Lingnan University and Hertford College of the University of Oxford co-host International Postgraduate Summer School

The International Postgraduate Summer School co-hosted by Lingnan University and Hertford College of the University of Oxford commenced on 26 June on Lingnan's campus.  The three-week Summer School aims to provide a platform for scholars and research postgraduate students to present their major research findings, share research practices and reflect upon essential methodological issues.

 

The first week of the Summer School is conducted at Lingnan University followed by a two-week programme at Hertford College, University of Oxford.  It attracted the participation of students and faculty members from different universities in Hong Kong and the region.

 

In collaboration with leading institutions in Asia and the UK, the Summer School offers the opportunity for students across different parts of the globe to establish their own research clusters with others who have shared research interests and to learn from world-renowned scholars to enrich their research experiences.  Other co-organisers of the Summer School include National Chung Cheng University, Peking University, South China University of Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, The University of Nottingham, Ningbo and Zhejiang University.

 

In his welcoming remarks, Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Vice-President and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Comparative Policy pointed out the importance of enhancing postgraduate students’ learning experience through international visit to leading universities like University of Oxford and engaging in academic exchanges with scholars and fellow students from leading institutions in the region.

 

On the first day of the Summer School, the Symposium on Methodological Issues in Interdisciplinary Research was held.  It brought together experienced researchers to discuss some critical issues on interdisciplinary studies which enriched participants’ horizons from traditional discipline-based academic exploration.

 

Prof Susan Robertson, Professor of Sociology of Education, The University of Cambridge delivered a presentation on “The Challenge of Looking at Social Worlds through Disciplines and their Preferred Methodologies” at the Symposium, while Prof Roger Dale, Professor of Education, The University of Bristol presented on the topic “Towards a ‘Zero-based’ Approach to Comparative Education”.  Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho then shared his recent research related to “Smart City, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong: A Case Study Approach”, examining the Hong Kong government’s major policies and strategies to promote innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.  He also reviewed the establishment of the Innovation and Technology Bureau which promotes  knowledge transfer in universities, and the collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen for the development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

 

To celebrate the significant academic achievements of Prof Roger Dale in critical educational studies, a ceremony was held with scholars who have worked with him before. They shared how Prof Dale’s works have influenced their academic and research careers.

 

The one-week programme at Lingnan University also includes a series of workshops on various research and methodological issues, as well as student presentations, field visits and social activities.

Postgraduate Summer School