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François-Karl Gschwend is a Lecturer at the Chinese Studies Unit of the University of Geneva . His academic work spans Chinese and Japanese languages, cultures, lexicology, and the translation of contemporary Chinese literature, with particular expertise in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Focuses on micronarratives and cultural representation Active in translation studies and lexicological analysis Engages in both academic and public-facing writing Research Trends : Gschwend’s publications emphasize contemporary Chinese short fiction, cross-cultural translation practices, and the intersection of cultural studies with historical analysis. Key themes include urban life depiction, linguistic evolution, and Sino-Japanese literary exchange. His 2021 conference presentation interrogates Western interpretations of Ming dynasty political thought. Scientific Recognition : 2021: Publication elected among ten most significant Chinese micro-story events Teaching & Public Engagement : Delivers courses on Chinese language and culture while contributing to public discourse through op-eds in La Liberté (2007-2010) covering topics from language learning to societal perceptions of China.

• Chinese and Japanese Languages
• Chinese and Japanese Cultures
• Translation Studies (Contemporary Chinese Literature)
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Sébastien Billioud is a Professor at University of Paris Cité and researcher at the French Institute of East Asian Studies (IFRAE) . His work bridges anthropology, sociology, and philosophy to analyze Confucianism's contemporary revival , Yiguandao religious dynamics , and cross-strait cultural/political interactions . Key Research Areas: Modern/contemporary Confucianism New Religious Movements in East Asia Politics-religion interplay in China/Taiwan Charisma and leadership structures Billioud's fieldwork across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China (2009–present) underpins his ethnographic approach. He meticulously documents Yiguandao's expansion , its syncretic practices , and state-religion negotiations , while tracing Confucianism's grassroots resurgence. Selected Publications: Reclaiming the Wilderness (Oxford 2020) Le Sage et le Peuple (CNRS 2014) Thinking Through Confucian Modernity (Brill 2012) Confucianism for the 21st Century (Göttingen 2023) His research reveals interdisciplinary trends in Confucian revivalism, showing how education , ritual innovation , and transnational networks reshape East Asian cultural landscapes. Scientific Recognition: Recipient of Prix Bernheim 2015 (Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres)

• Modern and Contemporary Confucianism
• New Religious Movements
• Politics and Religion
• +3 more

Li Yang serves as an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in Chinese language, film, and popular culture instruction. Previously, she held an Assistant Professor of Chinese position at Lafayette College for nearly a decade before returning to UT Austin in 2019. Education: Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, University of Texas at Austin Her research centers on contemporary Chinese cinema, examining cinematic representations of cultural and societal transformations in modern China. Teaching responsibilities span Chinese language acquisition (First-Year Chinese I/II, Readings in Modern Chinese), film analysis, and popular culture studies, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to Chinese cultural production. Born in China, she maintains active engagement with Chinese cultural contexts while contributing to UT Austin's academic community through curriculum development in language and cultural studies.

• Contemporary Chinese Cinema
• Chinese Language
• Chinese Popular Culture
• +2 more

Jeroen de Kloet is Professor of Globalisation Studies and Director of the Amsterdam Centre for Globalisation Studies (ACGS) at the University of Amsterdam. His research explores cultural globalization, creative economies, and urban transformations in East Asia, with a focus on China. He leads major international projects, including an ERC-funded initiative analyzing creative industries in contemporary China. Research interests span cultural globalization, digital intimacy, urban precarity, creative labor, and the politics of cultural production in China. His work critically engages with state policies like 'soft power' and 'Internet Plus,' examining how creativity intersects with boredom, imitation (shanzhai), and digital disruption. De Kloet has authored influential books such as Youth Cultures in China and China with a Cut , and co-edited volumes on urban spectacle and sonic multiplicities. His articles analyze themes ranging from Olympic geopolitics to digital citizenship. He collaborates extensively through networks like the IIAS Urban Knowledge Network Asia and AHRC-NWO’s Visual Culture and Interruption project. Current work includes studies on censorship’s impact on artistic resilience and digital intimacies.

