5th December is International Volunteer Day. We warmly invite Queen’s students and societies, staff and service teams, along with civic and community partners, to join this information session to celebrate International Volunteer Day and to explore ways to contribute to Queen’s Year of the Horse celebrations.
Come join us at 1 pm on the day in the iconic Lanyon Canada Room/Council Chamber for a get-together and sharing of celebration information and ideas.
All is welcome and registration is required for catering purposes.
Despite a busy – and perhaps slightly tedious – November filled with deadlines and submissions, the Chinese community at Queen’s, including both scholars and students, continues to bring campus life to full vigor and vitality.
This month, two academic seminars are scheduled, and we warmly invite you to attend and take part in these stimulating academic dialogues.
Seminar 1
Ni Yang, PhD student from School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, will present ‘1976-1995: The Intersection of Urbanisation and Artistic Liberation in China: Beijing East Village’ at the History Seminar.
This seminar examines Beijing East Village (1992–1995) as a unique outcome of China’s post-Mao transformation, set against the backdrop of urban restructuring, market reforms, and shifting cultural policies. Following the end of the Cultural Revolution and the ideological thaw of the 1980s, Beijing underwent rapid urbanisation, the demolition of traditional neighbourhoods, expansion of infrastructure, and emergence of informal ‘urban villages’ on the city’s periphery. In these liminal zones, beyond full state control, artists forged new spaces for experimentation. East Village became a focal point where figures such as Rong Rong, Lü Nan, Zhang Huan, and Ma Liuming developed radical performance and photographic works that challenged social norms and redefined artistic freedom. Through case studies including 12 Square Metres, Fen-Ma Liuming’s Lunch, and To Add One Metre to an Anonymous Mountain, this seminar explores how photography mediated between transient performances and enduring cultural memory, amplifying their impact across domestic and international contexts. Situating East Village within the broader currents of economic reform, spatial politics, and cultural negotiation, it reconsiders the role of art in documenting, critiquing, and shaping a rapidly transforming society.
Ni Yang is a PhD student specialising in the intersection of history and photography, examining how images both document and shape historical change. His doctoral research investigates the cultural, political, and urban transformations of post-Mao China, analysing how photography operates as a medium for recording social realities, constructing public memory, and negotiating cultural identity. By situating photographic practice within the broader historical currents of reform, urbanisation, and shifting cultural policy, his work reveals the complex interplay between visual culture and the lived experience of historical transition.
Refreshments, drinks, and snacks will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
Seminar 2
Dr Zi Yang, on behalf of the Private and Commercial Research Cluster, warmly invites you to join the research seminar with Professor Xiahong Chen, a visiting scholar from China University of Political Science and Law, on Tuesday 18th November in Board Room 2 (MST / 08 /014), School of Law.
Professor Xiahong Chen is Research Fellow at the Bankruptcy Law & Restructuring Research Centre of the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) and Senior Editor and Director of the Journal of CUPL (core comprehensive academic journal in China). He is an internationally recognised scholar of bankruptcy and insolvency law, with over 18 books and numerous impactful articles in leading journals, including Annotations to the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law (Peking University Press 2021) and Notes on Bankruptcy Law (Law Press 2021). His research has been translated internationally, and he is a member of INSOL Europe, INSOL International, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. The talk with focus on China’s recent Insolvency Law reform.
Refreshments, drinks, and snacks will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
On Friday, 3 October, despite the adverse weather conditions, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Welcome Event went ahead as planned, bringing together over 50 students, staff (including visiting scholars), and community partners in the McClay Library Auditorium. The celebration featured live music, cultural displays, talks, and refreshments, all showcasing the vibrancy and inclusiveness of Queen’s community.
Decoration with mooncakes and flowers
Decoration with mooncakes and flowers
The event opened with a captivating guzheng performance of Moon Rising High by PhD candidate Li Fei, setting a graceful tone for the afternoon’s celebration of community and civic engagement.
Welcoming guzheng music by LI Fei
Welcoming guzheng music by LI Fei
Jointly organised by The Language Centre and iRise (BAME&I) Staff Network, the event featured welcoming remarks from Thomas (Language Centre Manager) and Bee-Yen (Senior Lecturer, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Co-Chair of iRise), who both reflected on the cultural importance of celebrating diversity at Queen’s. Mórrigan (Student Officer for Accessible Education) and Claudia (Chair of the International Students’ Association) also spoke, introducing the roles of the Queen’s Students’ Union in supporting a student body representing over 80 countries and regions.
