Dr Yu Tao is a senior lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where he teaches contemporary Chinese society and language and coordinates the Chinese Studies major. Before UWA, Dr Tao worked as a senior lecturer in Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Central Lancashire in England.

Dr Tao was trained as a political sociologist in Peking, Cambridge, and Oxford. His current research, centring on Global China, intends to provide theoretical reflections and empirical findings for a better understanding of three interrelated questions. First, how does China – as a civilisation, a culture, and a country – present itself in various globalised fields, especially religion, education, and migration? Second, how do other societies, especially Asia Pacific ones, perceive and react to China’s global presence? Third, how do China’s government and governance evolve in a globalising world?

Dr Tao's research pays particular attention on the interaction between religious groups, civic organisations and local state agencies. He also conducts research into evidence-based pedagogical innovations and broader teaching and learning matters.

In addition to his academic publications in reputable English and Chinese journals, Dr Tao has also published dozens of op-ed articles in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms.

Dr Tao is the China regional editor of Asian Studies Review, the flagship journal of the Asian Studies Association of Australia. He is also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy, the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Royal Asiatic Society. 

Dr Tao welcomes proposals for doctoral research on contemporary Chinese society and politics, ideally with an emphasis on state-society relations.

Coordinator, Chinese Studies
Coordinator, ASIA3003 (Social Issues in Contemporary China); CHIN2801 (China Field Study); CHIN3409 (Chinese 9: Understanding the Chinese State); CHIN3410 (Chinese 10: Understanding Chinese Society)

Senior Lecturer & Course Leader in Asia Pacific Studies, University of Central Lancashire, 2016-17
Lecturer in Asia Pacific Studies, University of Central Lancashire, 2014-16
Tutor for Undergraduate and International Exchange Students, University of Oxford, 2012-2014
Tutor for Undergraduate Students, University of Cambridge, 2009-10

Chinese

American Political Science Association: Travel Grant (2015)
Australian Academy of Humanities: Humanities Travelling Fellowship (2022)
Europe China Research and Advice Network: Policy Report Commission (2012) [report]
European Association for Chinese Studies: Biennial Young Scholar Finalist Award (2014)
Japan Foundation, Sydney: Japanese Studies Mini Grant (2021) [project site]
StudyPerth: Student Engagement and Support Grant (2021) [project site]
Sydney Southeast Asia Centre: Early Career Researcher Writing Support (2021)
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government: New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants (2022) [project site]
The Herbert and Valmae Freilich Project for the Study of Bigotry: Annual Early Career Research Small Grant (2021) [talk]
The National Library of Australia: Asian Studies Grant (2020)
Political Studies Association (UK): Postgraduate Access Grant (twice 2015, 2010) / Overseas Exchange Grant (2012) / Early-career Events Grant (2016)
The University of Central Lancashire: University Undergraduate Research Intern Scheme (2016)
The University of Western Australia: FABLE Research Accelerator Scheme (between 2018 and 2021)