About
The China Institute at the University of Alberta (CIUA) was established in the fall of 2005 with an endowment fund of C$37 million from the Government of Alberta. The endowment matched the appraised value of The Mactaggart Art Collection, donated to the University of Alberta Museums by local philanthropists Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart, under an agreement by the University that the funds so obtained would be used to create the China Institute, dedicated to enhancing understanding between Canada and China.
CIUA’s mission is to advance scholarship at the University of Alberta, to enhance and support new teaching and research activities between Canada and China, and to promote strong academic linkages between the University of Alberta and Chinese universities.
CIUA’s vision is to become well-known in China, Canada and internationally as a unique Canadian enterprise that stimulates outstanding China-related teaching, research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration. Spanning a wide range of disciplines, the Institute encourages the participation in the scholarship of China by undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty from the University of Alberta and Chinese institutions.
The CIUA is a board-governed organization, which reports to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) of the University of Alberta. The Director of the CIUA is Mr. Gordon Houlden, a specialist of Chinese and Asia Pacific affairs, who was appointed in 2008.
The CIUA is focused on the study of contemporary China, including cutting-edge and policy relevant research on Chinese energy policy, politics, economy, social issues, culture and Canada-China relations.
The CIUA looks forward to further developing collaboration with its Chinese partners in robust research, education, and joint programs.
For a list of academics at the University of Alberta doing China related research, please click here.