From July 13 to 15, the 5th National Forum of Directors of Area Studies Institutes and the Heilongjiang Social Science Forum were successfully held at Harbin Engineering University (HEU).
With the theme “Area Studies Institutes as Key Drivers of Interdisciplinary Integration and Innovative Development”, the forum was jointly organized by the Secretariat of Area Studies under the Ministry of Education, the Alliance for Talent Development and Discipline Construction in Area Studies (hereafter referred to as the “Alliance”), and HEU.
In his opening remarks, YAN Rujian, Vice President of HEU, highlighted the university’s progress in think tank development, talent cultivation, and international collaboration—particularly its contributions to advancing maritime power. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among participating institutions in areas such as resource-sharing platforms, joint training of high-level talent, and coordinated think tank research. These efforts, he noted, would support the establishment of a uniquely Chinese system of area studies scholarship and discourse.
YAN Ming underscored the critical role of universities and research institutions in enhancing area studies by capitalizing on their strengths in disciplinary integration and regional expertise. He advocated for broader perspectives and practical measures to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to elevate the standards of foreign language education and area studies in Heilongjiang Province.
During the forum, 16 experts and scholars delivered keynote presentations, offering insights from diverse angles on how area studies institutes can drive interdisciplinary integration and innovation.
In conjunction with the forum, HEU hosted an expert advisory meeting focused on the development of its first-level doctoral program in Area Studies. Eleven leading experts provided valuable feedback on the program’s necessity, feasibility, academic focus, talent development, curriculum design, international cooperation, and platform support. Their input laid a strategic foundation for the university’s accelerated progress in this emerging field. YIN Hang, Assistant to the President, also attended the meeting.