Welcome by Thomas Smith, Language Centre Manager
Welcome by Dr Bee-Yen Toh, iRise Staff Network co-chair
Welcome by Mórrigan McEvoy, Student Officer Accessible Education
Welcome by Claudia Liu, Chair of International Students’ Association
Dr Liang Wang shared greetings from both local and international participants, including a surprise message from Queen’s University, Canada, and highlighted a series of successful student- and staff-led projects in line with the Cultural Diversity Scheme at Queen’s in recent years. He also invited attendees to take part in the new round of upcoming activities. Special thanks were given to student volunteer Shiuh Ting Gho, who delighted participants with beautifully written calligraphy pieces of traditional festival greetings.
Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations at Queen’s
Introduction to Mid-Autumn Festival
Greetings from the participants
Greetings from the participants
Greeting from a special guest from Queen’s University in Canada
Calligraphy display from Shiuh Ting Gho
Highlight 1 – Journal of Eutopia Art and Culture
Highlight 1 – Journal of Eutopia Art and Culture
Highlight 2 – Taste of the World: A Journey Through Food and Culture
Highlight 2 – Taste of the World: A Journey Through Food and Culture
Highlight 3 – QUB DEIB Forum
Highlight 4 – Bridges to China Project
In the cultural display segment, Li Fei further demonstrated her artistry through a traditional tea and incense ceremony, showcasing the elegance and mindfulness of Chinese cultural practices. Attendees showed great enthusiasm, enjoying both the demonstration and a taste of freshly brewed Chinese tea.
The afternoon concluded with networking, mooncake tasting, and refreshments, leaving everyone with warm smiles and shared appreciation for Queen’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.
Hello September, we hope all will settle in quickly and have a great start!
With the start of the new academic year, we are delighted to host a special welcome event that brings together staff and students to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate intercultural experiences. This gathering marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time of reunion and appreciation, with the chance to enjoy mooncakes and experience cultural performances. We warmly invite all students and staff to join us for this festive celebration at Queen’s!
Date: Friday 3rd October 2025 Time: 13:30 – 16:00 Venue: Auditorium, The McClay Library
Due to limited capacity of the room and high demand, we are only able to accommodate up to 50 people, on a first-come-first-serve basis. People who are informed on a waiting list will be contacted if vacancies appear.
We hope you will enjoy the event!
Call for volunteers
We are looking for talented students and staff members to volunteer for our Chinese language and cultural events at Queen’s. It could be in the form of a variety of cultural performances, or language/culture-related topics and skills, and is open to both Chinese-speaking and non-Chinese speaking volunteers.
We look forward to working with you in our future events.
Calling international students and Chinese students at Queen’s
Below are two pieces of ‘Wanted’ messages looking for participants. If you think you are the right person to get involved and make a contribution, feel free to contact them to express your interest.
1 Participants for AI and Second Language Acquisition Research
My name is Zhuofei, and you can call me Sophie.
I’m a PhD student in psychology at Queen’s. My first study focuses on the impact of AI on Second Language Acquisition. I’m currently looking for international students who are Non-English Speaker from any countries.
As an international student, have you ever used AI in your language use?
My answer is: I have — and quite a lot, to be honest!
As non-native English speakers, it’s perfectly normal for us to experience a bit of language anxiety when using English in UK classrooms. Imagine that moment when you want to speak up, but your brain decides to play hide-and-seek with vocabulary. Yep, been there.
Now here are the big questions:
Does using AI to help with language actually reduce that anxiety?
Does it make you more motivated to learn? Or more confident to speak up in class? Or… does it sometimes make things worse?
That’s what I’d love to find out — with your help! Let’s explore together how AI is really shaping our language learning journeys as international students. Who knows — you might discover you’re not the only one secretly best friends with ChatGPT!
If you are interested in taking part, please scan the QR code in the poster😊
There will also be a Focus Group on the same topic later. if you wish to participate, please send me an email. Thank you very much and looking forward to having a chat with you in what promises to be a very interesting discussion 👍
How to International – My Intercultural Journey as A Global Citizen 何以国际化 —— 我的全球公民跨文化之旅
Friday 13th June 2025 13:00-14:00 Auditorium, The McClay Library Teams: invite to be sent after registration
Speaker: Dr Zheng LI (李铮) is lecturer in School of Electronic, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Find Zheng’s academic profile Outline: Inspired by Jimmy O. Yang’s How to American, I’d like to begin by sharing my journey as a global citizen from China to Australia, Sweden, Chile, and now the UK. Through these diverse experiences, I’ve learned not just how to adapt, but how to thrive across cultures. In particular, I will share some personal reflections on how to survive and grow internationally. For me, it comes down to three key approaches – understanding, respecting and enjoying. Each culture offers something new to learn, appreciate, and celebrate. It is in that mindset that we truly become global citizens.
