Asia and Asians at Harvard Conference — Day 1
This is the first day of the two-day conference. Check full conference details here.
Harvard’s enduring engagement with Asia has shaped scholarly inquiry, public policy, and campus life—within the University and across the region. This University-wide, two-day conference convenes faculty, students, alumni, and institutional partners from across Schools and disciplines to examine the evolving relationship between Harvard and Asia from the late nineteenth century to the present and to consider paths forward.
Through a series of presentations, the program revisits formative encounters, collaborations, and institutional linkages; recognizes the contributions of Asian students, scholars, and visitors who have transformed fields and enriched the University; and offers a forthright assessment of Harvard’s roles in U.S. policy, development, and institution-building in Asia, acknowledging both contributions and consequences.
Looking ahead, the conference asks how Harvard can advance more inclusive, equitable, and regionally balanced approaches to the study of Asia and to University engagement with the region—strengthening partnerships, deepening interdisciplinary research and teaching, and enhancing public impact.
Registration is not required but appreciated for planning purposes.
Day 1: Thursday, November 13, 2025
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Opening and Introductions
Michael Puett, Victor and William Fung Foundation Director, Harvard University Asia Center; Walter C. Klein Professor of Chinese History and Anthropology; Harvard College Professor
Sugata Bose, Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University
Reception
Concourse Area, CGIS South, 1730 Cambridge Street
Co-sponsored by the Asia Center, the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Korea Institute, the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, the Harvard-Yenching Institute, and the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies.
______________________________________________________________________
Related course: See the course HIST 1966 - Asia and Asians at Harvard taught by Professor Sugata Bose.