Positioning GCA’s Fellowship System and International Comparisons

The 9th Global China Dialogue (GCD IX) was held for the first time in China on November 29, 2024. Questions and enquiries from Chinese academia and professionals regarding the Global China Academy and its Fellowships had been frequently raised during the preparation period. Since May 2024, controversies in China have arisen over a ‘400,000-yuan academician title purchase’[1], an ‘800,000-yuan deal to secure a European Academy of Natural Sciences (EANS) position’[2], and the 300% increase in EANS fellows from 2022 to 2024.[3] The China Association for Science and Technology responded, urging scientists to stay focused, exercise patience, and remain modest, advising institutions to avoid supporting ‘opportunists’ and calling for self-discipline to uphold academic integrity.[4] Chen Zhiwen, of the China Education Development Strategy Association, noted in interviews, ‘In China, an academician is the highest scholar honour, often with special benefits, unlike foreign fellowships that are one of several honours’. He attributed these issues to cultural and governance differences between China and the West, recommending closing information gaps, limiting speculation, and ensuring clarity from authorities to address public misconceptions.[5] Articles from Beijing Evening News (2017)[6] and Chinese Academy of Sciences Journal (2019)[7] provide additional insights into foreign fellowship systems. The following introduces several fellowship institutions, using GCD IX participants as examples.

Brief Introduction to Several Prestigious Fellowship Institutions and Fellowships in the UK

The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is widely regarded as the oldest systematic scientific research institution in the world . Its full name is The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge. While it enjoys national-level and official academic authority due to its Royal Charter, it is not a government institution but a non-governmental organization registered with the UK government’s Charity Commission . The title FRS (Fellow of the Royal Society) is typically translated as ‘院士’ (Fellow) rather than ‘会士’ (Member) in Chinese, a term widely recognized as representing high-level academic achievement. 

In the UK, other institutions also hold Royal Charters, including the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), found ed in 1754 . Its full name is the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. The RSA’s royal designation underscores its significance as a national-level institution, promoting economic
growth and social progress through innovation and creativity across fields such as art, manufacturing, business, design, and education . The FRSA (Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts) title is often translated as ‘院士’(Fellow) rather than ‘会士’ (Member) in Chinese . Notable individuals such as Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Karl Marx, and Adam Smith were Fellows of the RSA . Among the speakers at GCD IX, Tony McEnery, Gavin Brookes, Xiangqun Chang, Niall Curry, and Martin Garthwaite each have FRSA after their names, indicating they are Fellows of the Royal Society of Arts.

The foremost research institution in the humanities and social sciences in the UK is the British Academy, founded in 1902 . Its full name is The British Academy for the Promotion of Historical, Philosophical and Philological Studies, and it also holds a Royal Charter. It is said that the founders chose the name ‘British Academy’ because, in the history of academia, the term ‘Academy’ carries a strong humanistic resonance, linking it to ancient Greek thought and philosophical traditions such as Plato’s Academy. This naming approach also aligns with the usage of Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres in France, thereby broadly encompassing
research across the humanities and social sciences. As the United Kingdom’s national institution dedicated to the humanities and social sciences, the title FBA (Fellow of the British Academy) is translated as ‘院士’ (Fellow) in Chinese.

In the Global China Academy, there are also Fellows of the British Academy (FBA), such as Professor LI Wei, Director and Dean of the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society and Professor David Parkin, former Head of the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography at the University of Oxford, is also a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. The term ‘Fellow’ should not be translated
as ‘Research Fellow’, as it represents a higher academic status . He is also an Honorary Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, which can be translated as ‘Honorary Research Fellow’ because it implies an honorary academic position. In contrast, Fei Xiaotong was an Honorary Fellow
at the London School of Economics (LSE), and this title should not be translated as ‘Honorary Research Fellow’ owing to the high status and strict criteria at LSE . Overall, at top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE, the titles of Fellow and Honorary Fellow are given to scholars with significant academic achievements and are widely respected in the academic community.

The Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS) in the UK is a national-level fellowship institution focused on the field of social sciences, particularly emphasizing the role of social sciences in addressing real-world is sues in policy research, social behaviour, and organizational development. Although it does not have a Royal Charter, its status is established primarily through its influence in the social sciences community and professional accreditation or recognition. The title of Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) is awarded to those who have demonstrated outstanding research, influence, or practical achievements in social science disciplines such as economics, sociology, psychology, law, public policy, and education. Martin Albrow, Past Honorary President of the Global China Academy, and Tony McEnery, Chair of the Global China Academy Council, are both Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences. Since 2014, the Global China Academy (GCA) has held the status of Associate Member within the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS). The GCA is current
ly striving to achieve full membership.

