OVERVIEW
IHSS is dedicated to promoting innovative, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary research and teaching within the humanities and social sciences with a particular focus on China. The Institute aims to serve as a vibrant hub for exploring the multifaceted aspects of Chinese civilization and its extensive developmental history, employing both traditional and contemporary approaches.
Our research is currently grouped into five major themes:
Quantitative History (QH)
Chinese Business History (CBH)
Asian Religious Connections (ASIAR)
Delta on the Move
Early Chinese History and Archaeology
Leadership
IHSS (Institute for Hong Kong Studies) is currently led by Professor Zhiwu Chen, who holds the position of Chair and the Cheng Yu-Tung Professor in Economics. He has been serving in this role since July 2022. In addition to his leadership at IHSS, Professor Chen is also the Director of the Centre for Quantitative History at HKU Business School, where he oversees research initiatives that utilize quantitative methods to explore historical and economic developments.
The research project teams within IHSS are composed of distinguished scholars and dedicated researchers, each bringing expertise in their respective fields. These research clusters are organized to focus on specific areas of interest, allowing for in-depth investigation and collaboration across disciplines.