[This article is only available in English]

The School successfully convened a Joint Social Science Research Seminar with CUHK Shenzhen (CUHKSZ), reinforcing their commitment to advancing scholarly collaboration. The event, held on October 17, 2025, at the CUHK campus, provided a dynamic forum for in-depth discussion and constructive feedback on cutting-edge social science research.

The seminar featured two pioneering studies, with authors and discussants engaging in a rich, collaborative dialogue aimed at refining the papers for future publication.

Dr. Ma Haofeng, a Postdoctoral Fellow from CUHKSZ, presented his co-authored research, “The Deceptiveness of Presidential Personas: The Gap Between Spontaneous and Formal Leadership Traits and Its Impact on Political Trust.” The paper was rigorously examined by discussant Dr. ZHANG Zheng from the Department of Government and Public Administration at CUHK.

A second paper, “Political Cycles of Resource Rents Redistribution: State-Business Clientelism and Tax Payments in China” by Dr. Li Qin of CUHK, co-authored with Professor Vivian Zhan, was the focus of a detailed analysis by Professor Karl Yan from the Division of International Organization and Global Governance at CUHKSZ.

In a distinctive format designed to maximize feedback, the authors forewent traditional presentations. Instead, they offered brief introductory remarks before receiving extensive, detailed critiques from the assigned discussants. This was followed by a vibrant open-floor discussion where faculty and graduate students contributed substantive insights and questions.

“The success of this seminar underscores the vital importance of cross-campus collaboration,” said a seminar organizer. “By creating a dedicated space for rigorous, constructive peer review, we are directly supporting our researchers in producing work of the highest caliber for the international academic community.”

The CUHK/CUHKSZ Joint Social Science Research Seminar Series is a key initiative to strengthen academic ties and provide a platform for scholars from both institutions to develop research intended for major conferences and leading publications.