In her first episode, Liu Ningning introduced her life with dance at Queen’s. In the second half, she continues to share with us how she has done so far to build up confidence in academic growth. For more information on her research interest, please read the School of Law webpage.
Finding My Voice: From Queen’s Competition to Cambridge Conversations
As a first-year PhD student in Law at Queen’s, one of my goals has always been to go beyond my thesis — to challenge myself, engage with others, and grow as both a scholar and a communicator. This spring, I took two major steps toward that goal: I participated in the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition hosted by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS), and I attended my first academic conference in the UK — the Cambridge International Law Journal’s Annual Conference.
“Three Minutes, One Slide”
The 3MT Competition took place on 20 March 2025 and brought together PhD researchers from across AHSS Schools to do something both daunting and exciting: present their entire PhD research in just three minutes, using only one static slide, to a non-specialist audience.
It was my first academic competition at Queen’s, my first presentation to a public audience beyond my supervisors and peers, my first time competing in English — and, frankly, my first time doing anything like this. To make things even more challenging, I wasn’t feeling my best physically that day. But I reminded myself: this wasn’t just about competing — it was about learning. It was a valuable opportunity for practice, feedback, and growth — especially ahead of my differentiation review and future conference presentations. I wanted to hear comments from people outside my discipline. I wanted to get my research out there, early.
And I did.
Liu Ningning, runner-up award winner, in the group photo of the AHSS 3MT Competition. (Photo source: QUB School of Law)
To my surprise, I was awarded Runner-Up. I was the only Chinese and East Asian student, the only first-year PhD among the winners, and I received incredibly warm, encouraging feedback from both judges and audience members. But what meant the most was realising that my voice could be heard — and appreciated — even in a room full of native speakers.
More importantly, I grew from the experience. The challenge of condensing a complex PhD project into a strict three-minute format forced me to reflect on what really matters in my research — what’s essential, what’s meaningful, and how to connect with people unfamiliar with my field. The process sharpened not only my ideas but also my sense of purpose.
As a non-native English speaker, I know how intimidating it can be to speak publicly. Many Chinese students worry about accents, grammar, or not “sounding perfect.” But I’ve learned that presentation is not just about flawless English — it’s about clarity, confidence, and connection. Everyone has an accent. What matters is whether your audience understands your message and feels your intention.
Liu Ningning at the 3MT Competition event
Liu Ningning’s Runner-Up Award
The competition also gave me the chance to listen and learn from others. I was inspired by the diversity of topics, styles, and approaches. From research focus to methodology to presentation techniques, I came away with insights that will help shape my academic journey.
I would encourage my peers to take part in competitions, workshops, conferences, and other events. Step up, speak out — not necessary to win, but to grow.
From Queen’s to Cambridge
Building on that momentum, I travelled to Cambridge in late April to attend the 14th Annual Conference of the Cambridge International Law Journal, themed Navigating a Multipolar World: Challenges to the Post-WWII Status Quo of International Law. This was my first academic conference in the UK — and I attended not to present (yet!), but to observe, learn, and take the temperature ahead of my upcoming presentation at the Warwick Law Colloquium in June.
My academic background — in German asylum law for my undergraduate thesis, and international organisation law for my master’s — has always drawn me to global legal issues.
The Cambridge conference gave me a front-row seat to current conversations on climate justice, international criminal law, cyber governance, and the future of human rights. Attending this conference — listening to panels, keynote speeches, and hallway conversations — reminded me why I chose to pursue a PhD. It also gave me ideas for positioning my own research within the broader context of global legal developments.
Both experiences have inspired me to grow — not only as a researcher, but also as a communicator and an engaged member of the academic community. I’ve learned that making an impact isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, being open to learning, and having the courage to share your thoughts. Often, that first step is all it takes to start something meaningful.
Happy International Dance Day! 国际舞蹈日快乐 (Guójì Wǔdǎo Rì kuàilè)！
International Dance Day, celebrated globally on the 29th of April every year since 1982, is an annual celebration of how dancing positively impacts our lives.
Click to read more about International Dance Day
In 1982 the Dance Committee of ITI founded International Dance Day to be celebrated every year on the 29th April, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet. The intention of the International Dance Day Message is to celebrate dance, revel in the universality of this art form, cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers, and bring people together with a common language – dance.
On this special day, we are pleased to invite Liu Ningning (刘宁宁), a first-year PhD student in Law at Queen’s, to share her life with dancing, in particular, her experience with the QUB Dance Club.
