Tjalling Halbertsma

Prof. Tjalling Halbertsma is the Dean of Faculty Campus Fryslân and holds a professorship in International Studies with a focus on East Asia at the University of Groningen. He previously served as Director of the Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen (2013–2024) and as Chair for East Asian Studies focusing on modern-day Mongolia. His research centers on East Asian cultural heritage, particularly the Nestorian Church of the East in Inner Mongolia, which he extensively documented and exhibited. Halbertsma has held diplomatic roles, including Dutch Attaché to Mongolia (2008–2012), and currently serves on boards of the International Institute for Asian Studies and several private foundations.

His expertise spans East Asian studies, Mongolian history, and international relations. He has authored books, travelogues, and over 100 articles for international outlets like the South China Morning Post and Dagblad Trouw. His work frequently addresses cultural heritage preservation and political dynamics in East Asia.

Halbertsma’s academic contributions include studies on the Liao Dynasty, the abolition of Mongolia’s death penalty, and cross-cultural exchanges involving missionaries and diplomats. He has also led exhibitions and public discussions on Asian heritage, combining scholarly research with media engagement.