Research

Our programme of lectures, seminars and conferences make us a hub for academic research on China.

With Lancaster University China Centre we host speakers from around the world in our Academic Seminar Series.

We work with Lancaster’s academic faculties, departments, centres and our partners, to organise high level research conferences which are attended by international academics.

Here are some of the other ways we facilitate research collaboration.

Visiting Scholars

The Confucius Institute welcomes scholars working in academic fields related to China or Chinese language and culture.

Please visit the Visiting Scholar page for more information.

Visiting Scholars

Seminars

We run a joint seminar series, with the Lancaster University China Centre, featuring speakers both from Lancaster University and other institutions.

Seminars

Annual Lectures

Since 2012 the Confucius Institute has hosted experts from across the world to speak at our Annual Lecture. Each year, eminent speakers give their perspective on their understanding of China.

Annual Lecture

Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Training Day

This hybrid training day in collaboration with the Online Confucius Institute of The Open University, shares best practice in teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. Academics will share their insights on Virtual Exchange, Continuation Theory and Character Learning Strategies.

Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Training Day

Traditional Chinese Medicine Forum

In order to further promote the exchange and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education on a global scale and promote practice innovation, Lancaster University Confucius Institute will host the International Forum on Globalization and Cross-Cultural Communication of TCM Education.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Conference

Belt and Road Initiative Interdisciplinary Conference

The Belt and Road Initiative Interdisciplinary Conference at Lancaster University aims to serve as a dynamic platform for discussions on the latest Belt and Road Initiative developments and emerging research trends.

Belt and Road Initiative Interdisciplinary Conference

New trends in Chinese as a Second Language Conference

New trends in Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) is an international conference focusing on Chinese as an additional language (L2, L3, L4, Ln).

New trends in Chinese as a Second Language
Delegates from the International Forum on the Education Globalisation and Intercultural Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine smiling at the camera.

Lancaster University Confucius Institute successfully hosts the International Forum on the Education Globalisation and Intercultural Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From 1 to 4 May 2025, Lancaster University Confucius Institute hosted the International Forum on the Education Globalisation and Intercultural Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine, attracting leading experts and scholars from the UK and China to discuss the international future of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its integration into global health and education systems.
A group of people stood together outside Lancaster University Confucius Institute smiling at the camera.

Lancaster University Confucius Institute hosts Teacher Training Day on ‘Sharing Good Practices in Teaching Chinese Language and Culture in the AI Era’ in collaboration with The Open University

On 25 April 2025, approximately 120 language teachers and scholars from across the world gathered at Lancaster University and online for the second “Teacher Training Day,” a joint initiative organised by Lancaster University Confucius Institute and The Open University’s Online Confucius Institute.
A large group of people (conference attendees) stood together smiling at the camera.

Fourth Belt and Road Initiative Interdisciplinary Conference at Lancaster University: New Trends in Belt and Road Initiative Research

The Fourth Belt and Road Initiative Interdisciplinary Conference was held at Lancaster University on 13 and 14 June 2024. Hosted by the Lancaster University Belt and Road Initiative Research Consortium (LUBRIC), the conference brought together over 70 speakers to discuss the opportunities and challenges of cooperation in various fields under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework.
Three people stood together smiling at the camera in front of a sign that says

Professor Shulan Tang's Seminar on Long COVID Recovery with Chinese Medicine

On Wednesday 15 May, Professor Shulan Tang delivered an informative seminar titled ‘Chinese Medicine and Medical Treatment: Recovery Therapy after the Pandemic,’ co-hosted by the Liverpool Confucius Institute and Lancaster University Confucius Institute. The event attracted over 30 participants both in-person and online.
A group of people sat down listening to a speaker who is stood at the front of the room facing the audience with a presentation behind them.

Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Training Day Wraps Up Successfully

On 23 April, the Confucius Institute at Lancaster University and the Online Confucius Institute at The Open University jointly organized the “Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Day,” which concluded with great success. 

Held at Lancaster University, this hybrid event attracted over 50 participants interested in language teaching and international Chinese education, including primary and secondary school teachers, as well as PhD and undergraduate students. 

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