In the list of speakers for the 9th Global China Dialogue, ‘SFHEA’ after Niall Curry’s name indicates that he is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE . Here, ‘Fellow 会士’ refers to a senior member of a professional organization, not a title representing high academic honours. For example, ‘FRAI’ (Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute) was once translated as 院士 because the institute holds a Royal Charter, granting it academic authority in the UK and internationally. Later, especially after RAI became a full member of the British Academy of Social Sciences, ‘FRAI’ has been translated as 会士, similar to being a member of the British Sociological Association. 

Brief Introduction to Fellowship Institutions and Fellowships in Europe and Other Countries

In Europe, some countries use the title Fellow for academicians, as with the European Academy of Sciences, where members have the post-nominal FEurASc, indicating Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences. In countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and India, academician titles are generally referred to as Fellows . However, in France, Northern and Eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and former Soviet regions, the title Academician is more common. The title Academician is typically not abbreviated when placed after a person’s name. Professor LOU Yongqi, Vice President of Tongji University, which is co-organizing the 9th Global China Dialogue (GCD IX), holds the title of Academician at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (Kungliga Ingenjörsvetenskapsakademien, IVA) . Professor HAO Shiyuan, a renowned ethnologist and anthropologist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), who will present certificates to recipients of Fellowships of the Global China Academy (GCA) during the Closing Ceremony of GCD IX, holds the title of Academician with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and is also an Academician of CASS. He is also a Fellow of the Global China Academy (FGCA), where the term Fellow is used, and FGCA is placed after his name.

The European Academy of Nursing Science (EANS), based in Hanover, Germany, as mentioned earlier, is composed of scientists from various European countries and follows a rigorous selection process for its academicians . The title Academician at this academy aligns with the traditional usage found in parts of continental and Eastern Europe . Former Vice President and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Professor LI Yang, who will speak at the GCD IX Dinner, is also an Academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences (IEAS) . This academy comprises distinguished natural scientists, engineering and technology experts, as well as management and social scientists, and is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It has scientific centres in 15 countries, and its members also hold the title Academician in English . The European Academy of Natural Science (EANS) and the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences (IEAS) are both international academic institutions spanning across countries and regions, aimed at promoting collaborative scientific research and the exchange of knowledge among different nations and fields of study.

Brief Introduction to the Global China Academy and its Fellowships

The Global China Academy was established in 2013 and was initially known as CCPN Global, a relatively loosely structured, membership-based academic society  registered with the UK government’s Charity Commission, with approximately 6,000 members . In 2015, it transitioned to become the Global China Institute
(GCI), during which it undertook several research projects and attracted a range of associate research fellows and researchers . In 2018, it was renamed the Global China Academy (GCA), shifting its focus to building publication and dialogue platforms aimed at promoting academic achievements and contributing to global social governance . In 2022, the Charity Commission approved GCA as a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO).

According to the GCA’s constitution, it is defined as a global fellowship system, similar to other fellowship institutions in the UK . Its governance structure consists of a trustee board responsible for operating the organization in accordance with charity law, the academy’s constitution and relevant policies, as well as overseeing strategic direction and taking appropriate action when risks arise . The GCA Council is tasked with specific responsibilities, including recommending new Fellows, enhancing the Academy’s image and reputation, suggesting articles or books for publication in journals by Global Century Press (GCP), and proposing themes and speakers for the Global China Dialogue (GCD) series.

The GCA fulfils both academic and social missions. The title of Fellow is an honour that recognizes distinguished scholars, intellectuals, experts, and professionals who contribute to China studies and the globalization of Chinese scholarship from a global or comparative perspective, as well as those who make significant contributions to global society building, governance, and world peace. Fellows play a vital role in the development of the academy, offering expert advice and guidance, participating in activities relevant to their fields of expertise, and contributing to the GCP and the GCD series.

In the context of the Global China Academy, the term ‘Fellowship’ refers to two categories: Individual Fellowship and Institutional Fellowship . Here, ‘Fellowship’ should not be translated as ‘奖学金’ (Scholarship). Typically, ‘院士’ (Fellow) is an honorary title awarded to individuals for their academic achievements, while
‘院士单位’ (Institutional Fellowship) recognizes organizations for their contributions to research or practice in specific fields. Therefore, translating ‘Institutional Fellowship’ as ‘院士单位’ is more appropriate. Globally, many institutions with fellowship systems establish various awards to honour organizations that have made
significant accomplishments in particular areas.

