National Science Foundation Grant
• 2013-2015 Wenner-Gren Foundation Fieldwork Research Grant

Dr. Lau actively engages in public policy dialogues on digital wellness and continues to explore global digital ecosystems through teaching and research collaborations.