• Cultural Globalization
• Creative Industries
• East Asian Studies
• +4 more

Justin Jacobs is a Professor in the Department of History at American University's College of Arts and Sciences, specializing in Chinese history, Xinjiang, and Silk Road archaeology. He holds a PhD from the University of California, San Diego, and MA/BA degrees from the University of Washington. PhD, University of California, San Diego MA, University of Washington BA, University of Washington His research centers on cultural heritage looting, archaeological expeditions, and East Asian history. Jacobs examines how museums acquired artifacts through colonial-era expeditions, with particular focus on China's lost treasures. His work bridges ancient Silk Road trade routes and modern heritage preservation debates. As a public scholar, Jacobs produces educational content including the podcast Beyond Huaxia: A College History of China and Japan and two Great Courses lecture series on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. His media presence includes commentary on historical narratives in popular culture, notably the Indiana Jones franchise. Professor Jacobs currently teaches HIST-341 Anatomy of the Fantastic for Spring 2025, alongside courses on Japanese empire history, Pacific exploration voyages, and world heritage conservation. His pedagogy emphasizes primary source analysis of archaeological records and museum provenance documentation.

• History of China
• Xinjiang Studies
• Silk Road Archaeology
• +4 more

Ladislav Kesner serves as a Professor at the Art History Seminar within the Faculty of Arts at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. His academic career spans decades with significant contributions to art history, neuroscience, and museum studies. Previously, he held leadership roles including Director of Cultropa, sro and Deputy General Director of the National Gallery in Prague. Born March 27, 1961 in Prague Ph.D. from Masaryk University (2004) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley (1989-90) Habilitation completed at Masaryk University (2007) Appointed Professor (2020) Professor Kesner's research focuses on the intersection of art history and neuroscience, particularly examining visual perception, emotional responses to art, and the interpretation of Chinese art. His work bridges theoretical art history with empirical neuroscience, exploring how the brain processes artistic stimuli and how cultural contexts shape visual experience. Recent projects investigate media effects on mental health, gaze perception in portraits, and the neural correlates of xenophobic attitudes. His publication trends reveal a strong interdisciplinary trajectory, with increasing integration of neuroscientific methodologies into art historical analysis since 2015. Key thematic clusters include predictive processing models applied to modern art interpretation, the role of museums as cultural mediators, and the neuroscience of aesthetic experience. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals spanning neuroscience, psychiatry, and art history disciplines. Cena Josefa Krásy (1998) Arthur Kingsley Porter Prize (1995) Central European University research grant (1995-96) Fulbright Scholar Program Award (1989-90) J. Paul Getty Postdoctoral Fellowship Professor Kesner supervises numerous graduate theses across art history and interdisciplinary neuroscience projects, with current topics including sound art curation, art-neuroscience integration, and Cold War-era artistic exchanges. He leads the RE:CENT Center for the Study and Popularization of Medieval Visual Culture and has secured multiple research grants including the Czech Science Foundation project 'Affective response to visual art: connecting art history and neuroscience perspectives' (2015-2017). His collaborative work with psychiatric researchers at Masaryk University's medical faculty demonstrates his commitment to cross-disciplinary knowledge production. His laboratory work focuses on fMRI and eye-tracking studies of art perception, conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health. The research team investigates how neural processes underpin aesthetic experiences, with particular attention to emotional responses, cultural conditioning, and individual differences in art reception.

• Art History
• Neuroscience
• Museum Studies
• +5 more

Melissa Schrift is a Professor of Anthropology at East Tennessee State University in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, where she teaches cultural, medical, and applied anthropology. She serves as Director of the Culture and Health Program and as Pre-Health Academic Community Outreach Coordinator. Her research interests span cultural anthropology with specific focus on: Cultural perceptions of the body Social history of medicine Ethnic identity formation (particularly Melungeons) Medical anthropology and cultural competence in health contexts Popular and consumer culture Dr. Schrift's recent scholarly output shows a consistent focus on body politics, death studies, and cultural identity. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary cultural issues, particularly examining how bodies become sites of political and cultural meaning. She has published on criminal bodies in Western contexts, the politics of national identity formation through bodily representation, and mental health in Appalachian communities. Her scientific recognition includes: American Fellowship for her work on Melungeons As an educator and program director, Dr. Schrift advises students through the Culture and Health minor and teaches courses ranging from introductory cultural anthropology to specialized topics in medical anthropology and ethnographic field techniques. Her Pre-Health Academic Community Outreach role connects academic work with practical community health initiatives. Dr. Schrift leads the Culture and Health Program, which provides interdisciplinary training for students interested in understanding health disparities through cultural lenses. This program serves as a bridge between academic anthropology and practical healthcare applications, particularly in rural settings.

