Dr. Huanyu Zhao
I’m a Horizon Europe Researcher and Vice-Head of the Marie Curie China Chapter, trying to untangle the fascinating (and sometimes bewildering) choreography of EU–China–US relations and global governance. My academic odyssey has carried me three continents—Europe, China, and the USA—where I earned a PhD from Ghent University, an M.A. with highest distinction (summa cum laude) from Shanghai International Studies University, and another M.A. from the Johns Hopkins University–Nanjing Center.
I lead and manage multiple high-impact projects, including the €4 million Horizon Europe project ReConnect China: Generating independent knowledge for a resilient future with China for Europe and its citizens, which brings together about 100 experts from 15 leading institutions across 12 EU countries to address key policy domains. My work has been recognized through international presentations, publications, and awards such as the EU Interreg Innovation Award and National Flagship Publication distinction—helping me feel a little less guilty about my coffee habit (or so I tell myself).
I also serve as an EU COST expert, EU-KNOC Core Group expert, and contributor to the FWO Global Governance Research Community. When I’m not buried in research, I enjoy fostering collaboration by organizing flagship events like the Europe–China Knowledge Forum and the Europe–China Table, nurturing dialogue and synergy through consortia such as China Horizons and Eurohub4Sino.
Research interests
- Major power groupings (BRICS, G7, G20) and the multilateral architecture
- International organizations and global governance
- Knowledge (re)production, epistemic communities
- EU–China–US strategic dynamics
GIES research areas
- Geopolitics and Strategy
- Governance
- International Political Economy
- The EU and the World
- Global Injustices
Read more about Huanyu's research