The University of Sydney has appointed Professor Ying Zhang as the next Director of the China Studies Centre, commencing 2 November 2026.

Professor Zhang is an epidemiologist in the Sydney School of Public Health and an established member of the China Studies Centre community. She has served as Deputy Director of the Centre and held research leadership roles, including co-leading its Sustainability and Well-being in China research program.

Her interdisciplinary research focuses on climate change and health, community resilience and global health, with a particular focus on Australia, China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Her work brings together public health, sustainability and international collaboration to address complex challenges affecting communities in Australia and internationally.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global and Research Engagement), Professor Kathy Belov AO, congratulated Professor Zhang on her appointment. 

“Ying brings a strong interdisciplinary perspective, an established connection with the China Studies Centre and a deep commitment to collaborative research and engagement,” Professor Belov said.

“I look forward to working with Ying as she leads the Centre into its next chapter, building on its strengths and bringing together expertise from across the University to deepen our understanding of China and its role in our region and the world.”

Recognising Professor David Goodman

Professor Zhang succeeds Professor David Goodman, who will conclude his term as Director at the end of 2026 following a longstanding association with the Centre. 

Professor Goodman joined the University of Sydney as Professor of Chinese Politics in 2009 and played a key role in establishing the China Studies Centre in 2010, serving as its first Academic Director. Following several years working in China, he returned to Sydney and became Director of the Centre in 2021.

Under Professor Goodman's leadership, the Centre has strengthened its position as a multidisciplinary hub for China-focused research and engagement. It now supports more than 100 researchers and 119 higher degree by research students and has built collaborations spanning 14 schools across the University, alongside significant international partnerships.

The Centre has been recognised for its distinctive position in the global China studies landscape, its success in bringing together researchers across traditional disciplinary boundaries, and the breadth and strategic value of its partnerships. The Centre has also expanded the reach of its research beyond the University through engagement with policymakers, business, public organisations and the media, alongside a strong program of public lectures, seminars, policy briefs and other activities that contribute to public understanding of contemporary China.

An internationally recognised scholar of Chinese politics and society, Professor Goodman's research has examined social and political change in China, including local governance, social inequality and the country's economic and political transformation. In 2025, he received the Chinese Government Friendship Award in recognition of his longstanding contribution to academic exchange and engagement with China. 

Professor Belov thanked Professor Goodman for his leadership and contribution to the University.

“David's connection with the China Studies Centre stretches back to its very beginnings. His scholarship, deep knowledge of China and commitment to collaboration have made an important contribution to the Centre and the University,” Professor Belov said.

“Under his leadership, the Centre has strengthened its position as a distinctive multidisciplinary hub for China-focused research, bringing together researchers from across the University and building connections with partners in Australia and internationally.

“I want to thank David for his leadership and service, and for the significant contribution he has made to China research and engagement at Sydney.” 

The China Studies Centre brings together researchers from across the University of Sydney to support multidisciplinary research, education and engagement on China. Established in 2010, the Centre draws on expertise from across the University to deepen understanding of contemporary China and its relationships with Australia and the wider world.