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, and his research primarily focuses on the interaction between religious groups, civic organisations and local state agencies in contemporary Chinese society and overseas Chinese communities. 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)
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program (2022) 
Europe China Research and Advice Network: Policy Report Commission (2012)
European Association for Chinese Studies: Biennial Young Scholar Finalist Award (2014)
StudyPerth: Student Engagement and Support Grant (2021)
Sydney Southeast Asia Centre: ECR Writing Retreat Travel Grant (2021)
Herbert and Valmae Freilich Project for the Study of Bigotry: Annual Early Career Research Small Grant (2021)
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)
University of Central Lancashire: Faculty Research Funding (2016, 2017) / University Undergraduate Research Intern Scheme (2016)
University of Western Australia: FABLE Research Accelerator Scheme (2018)