Professional Affiliation

Professor of Modern Chinese History, Cambridge University

Expert Bio

Professor Hans van de Ven is the College's Director of Studies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Educated in the Netherlands at Leiden University and in the USA at Harvard, he is an expert on the history of nineteenth and twentieth century China. He has written on China’s military history as well as the history of China’s globalization. His most recent book is Breaking from the Past: The Global Origins of Modernity in China. You will see him regularly in the Faculty building, where your classes and supervisions will take place. He will also discuss the progress of your work with you on a regular basis, and help you plan your academic career. St Catharine's aims to remain a centre of excellence in the various branches of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and welcomes applicants who would like to help us fulfil that aim.