Research Tracks & projects

Current Research Tracks

The International Research Centre in Cultural Studies currently has two main research tracks:

#1 Critical Migration Study

Research Statement: Critical Migration Studies adopts a multidisciplinary approach to study key aspects of migration and its representation in literature and culture. It incorporates perspectives from refugee studies, diaspora studies, human rights philosophy, ethics and politics, and transnationalism. Research areas include migration theories; postcolonial politics of displacement; refugee studies; gender, race and migration; migration, popular culture and the arts, etc.

Partners: Maison Française d’Oxford (MFO), UKMontpellier Studies of the English-speaking World (EMMA), Paul Valéry University of Montpellier 3, FranceCentre for International Studies and Research (CERI), Science Po, France

#2 Comparative Cultures of Care

Research Statement: With intellectual roots in Medical Humanities, Sustainability Studies, Gender Studies, Migration Studies and Cultural Studies, Comparative Cultures of Care draws on interdisciplinary resources in its approach to social wellbeing and environmental and scientific sustainability. It brings together the two domains of Care Humanities and Care Science/Care Tech. Research areas include philosophy of care; theories of social care; studies of care in post-pandemic times; studies in biopolitics and health; gender inequalities in the care industries; museum and heritage studies; linguistic creativity, arts, and wellbeing; images and narratives of care in popular culture, etc.

Partners: Department of Cultural Studies, Lingnan University; Department of Humanities & Creative Writing, Hong Kong Baptist University; School of Film, Media and Journalism, University of Lincoln, UK; Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Manitoba, Canada; Academy of Film, Hong Kong Baptist University; VolTra Limited (NGO); Breadline (NGO); FOOTPRINT (NGO)

#3 Sustainable Humanities: Meeting the Challenges (SUSHUM)

Research Statement: Rooted in Cultural Studies, Environmental Humanities, and Social Justice Studies, Sustainable Humanities: Meeting the Challenges (SUSHUM) responds to the intertwined ecological, social, and cultural challenges of the Anthropocene. The project brings together practice-based research and community engagement to explore how humanities scholarship can contribute to sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and social inclusion in Hong Kong and beyond. Ongoing sub-projects include research on biodiversity in South Lantau, minority ethnic food culture and heritage, and the development of a Sustainable Humanities MOOC and interactive learning toolkit, culminating in a public showcase and conference.