The Asia Center is a university-wide research center with four priorities: 1) Fostering research and teaching on Asia in transregional perspective, recognizing that Asian nations and their peoples have been inextricably interconnected with one another and with those of other regions for much of history; 2) Increasing the resources and number of Harvard faculty members and students engaged in the study of Asia by promoting expansive and inclusive coverage; 3) Advancing new transdisciplinary knowledge on Asia by catalyzing the interaction and collaboration of faculty members and students from across Harvardโs many schools; 4) Forging networks by connecting faculty members and students with practitioners, professionals, policy makers, and communities in the United States, Asia, and globally to address critical transregional challenges and opportunities.
The Asia Center accomplishes these priorities through its public events; faculty and student grants programs; Graduate Student Associates Program; Postdoctoral Fellows Program; Publications Program; Southeast Asia Initiative; and other endeavors, which draw on the expertise of scholars, practitioners, professionals, policy makers, and communities across all fields.
Dear Colleagues,
The Asia Center reaffirms its unambiguous commitment to the policy and practice of zero tolerance of sexual harassment, gender-based disparity of treatment, and other forms of discrimination.
We remain firmly committed to fostering an atmosphere of safe and healthy engagement with each other as faculty members, staff, students, affiliates, and visitors. We will continue to work with the Harvard community and the broader higher education community to promote safe work environments for everyone. Further, we are committed to participating in efforts to improve the culture of Harvard so that all may achieve their full potential.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us, Title IX officers, or other Harvard resources such as the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (OSAPR).
Yours sincerely,
Karen L. Thornber
Victor and William Fung Director, Asia Center
Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations
and of Comparative Literature
Elizabeth Liao
Executive Director, Asia Center
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As follow up, the Asia Center will continue to focus on building a culture of respect and a safe work environment for all. All of our staff and faculty are participating in trainings in person, and are coordinating similar trainings for affiliates and students with other international centers. In addition, we are in the process of developing a written code of conduct that will be shared with existing and incoming staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, and affiliates. The above statement will remain posted on our website and will be distributed along with our weekly announcements in Asia Center This Week each semester. Our policies and related issues will be part of an ongoing discussion within the Asia Center and with our colleagues across the University. We encourage you to check back for updates.
03/18/2026
03/16/2026
03/13/2026
03/10/2026
03/09/2026
03/05/2026
03/04/2026
03/03/2026
02/26/2026
02/24/2026
02/23/2026