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Hong Kong Baptist University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Concludes the Fourth International Doctoral Symposium 2026 with Six Leading Partner Universities

10-02-2026

From 9 March to 13 March 2026, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at Hong Kong Baptist University hosted the fourth International Doctoral Symposium. Opening Day took place on 9 March at 9:30 AM in WLB103 and welcomed doctoral researchers and faculty from partner institutions.

Established by HKBU in collaboration with The University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Seoul National University, The University of British Columbia, and Nanyang Technological University, the Symposium convenes PhD students from leading universities each year. In 2026, the network was further strengthened by the participation of The University of Melbourne, fostering a platform for research exchange, professional development, and long‑term collaboration.

This year’s thematic areas included migration and displacement; urban poverty, housing and development; children, youth and families; health and mental health; and philanthropy and social innovation.

"Now in its fourth year, the symposium continues to strengthen HKBU’s engagement with the international research community… These are issues that demand shared insight and coordinated action… I am confident that this symposium will open new doors for future partnerships with your universities in various areas." Professor Martin D. F. Wong, Provost of HKBU, said in his welcoming remarks on 9 March.

Across its rounds, the Symposium and its partner network have grown into a collaboration spanning more than 20 institutions and have delivered tangible outcomes in education, research and career development, benefiting over 1,200 faculty, researchers and students worldwide.

FASS extends its gratitude to all partner universities, faculty mentors and doctoral participants for their contributions, and looks forward to continued collaboration through the International Doctoral Symposium network.

For more information about the International Doctoral Symposium, please visit this website: Home - Annual International Doctoral Student Think Tank Symposium

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From left: Prof. Laavanya KATHIRAVELU, Associate Professor of Sociology, Nanyang Technological University; Prof. Kathleen CAGNEY, Professor of Sociology and Director of the U-M Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan; Prof. Robert CHASKIN, McCormick Foundation Professor and Faculty Director of Kiphart Center of the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Urbanism, The University of Chicago; Prof. Martin D.F. WONG, Provost of HKBU Prof. Daniel LAI, Dean and Chair Professor of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, HKBU; Prof. Kaxton SIU, Associate Professor of Sociology, Academy of Geography, Sociology and International Studies (GSIS), Acting Director, David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, HKBU; Prof. Bong Joo LEE, Professor of Social Welfare, Seoul National University; Prof. Wilfred WANG, Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications and Deputy Head of Program (Media and Communications Studies), The University of Melbourne; Prof. Jac NOBISS, Assistant Professor of Social Work, The University of British Columbia
Group photo
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