In this semester, we are delighted to welcome 18 scholars to the extended family of IHSS. In comparison to previous cohorts, this term's fellows come in greater numbers, hailing from universities and research institutions across mainland China, Taiwan region, United States, Canada, and more. Together, they will embark on a four-month academic journey at IHSS. The welcoming session started with a tour to explore and familiarize themselves with the vibrant environment and spaces within the institute.
In the following welcoming address, former IHSS Director Deng Xiaonan reflected on the initial aspirations the university had for IHSS when it was founded – to establish a platform for interdisciplinary academic exchange. She emphasized the importance of this platform having depth, the ability to unite scholars, and the capacity to expand its reach. The depth of IHSS has been accumulated over seven years of continuous scholarly interactions and collaborations. The concept of expansion reflects the institute's broader vision and academic landscape. Professor Deng sincerely hopes that IHSS, through the collective efforts of scholars, will continue to thrive.
Subsequently, the newly appointed director, Professor Yang Lihua, expressed his endorsement of the IHSS concepts of nurturing academics and stimulating ideas. He acknowledged that in this era dominated by technology, IHSS's accomplishments over the past seven years exemplify an ideal intellectually community. Director Yang and his new team aim to uphold the institute's traditional practices and academic principles, providing a platform for the development of humanities and social sciences at Peking University and beyond.
Following these remarks, the new cohort of visiting scholars introduced themselves. Professor Zhou Xueguang, from Stanford University's Department of Sociology, is a renowned scholar in the fields of organizational sociology and bureaucracy. He expressed that what sets IHSS apart from other academic institutions is the sense of being part of a "family”. Research Fellow Huang Ko-wu, from Academia Sinica, is primarily engaged in the study of modern Chinese intellectual history, focusing on figures such as Yan Fu, Liang Qichao, Cai Yuanpei, Hu Shih, and Fu Ssu-nien, all of whom have deep academic roots at Peking University. To him, IHSS embodies an "academic utopia" due to its commitment to placing academics at the center of its activities.
Research Fellow Ngodrub Tsering, the first Tibetan scholar to visit IHSS, has dedicated his research to the study of Sanskrit Buddhist texts and manuscript. He expressed his delight at the opportunity to study and exchange ideas at Peking University, where the esteemed scholar Ji Xianlin once worked. Professor He Ping, from Renmin University of China's School of Finance, while primarily engaged in financial and fiscal research, hopes to apply a historical perspective to the study of monetary and financial history. He emphasized that contemporary monetary research often focuses solely on monetary forms, lacking a philosophical exploration of the essence of money.
From left: Professor Zhou Xueguang, Research Fellow Huang Ko-wu and Research Fellow Ouzhu Ciren.
Professor Qiu Zhongming, from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, specializes in the study of Buddhist art. Her interdisciplinary background has allowed her to collaborate closely with scholars in archaeology and history. She expressed great excitement about the freedom to explore her research interests during the time at IHSS. Professor Chen Li, from the University of Toronto's Department of History, primarily focuses on the history of Sino-foreign relations, the history of international law, and Chinese legal history since the 16th century. He hopes to complete a monograph on legal experts in the Qing Dynasty.
Associate Professor Fan Guangxin, from College of Philosophy of Nankai University, conducts research that transcends politics, philosophy, and history. His academic pursuit involves creating a "philosophical history of thought" and delving into political philosophy. Professor Mao Qiujin, from the School of Arts at Soochow University, specializes in the study of calligraphy in Dunhuang and Turfan manuscripts. She views the study of calligraphy as a field that lacks interdisciplinary communication with traditional humanity disciplines, making IHSS an excellent opportunity for cross-disciplinary exchange.
From left: Professor Qiu Zhongming, Professor Mao Qiujin, Assistant to the Director Han Xiao, Professor Sun Jingguo
Professor Sun Jingguo, from the Institute of Ancient History at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, is dedicated to historical geography research. He believes that historical geography, though inherently interdisciplinary, has become fragmented in current research. He hopes to use his time at IHSS to engage in cross-disciplinary discussions. Associate Professor Zheng Xiaowei, from the University of California, Santa Barbara, acknowledged that her training primarily lies in Western sinology and expressed a strong desire to engage in dialogues with the Chinese community. She hopes to translate her English works on modern civil rights into Chinese during her time at IHSS, laying the groundwork for a second book. Associate Professor Chen Hao, from the Department of History at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, conducts research that spans ethic history, Chinese history, and world history. His current research primarily focuses on transcending the framework of dynastic history to conduct long-term research on Turkic-speaking populations.
As September unfolds, and the vibrant colors of autumn grace the campus, we find ourselves at a new historical moment for IHSS. Under the guidance of our new leadership team, IHSS remains committed to serving scholars and fostering cross-disciplinary interaction, aiming to create an ideal intellectual community.
