The University of Manchester has been designated as the UK-based coordinating institution for the UK China Humanities Alliance for Higher Education (UKCHA), a collaborative network composed of ten British and seven Chinese universities known for their excellence in the Arts and Humanities. This decision was officially announced during the UKCHA Executive Council meeting held on December 7, 2025.
Housed within the Institute for World Literatures and Cultures (IWLC) at Tsinghua University, the alliance operates under the direction of its Executive Council, led by Professor Yan Haiping, who serves as the Dean of IWLC and the Secretary-General. Professor Yang Bin, Vice President of Tsinghua University, holds the position of Chair of the Alliance. The University of Manchester will play a pivotal role in coordinating UK activities and will collaborate closely with the British Council to enhance UK-China Humanities partnerships.
The announcement follows a recommendation from Professor Wong Suk Ying of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and has received strong support from Professor Yan Haiping. Professor Yang Bin expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the inclusion of the University of Manchester as the UK-based Coordinating Team underscores a shared commitment to fostering impactful research among leading Humanities scholars.
Since its establishment in 2016, the UKCHA aims to strengthen international cooperation in the Humanities. Its objectives include collaborative research and publication efforts, staff and research exchanges, as well as building connections with specialized arts and cultural institutions. The recent appointment aligns with the University of Manchester’s existing research partnerships with notable institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Wuhan University, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
This announcement coincides with a high-level delegation from the University of Manchester visiting Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Led by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, the delegation includes various academic and administrative staff. This visit aims to engage with alumni, donors, and partner institutions, reinforcing the University’s commitment to international collaboration.
Additionally, the delegation will participate in events tied to the University of Manchester China Centre and the East Asia Centre, which are located in Hong Kong. The trip includes a graduation ceremony in Shanghai and launch events for the University’s fundraising and volunteering campaign, titled “Challenge Accepted.”
This strategic leadership role taken by the University of Manchester within the UK China Humanities Alliance marks a significant step towards enhancing cultural and academic exchange between the UK and China, fostering a vibrant collaborative environment in the Humanities.
