16/06/2026
🎉 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Lei Chen as Chair of Comparative Law, Lee Kai Hung Chair of Chinese Politics, and Director of the Manchester China Institute, effective 1 August 2026.
An internationally recognised scholar specialising in comparative law, Chinese law and international dispute resolution, Professor Chen brings extensive academic and professional expertise spanning comparative private law, transnational commercial dispute resolution, and Chinese legal and regulatory development.
His appointment reflects the enduring impact of the generosity and vision of Dr Lee Kai Hung, whose philanthropy helped establish both the Manchester China Institute and the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery.
As Director, Professor Chen will build on the Institute’s strong foundations, advancing interdisciplinary research, policy dialogue, student engagement and international collaboration between Manchester, China and the wider world.
Professor Chen commented:
"At a time of profound global transformation, institutions capable of sustaining serious intellectual and societal engagement across jurisdictions are more important than ever."
We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Dr Xiaobing Wang for his invaluable leadership and support as Interim Director.
Please join us in welcoming Professor Chen to The University of Manchester.
