Martin Kern

Martin Kern is the Joanna and Greg Zeluck ’84 P13 P18 Professor in Asian Studies at Princeton University. He specializes in ancient Chinese literature, philology, and textual studies, with a focus on poetry, ritual, and cultural memory. Kern co-edits T'oung Pao and directs the "International Center for the Study of Ancient Text Cultures" at Renmin University, Beijing.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Sinology, Cologne University
  • M.A. in Sinology, Cologne University

His research spans early Chinese rhetoric, authorship debates, manuscript analysis, and the intersection of writing/orality. He has led Princeton's "Comparative Antiquity" initiative (2018–2022) and co-directs the Princeton-Venice Summer School in Classical Chinese.

Recent publications include studies on the Classic of Poetry, Chuci, and Zuozhuan, emphasizing newly discovered manuscripts and their impact on understanding ancient Chinese textuality. His work often bridges philological rigor with comparative theoretical frameworks.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Member of the American Philosophical Society
  • President of the American Oriental Society (2023–2024)

Kern's editorial roles include co-editing the monograph series Studies in the History of Chinese Texts and the Handbook of Oriental Studies: Section 4 China. He has held leadership positions in major academic initiatives on ancient China.