Being part of the QUB Dance team has been one of the best decisions I have made since arriving in Belfast. It reminded me that pursuing academic excellence and personal passions can go hand-in-hand, and that life at Queen’s is full of wonderful opportunities to connect, challenge yourself, and grow.
When I began my PhD journey at Queen’s last September, I was determined not only to immerse myself in academic life but also to contribute actively to the vibrant community here. As a first-year PhD student at the School of Law under a DfE scholarship, I was honoured to be elected as the PhD Student Representative on the Doctoral Studies Committee. Yet another important and unexpected chapter unfolded beyond the library and lecture halls — through dance.
Click to read more about Ningning’s academic background
Ningning Liu, a commercial lawyer with a Juris Master degree from Fudan University and a BA in German Language and Literature from Tongji University, has been awarded the prestigious AHSS International DfE Award. Ningning will begin her PhD at the School of Law, focusing on women’s rights to political participation in modern China — specifically in Shanghai from the 1840s to the 1940s — and seeks to draw lessons for women’s empowerment today. Her research addresses critical questions about the role of women in shaping the legislative, political, and social landscapes in modern Shanghai, and the lasting impact of their political engagement on China and beyond. (Source: QUB School of Law)
After successfully passing a competitive audition, I became an active member of the QUB Dance Club, being the only international, Asian, and PhD student among a team primarily composed of undergraduates. It since has been an unforgettable and transformative experience for me.
Throughout the year, alongside my academic progress, I devoted many evenings and weekends to rehearsals, participated in major fundraising events such as So You Think You Can Dance and QUB Strictly Come Dancing (where we raised over £1,200 for charity in total!), and proudly represented Queen’s at national dance competitions in Leeds and Liverpool. One of the highlights was when our team won 2nd place in the Advanced Hip-Hop category — a moment that filled me with pride, not just for myself, but for everyone who had worked tirelessly alongside me.
Liu Ningning (centre) at dance with her teammates (Photo credit: by Jordan, QUB Dance Team)
Coming from Shanghai, I have been dancing hip-hop for around five years. For me, dance is not just a hobby — it is a part of who I am. I was thrilled to find that even during my intense PhD life, I could continue this passion at Queen’s. In fact, dance has made me more energetic, better at time management, and even more focused on my research. My supervisors have been incredibly supportive, and I am deeply grateful for their encouragement.
Of course, this journey was not without its challenges. As the only international and PhD member of the team, I initially found it demanding to adjust to the fast-paced, competitive environment dominated by undergraduates. I needed to develop greater flexibility in my approach to teamwork, quickly learn new choreography, and adapt to the group’s dynamic performance style. I actively sought feedback from more experienced teammates, spent additional hours practicing, and carefully analysed recorded performances to identify areas for improvement. Gradually, I adapted my style to align more closely with the team’s approach while also introducing elements of my own background in dance to add creative variety. These experiences not only strengthened my ability to think flexibly and critically to assess my progress but also boosted my confidence in tackling new challenges.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the friendships I built within the team. Regardless of our different disciplines and cultural backgrounds, we have connected well through our shared passion for dance. I am truly inspired by the team’s spirit, commitment, and the way everyone supports each other both on and off the stage. Their high level of organisation and drive constantly motivate me to push myself, improve, and contribute more.
Liu Ningning (left on the second row top down) with her teammates (Photo credit: Brandy Zhu)
Age, nationality, and background melted away the moment we stepped into the Blue Sky Room or onto the stage of Mandela Hall. During competitions in Leeds and Liverpool, when I received applause and compliments from competitors and audience members, I felt great joy — not just personally, but as a proud representative of Chinese and Asian women. We are strong, resilient, and accomplished, and I believe we should be brave in showing that to the world in every arena we enter.
After the competition season, our hip-hop team was also invited to perform at Queen’s Annual Fashion Show and the QUB Dance Annual Showcase. I made every effort to participate in all the events I could, and in doing so, I learned not only new choreography and performance skills but also valuable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery.
If you love dancing, or simply want to try something new, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join a club or society at Queen’s. You never know what amazing experiences and friendships are waiting for you to explore and enjoy!
With the arrival of spring, Chinese scholars are showcasing their vibrant academic contributions. This April, Queen’s University is excited to present two engaging talks on Chinese culture.
Talk 1
For this Friday’s History Seminar, PhD student Ziheng Wang from School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics presents his research work titled ‘The Apple of My Eye: The Chinese Depiction towards Russia since the 1990s’.
In the following Friday, Chinese tutor Heng Wang from QUB Language Centre will present an introduction on how Islam has developed in China since 7th century, and how it has intertwined with local culture and religions.
For more information and registration, read the post below:
