From 9 to 11 September 2025, the European Association for Chinese Studies (EACS), together with the Horizon Europe project ReConnect China coordinated by Ghent University, hosted a specialist course for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at Ghent University.
The course was opened by Prof. Bart Dessein (Ghent University, Scientific Coordinator of ReConnect China) and Prof. Laura De Giorgi (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, President of EACS). The program began with an insightful keynote by Gaia Airulo, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, on EU–China cooperation in research and innovation.
Over three days, participants explored a wide range of perspectives on EU–China relations:
- Geopolitics – Bart Dessein (Ghent University, ReConnect China, Egmont Institute)
- Geo-economics – Françoise Nicolas (IFRI)
- Public diplomacy & people-to-people dialogue – Monika Gaenssbauer (Stockholm University)
- Overseas Chinese in Europe – Mette Thunø (Aarhus University)
- EU–China scientific collaboration – Shen Wei (Zhejiang University; Editor-in-Chief, Asia-Europe Journal)
The course also featured a special guest contribution by Lin Goethals, Director of the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS).
In total, 23 ECRs from Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain took part in the program — making this a truly international and dynamic exchange of ideas.
Beyond the lectures, the course fostered vibrant discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and new academic networks. By equipping young scholars with critical perspectives and connections, it is helping to shape the next generation of experts who will deepen Europe’s understanding of China and contribute to informed policymaking and cross-cultural dialogue in the years to come.
(Text: Bart Dessein, Huanyu Zhao; Photos: Huanyu Zhao)