The Sino-European Humanities and Social Sciences Exchange and Cooperation Key Laboratory (Key Lab) is a joint initiative established in 2024 by the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) and the Ningbo Academy of Social Sciences (NBASS). Born from the urgent need to revitalize EU-China academic collaboration in a post-pandemic and geopolitically shifting landscape, the Lab addresses critical gaps in interdisciplinary knowledge production. As a historic gateway for global trade and a modern hub for EU-China economic engagement, Ningbo’s strategic location positions the Lab to rebuild trust, deepen mutual understanding, and tackle shared challenges such as climate governance, technological ethics, and cultural diplomacy. By fostering resilient people-to-people exchanges and leveraging Ningbo’s international academic ecosystem, the Lab aims to counteract the fragmentation caused by COVID-19 and rekindle the commitment to joint problem-solving outlined in the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda and China’s 14th Five-Year Plan.
The Lab’s work is guided by a clear vision: to become an interdisciplinary knowledge hub fostering mutual beneficial cooperation in solving global challenges and realizing a “community of shared destiny.” Its mission focuses on creating a platform for evidence-based research and dialogue across three dimensions: the historical and contemporary dynamics of the Silk Road, EU-China security perceptions, and collaborative frameworks for sustainable development. Through interdisciplinary approaches bridging humanities, social sciences, and technical disciplines, the Lab seeks to decode the complexities of bilateral relations—from ancient trade networks to modern digital connectivity—while informing policies that keep EU-China interactions vibrant and forward-looking.
To advance its vision and mission, the Key Lab will implement a structured portfolio of activities designed to foster academic rigor and practical engagement. These include annual conferences co-organized with leading Chinese and European institutions to address overarching themes in EU-China relations, alongside regular expert dialogues that bring together scholars, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The Lab will prioritize talent development through joint doctoral programs and academic exchanges, enabling early-career researchers to contribute fresh perspectives. A dedicated focus on research excellence will drive the publication of high-impact policy papers and academic studies, while innovative projects in digital humanities—such as the establishment of a Data Visualisation Laboratory—will harness cutting-edge technologies to analyze global trends. By integrating knowledge creation with public outreach, the Lab aims to translate scholarly insights into actionable solutions, ensuring its role as a dynamic bridge between Europe and China.