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Each year, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences hosts the International Doctoral Symposium on Global Perspectives on Social Problems, Policy, and Practice in collaboration with leading universities worldwide, including Fudan University, Nanyang Technological University, Seoul National University, University of British Columbia, University of Chicago, University of Melbourne, University of Michigan, and University of Toronto.
Each year, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences hosts the International Doctoral Symposium on Global Perspectives on Social Problems, Policy, and Practice in collaboration with leading universities worldwide, including Fudan University, Nanyang Technological University, Seoul National University, University of British Columbia, University of Chicago, University of Melbourne, University of Michigan, and University of Toronto.
This annual symposium provides a platform for PhD students in the arts and social sciences to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and generate innovative research on globally significant issues. It also aims to establish a sustained network for doctoral students. To facilitate meaningful connections, the program will include dedicated sessions for student networking and scholarly exchange.
This year, the symposium focuses on Media, Markets, and Human Well-Being in a Digital Future. We are particularly interested in abstracts that speak to one of six themes:
Additionally, the symposium will feature a specialized Journal Publication Roundtable. Drawing upon the firsthand experiences of recently published doctoral students and established faculty members, this roundtable is designed to provide practical insights into the academic publishing process and support early scholarly career development. Furthermore, the Doctoral Micro Seed Grant Competition will be officially launched. This global initiative is designed to catalyse cross-institutional collaboration among doctoral students and accelerate the development of thoughtful, high-impact publications.
Quality papers will be selected to run for an annual best paper award, and we will seek publication outlets in internationally high-impact academic journals.
Dean and Chair Professor, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Fung Hon Chu Endowed Professor in Humanics
Hong Kong Baptist University
Associate Professor of Sociology
Academy of Geography, Sociology and International Studies
Programme Director, Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sociology
Acting Director, David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Hong Kong Baptist University
Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems
Associate Dean (Research and Impact), School of Business
Hong Kong Baptist University
Associate Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems
Associate Head (Research), Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems
Director, Research Postgraduate Programme, School of Business
Hong Kong Baptist University
McCormick Foundation Professor
Faculty Director, Kiphart Center
Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Urbanism; Chapin Hall
The University of Chicago
Associate Professor of Sociology
School of Social Sciences Associate Chair (Graduate and Continuing Education)
Nanyang Technological University
Professor, Contemporary Chinese Studies, Asia Institute
Deputy Associate Dean International (China), Faculty of Arts
The University of Melbourne
Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology
Associate Dean, School of Social Development and Public Policy
Fudan University
Professor of Sociology
Director of the U-M Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan
Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
PhD Program Chair, School of Social Work
The University of British Columbia
Professor of Social Welfare
Department of Social Welfare, College of Social Sciences
Seoul National University
Professor of Marketing, Department of Management, University of Toronto Mississauga & Rotman School of Management
Program Director, Master of Management of Innovation
University of Toronto
Apart from the organizing panel, an International Advisory Board will be established to provide advice and support to the governance and development of Symposium. The Board will be composed of leading figures from the global research community and senior policy advisors with expertise on various social problems, policies and practices.
The Symposium will be a valuable and
stimulating experience for academic exchange with students having different
research interests and backgrounds.
Quality papers will be selected to run for an annual best paper award, and we
will seek publication outlets in internationally high-impact academic journals.
Beyond presenting their findings, the PhD students will engage in student networking,
scholarly exchange, and site visits to local communities experiencing, and organizations
addressing, relevant contemporary social problems.
We are particularly interested in abstracts that speak to one of six themes:
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Hong Kong Baptist University will host the International Doctoral Symposium from 8 to 12 March 2027, in collaboration with Fudan University, Nanyang Technological University, Seoul National University, University of British Columbia, University of Chicago, University of Melbourne, University of Michigan, and University of Toronto. Doctoral students will explore Media, Markets, and Human Well-Being in a Digital Future through scholarly exchange, networking, and site visits.
The programme includes a Journal Publication Roundtable and the launch of the Doctoral Micro Seed Grant Competition to foster cross-institutional collaboration. Up to four doctoral students per university will be selected; full participation in all sessions is expected.
Submit a 300–500-word abstract by 15 November 2026 (23:59 HKT). For enquiries, contact Mr. Tsz Chung Lai at tc_lai@hkbu.edu.hk.