In February 2024, we launched the Skyline Scholars Program, SCCEI’s flagship initiative designed to empower and elevate distinguished scholars and public figures whose expertise focus on China’s economy and institutions. The program aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enrich Stanford’s intellectual community, and contribute to global discourse on China’s evolving landscape.

The program attracts leading experts by offering Stanford-based appointments of up to 12 months, during which they participate in community engagement, contribute to multidisciplinary dialogue, and broaden the scope of data-driven research surrounding the development and transition of China’s economy and society. Skyline Scholars are nominated and selected based on their academic achievements, public contributions, and potential to make a significant impact. In spring 2024, a committee of Stanford faculty members nominated scholars from across the world for the inaugural cohort.

The 2024-25 inaugural Skyline Scholars cohort includes distinguished scholars like Gangsheng Bao (Fudan University), Loren Brandt (University of Toronto), Quanxi Gao (Shanghai Jiaotong University), Yasheng Huang (MIT), Shaoda Wang (University of Chicago), and Xiaonian Xu (CEIBS). During their appointments, each scholar will be asked to participate in SCCEI activities such as public lectures, roundtable discussions, and other research opportunities to further engage with our community and share their unique experiences and perspectives widely. Kicking of the series of Skyline Scholar events, in November 2024, Professor Huang gave a public lecture on The Fallacy of the China Model and its Long-term Consequences, drawing over 100 interested audience members, and a closed-door lecture in Mandarin titled, From 1978 to 2024: Reforms and Reversals (从1978年到2024年: 改革与逆转). As more of our scholars prepare for their appointments later this year, SCCEI will continue to cultivate events and opportunities to highlight the talent and expertise each Skyline Scholar has to contribute.

We are thrilled to add the Skyline Scholars Program to our platform and continue to build a network of prominent China experts, further enhancing SCCEI’s role as a leading hub for China-focused research and knowledge exchange.