The prestige of Global China Academy Fellows is primarily established through the influence of distinguished scholars with global and comparative perspectives in the field of China studies and recognition by relevant academic communities. Fellows of the Global China Academy take pride in being awarded the honour of Fellowship and feel a sense of belonging . For instance, Professor Robin Cohen, author of Global Sociology and former director of the Oxford University Institute for Migration Studies, has been awarded Fellowship at the Global China Academy. Reports on the Oxford University website include links to the Global China Academy’s website.[8]

The 2021 Fellowship awarding ceremony was held at the British Academy during the 7th Global China Dialogue Dinner [9]. To meet the criteria for a full member of the Academy of Social Sciences, we introduced the Associate Fellow title. Currently, there are 42 Fellows (including associate Fellows and Institutional Fellows) across the UK, France, Germany, the US, Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, and China[10]. In 2023, the awarding ceremony was held during the 8th Global China Dialogue Dinner at the UK Houses of Parliament [11]. 

The 2024 Fellowship Certificate Presentation Ceremony, encompassing both Individual and Institutional Fellowships, will be held during the Closing Session of the 9th Global China Dialogue (GCD IX). In the English Edition of the GCD IX Handbook, individuals whose names are followed by ‘FGCA’ are Fellows of the
Global China Academy . They are (in alphabetical order): BING Zheng, Xiangqun Chang, GU Yueguo, HAO Shiyuan, LI Linxue, Tony McEnery, XIE Lizhong, ZHANG Xiaodong, and ZHU Guanglei. The Associate Fellows of GCA include Gavin Brookes, QIAN Yufang, and WANG Xin; Institutional Fellows include the College of Arts and Media at Tongji University (China), the Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science at Lancaster University (UK), Global Century Press (UK), and the Institute of Linguistics at Sun Yat-sen University (China).

All Fellows, Associate Fellows, and representatives of Institutional Fellows had been invited onstage during the Fellowship awarding ceremony at the Closing Session to witness the conferring of honours on the 2024 Fellows. Awarding Fellowships on significant occasions helps showcase the remarkable achievements and academic authority of the recipients, enhances the influence and reputation of the academic institution, inspires future scholars to pursue excellence, and fosters broader societal appreciation and support for academic research.

The Global China Academy website offers information in both Chinese and English on the benefits and responsibilities of Fellowship [12], along with an introduction to the Fellows’ Home (The GCA Centre) [13]. Those interested in becoming a Global China Academy Fellow are invited to review the Fellowship nomination guidelines, including eligibility criteria and the nomination process [14]. We warmly welcome you to join the Global China Academy, a distinguished community of scholars and professionals, to advance Sino-foreign academic exchange and the growth of human knowledge, working together to build a global future.

Notes: 

1. Xin Shengzhi, ‘An Academician Title at the ‘European Academy of Natural Sciences’ for 400,000 Yuan? The Mask Should Be Pierced’, Southern Weekly, May 6, 2024, 14:39. Available at https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/TXotSyreoaDwBn7zrsjUWw.
2. Ji Lu, ‘Agent Agreement Exposed: 800,000 Yuan to Secure a Position as Academician at the European Academy of Natural Sciences’, The Paper, May 9, 2024, 18:32. Available at https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_27311939.
3. Yu Heng, ‘What Are People Worried About Amid the ‘400,000 Yuan Academician Purchase’ Suspicion?’ CCTV Network, May 8, 2024, 09:29 . Available at https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/g3-vAEHXNOYTvOYBFO-toQ.
4. ‘What Does the “Surge” of European Academy of Natural Sciences Academicians Reflect?’ China Association for Science and Technology Voice, May 8, 2024, 15:13. Available at https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1798467624930510340.
5. Cai Wenqing, ‘What Have Foreign Academicians Brought Us? Uncovering the Origins of the Academician System’, Beijing Evening News, December 10, 2017, 12:00. Available at https://www.takefoto.cn/viewnews-1345285.html.
6. Wang Yong, Wen Yanjie, Miao Hang, Wang Zhenyu, ‘A Preliminary Study of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Foreign Academician System from a Comparative Perspective’, Journal of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, 2019, Vol . 34, Issue 1, pp. 79-88 .
7. Experts Discuss the ‘400,000 Yuan Purchase of European Academician Titles’: Some Intermediaries Profit by Exploiting Differences in How the Title Is Perceived Between China and the West, Great Wall Network, May 15, 2024, 02:03. Available
at https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1799052106356259124 
8. See: https://www.kellogg.ox.ac.uk/news/a-fellow-for-life
9. See: https://globalchinaacademy.org/launching-global-china-academy-gca
10. See: https://globalchinaacademy.org/fellows
11. See: https://globalchinaacademy.org/new-fellowships-awarded-2023
12. See: https://globalchinaacademy.org/fellowship-benefits-obligations-cn/
13. See: https://globalchinaacademy.org/gca-centres-facilities-libraries-function-rooms-bedrooms-garden/
14. See: https://globalchinaacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fellowship-Nominations-Guidance-03-2024.pdf