From AI governance to geopolitical tensions, York University researchers have been driving innovative research in China studies with support from the China Insights Fund (CIF).
Offered by the York Centre for Asian Research (YCAR) and supported by the Asian Business Management Program (ABMP), CIF provides grants to projects that stimulate and support research activity in Chinese studies and foster engagement between China and the world.
Applications are now open with proposals due by Monday, May 12. This year, priority will be given to initiatives addressing contemporary China and its global economic relations.
In Spring 2024, CIF relaunched with updated eligibility criteria and expanded opportunities, leading to a four-fold increase in applications. The committee announced funding of over $20,000 for two projects that align with CIF’s mission to reimagine China studies and enhance global academic connections.
One of the funded projects, "Vernacular Healing and World-Making in China, 19th to 21st Centuries," led by Professor Joan Judge from the Department of History, explores the often-overlooked realm of Chinese vernacular medicine. This project combines historical research with digital humanities to uncover crucial knowledge about Chinese history. CIF funding has enabled Judge to access key archival sites in mainland China, Taiwan and Germany, and collaborate with scholars from prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science.
The second project, "Engaging Young Canada in the Sinosphere," led by YCAR Research Associate Julia G. Bentley, aims to train future scholars and foster collaboration among Canadian academics in China studies. This initiative seeks to establish academic exchanges between Canada and Taiwan and compile resources to support the next generation of Canadian scholars interested in the Sinosphere. CIF funding, along with support from the Taiwan Fellowship, has facilitated three months of fieldwork in Taiwan.
“These projects are advancing China studies and building global academic partnerships,” said Elena Caprioni, CIF committee Chair and ABMP’s program director. “They exemplify CIF’s commitment to fostering meaningful research.”
The outcomes of these initiatives will be presented in Fall 2025.
Those interested in more information on applying for the 2025 CIF can visit the website.