Yu Tao

Dr Yu Tao is an Associate Professor in Chinese Studies at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where he coordinates the Chinese Studies course, which includes four streams of a major and two minors. He served as the Discipline Chair of Asian Studies between 2022 and 2023 and is currently responsible for training honours students (students undertaking an additional year of study after their undergraduate degree, focused on research and culminating in a dissertation).

Dr Tao was trained in political science and sociology at Peking, Cambridge, and Oxford. His current research, centred on Global China, aims to provide theoretical insights and empirical evidence to address two interconnected questions. First, how are China’s government and governance systems adapting to and reacting within an increasingly globalised world? Second, what are the manifestations, key drivers, and perceptions of globalised Chineseness across diverse fields such as religion, education, migration, and heritage? Dr Tao's research pays particular attention to the interaction between religious groups, civic organisations and local state agencies.

Dr Tao is a multi-award-winning educator. His teaching excellence has been recognised by students, colleagues, and institutions, including the Australian Award for University Teaching (Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning). 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 that align with his expertise and current research priorities.

Coordinator, Chinese Studies, 2017-

School Honours Coordinator, 2025

Unit Coordinator:

• SOCS3888 (Asia Pacific Field Studies), 2023-
• SOCS4100 (Social Sciences Research Skills), 2025
• SOCS4102 (Social Sciences Professional Placement), 2025
• SOCS4140 (Honours Dissertation 1), 2025
• SOCS4141 (Honours Dissertation 2), 2025

At UWA:

• Unit Coordinator, ASIA3003 (Social Issues in Contemporary China), 2017-2024
• Unit Coordinator, CHIN2801 (China Field Study), 2017-2019
• Unit Coordinator, CHIN3409 (Chinese 9: Understanding the Chinese State), 2017-2024
• Unit Coordinator, CHIN3410 (Chinese 10: Understanding Chinese Society), 2017-2019, 2021-2024

Before UWA:

• 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)

Asian Studies Association of Australia: Event Grant (2023)

Australian Academy of Humanities: Humanities Travelling Fellowship (2022)

Europe China Research and Advice Network: Policy Report Commission (2012)

European Association for Chinese Studies: Biennial Young Scholar Finalist Award (2014)

Japan Foundation, Sydney: Japanese Studies Mini-Grant (2021)

StudyPerth: Student Engagement and Support Grant (2021)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government: New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants (three times 2022, 2023, 2025)

The Herbert and Valmae Freilich Project for the Study of Bigotry: Annual Early Career Research Small Grant (2021)

The National Foundation of Australia-China Relations: Nationally Competitive Project Grant (2023)

The National Library of Australia: Asian Studies Grant (2020)

The Society for the Scientific Study of Religion: Jack Shand Research Grant (2024)

Political Studies Association (UK): Postgraduate Access Grant (twice 2015, 2010) / Overseas Exchange Grant (2012) / Early-career Events Grant (2016)

The University of Central Lancashire: Faculty Research Funding (2016, 2017) / University Undergraduate Research Intern Scheme (2016)

The University of Western Australia: FABLE Research Accelerator Scheme (between 2018 and 2021) / Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellowship (2024) / School of Social Sciences Strategic Research Grant (2024) / Research Collaboration Award (2025)