• Cultural anthropology
• Medical anthropology
• Applied anthropology
• +5 more

Brent Ryan Bellamy is an Assistant Professor in the English Department at Trent University, specializing in interdisciplinary humanities scholarship that bridges cultural studies, popular fictions, and environmental humanities. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from Trent University and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. His research interests include American Literature & Culture, Literary Criticism, Science Fiction Studies, Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Narrative, Critical Theory, World-Systems Theory, Energy Humanities, and Environmental Humanities. His work uniquely blends narratology and ecocriticism through a critical focus on storyworlds and worldbuilding. Dr. Bellamy's publications demonstrate significant scholarly impact, particularly his monograph 'Remainders of the American Century' (Wesleyan UP 2021) and the co-edited 'An Ecotopian Lexicon' (U of Minnesota P 2019), which has received acclaim in major publications including Science and The New Yorker. His scholarship spans journal articles, book chapters, and edited collections exploring energy, infrastructure, film, literature, and science fiction. His scientific achievements include: Award for excellence in online teaching Managing Editor of Imaginations: Journal of Cross-Cultural Image Studies Extensive publication record in Energy Humanities and Environmental Humanities fields Successful supervision of multiple graduate students As an educator, Dr. Bellamy has taught at Trent University, the University of Alberta, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Queen's University. He mentors both undergraduate and graduate students, with a particular focus on innovative course design and pedagogical collaboration. He has supervised MA projects on topics ranging from cyberpunk media to solarpunk communities and Mars narratives. His research lab, the Energy Humanities Research Group, focuses on the cultural dimensions of energy systems, with connections to environmental justice and speculative futures. His website (brentryanbellamy.com) serves as a hub for his scholarly activities and publications.

• American Literature & Culture
• Literary Criticism
• Science Fiction Studies
• +7 more

Dr. Nancy S. Jecker is a distinguished Professor of Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Washington School of Medicine with significant interdisciplinary appointments as Adjunct Professor at the University of Washington School of Law, Department of Global Health, and Department of Philosophy. She maintains an active global presence through Visiting Professorships at the University of Johannesburg and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and currently serves as President of the International Association of Bioethics (2022-2024), having joined its Board of Directors in 2019. Dr. Jecker's research program centers on bridging philosophical traditions to address pressing bioethical challenges: African approaches to ethics, particularly Ubuntu philosophy ('I am because we are') Global health justice and equitable resource allocation during pandemics Relational theories of personhood across contexts (aging, AI, cross-cultural) Ethics of aging and challenging midlife bias in healthcare AI and robotics ethics with a focus on moral standing and relationships Cross-cultural bioethics comparing Eastern and Western ethical frameworks With 294 publications and over 5,270 citations, Dr. Jecker demonstrates exceptional scholarly productivity. Her recent work (2024-2025) shows continued leadership in applying African philosophical insights to contemporary issues including personhood in social robots, climate justice, and religious diversity in global bioethics. She frequently collaborates with international scholars, reflecting her commitment to genuinely global bioethics that moves beyond Western-centric perspectives. Her significant contributions include: Authorship of the influential book What Is a Person?: Untapped Insights from Africa (2024) Pioneering work on relational approaches to robot personhood Leadership in advocating for vaccine equity during the COVID-19 pandemic Development of the concept of 'midlife bias' in bioethics Election as President of the International Association of Bioethics Dr. Jecker's work consistently addresses practical ethical challenges while engaging deeply with philosophical foundations. Her research on topics ranging from digital companions for older adults to climate change ethics demonstrates her ability to connect theoretical insights with real-world applications, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and practical bioethical decision-making.

