The University is delighted to welcome Yong Zhao, Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas, to Bath as a Global Chair.

Professor Zhao is a world-leading authority on global education research and advocacy and will be hosted as a Global Chair by Alma Harris, Professor of Educational Policy and Leadership in the Department of Education.

His appointment has been funded by the International Relations Office’s Global Chair scheme, a flagship programme designed to attract distinguished, globally renowned scholars to engage in high-profile research activities at Bath.

Professor Zhao’s expertise spans broad cross-cultural perspectives. Leading global discussions on how to rethink education for the future, his work inspires a focus on students as individual learners with individual strengths. His ideas on innovative curriculum design draw on deep comparative knowledge of the US, China and East Asia.

During his first visit to Bath, Professor Zhao will be interacting with students and staff in the Department of Education and in the Centre for Learning and Teaching. His schedule will also involve mentoring activities for postgraduate research students, as well as teaching in the Bath EdD (Doctor of Education) Summer School programme.

Professor Catherine Montgomery, Academic Director of International Partnerships, and colleagues from across the University welcomed Professor Zhao at a reception last week.

Professor Montgomery said:

We are delighted that Professor Zhao is joining us as a Global Chair. Our University has a strong commitment to internationalisation which includes the development of a curriculum that reflects the diverse talents of our students and provides them with the confidence and skills for future careers in the global marketplace. It is, therefore, a fantastic opportunity for us to host someone of Professor Zhao’s calibre, who brings unique cross-cultural insights to our University community.

Professor Alma Harris added:

We are very honoured to welcome Professor Zhao as a Global Chair. He is not only an esteemed scholar in his field but he is also a tireless public advocate for better education, working with schools and universities around the world. I look forward to further developing our research together.

Professor Zhao’s visit will conclude with a public lecture entitled “Reach for greatness: Personalisable education for all children” on Thursday 28 June. All colleagues are welcome.