• Bioethics
• African Ethics
• Personhood Studies
• +7 more

Professor Christoph Anderl is a distinguished scholar of Chinese Language and Culture at Ghent University, where he has served as Professor since February 2015. He leads the Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies and is affiliated with the DiaLing research group for Diachronic and Diatopic Linguistics within the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy's Department of Languages and Cultures. His international academic journey includes significant appointments at Ruhr University Bochum, University of Oslo, and Kyoto University. Professor Anderl's research focuses on Medieval Chinese as reflected in Buddhist texts, particularly early vernacular Chinese and Buddhist Hybrid Chinese, with emphasis on syntax, semantics, and rhetorical devices in Dunhuang manuscript material. His work also explores Buddhist iconography in Central Asia and China, examining text-image relations in Buddhist narratives. Additional research interests include Chan/Zen Buddhism, Classical Chinese syntax, Asian religious history, Buddhist lexicography, Digital Humanities, and Chinese historical phonology. His scholarly output shows a clear focus on the intersection of language, religion, and material culture in medieval China, with particular attention to Dunhuang manuscripts and Buddhist textual traditions. Recent publications demonstrate his ongoing commitment to both linguistic analysis of medieval Chinese texts and the study of Buddhist religious practices, including ritual texts and iconographic programs. Marie Curie Pegasus Fellowship recipient Principal investigator for the Ghent Database of Medieval Chinese Texts (DMCT) Lead organizer of multiple international Doctoral Schools on Chinese Buddhist studies Active participant in the 'From the Ground Up: Buddhism and East Asian Religions' project Professor Anderl maintains an active supervisory role for numerous PhD and postdoctoral projects while also engaging in extensive international collaboration. His work bridges linguistic analysis, religious studies, and digital humanities approaches to create a comprehensive understanding of medieval Chinese Buddhist culture. He regularly organizes conferences, delivers guest lectures worldwide, and conducts fieldwork at significant Buddhist sites across Asia.

• Medieval Chinese Linguistics
• Buddhist Hybrid Chinese
• Dunhuang Manuscripts
• +8 more

Loreta Poškaitė is an Associate Professor and senior research fellow at the Lithuanian Culture Research Institute (LCRI) and the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies at Vilnius University. She has held these dual appointments since 2000, establishing herself as a leading scholar in Chinese philosophy and cross-cultural studies within the Baltic academic community. Her work bridges classical Eastern thought with contemporary Western cultural phenomena, with particular emphasis on aesthetic theory and self-cultivation practices. Her academic foundation includes: Lithuanian Academy of Music (1990): Specialized in music performance of the traditional Lithuanian instrument kanklės Lithuanian Culture Research Institute (2000): Earned Ph.D. in Philosophy with dissertation on 'The problem of Individual's Aesthetic being in classical Confucianism and Daoism' Professor Poškaitė's research explores the dynamic interplay between Chinese traditional aesthetics and global everyday aesthetics, examining how classical Daoist and Confucian concepts inform contemporary life. She investigates the reception of Chinese self-cultivation practices in Western contexts, with special attention to Lithuania as a case study for cultural adaptation. Her work on the human body in Chinese culture reveals how psychosomatic practices like qigong are transformed when transplanted into Western frameworks, challenging conventional mind-body dualisms. This research program demonstrates remarkable continuity from her early focus on classical texts to current investigations of globalization's impact on aesthetic experience. With over 70 academic publications including one monograph, Professor Poškaitė maintains a robust scholarly output that spans international and Lithuanian academic venues. Her publication trajectory shows increasing engagement with contemporary issues—particularly the globalization of Chinese cultural practices and the emergence of everyday aesthetics as a field—while maintaining deep roots in classical Chinese philosophy. This dual focus creates unique opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue, as evidenced by her work appearing in both Western philosophical journals and Chinese studies publications. Her notable research fellowships include: Research Fellowship at Xiamen University (2000-2001) Research Fellowship at Beijing University (2002-2003) Professor Poškaitė actively mentors graduate students at Vilnius University, guiding research that connects classical Chinese philosophy with contemporary cultural analysis. Her international lecturing engagements—including positions at University of Iceland, Tartu University, and Granada University—demonstrate strong collaborative networks across Europe. These connections provide students with exceptional opportunities for cross-border research and academic exchange. While specific current grants aren't detailed, her sustained publication record and editorial board positions indicate successful research funding and academic leadership. Though no dedicated laboratory is maintained, Professor Poškaitė's research thrives within the collaborative environments of LCRI's Department of Comparative Culturology and Vilnius University's Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies. These institutional homes provide rich interdisciplinary contexts for exploring East-West philosophical dialogues, particularly regarding aesthetics, embodiment, and cultural reception. Students and collaborators benefit from her extensive network of international scholars and her commitment to rigorous comparative methodology that avoids cultural essentialism.

• Chinese Traditional Aesthetics
• Global Everyday Aesthetics
• Classical Daoist Philosophy
• +4 more