Marina Svensson

I studied Chinese, Asian studies, history and other topics at Lund University, where I also received my Ph.D. in Chinese in 1996. Since 2014 I am Professor of Modern China Studies and since October 2016 the director of the Centre. I am currently also responsible for the Ph.D. programme and co-ordinator of the Graduate School in Asian Studies.

My research is interdisciplinary in character and focuses on a range of different topics related to contemporary Chinese society. 

• Human rights
• Cultural heritage
• Journalism and media
• China’s digital society
• Documentary film and photography
• Academic freedom issues
• Youth issues
• Digital ethnography and visual methods

Current research

One of my current research interests concerns the role of photography and documentary films in China. I analyse the role and development of photography and documentary film in Chinese society and its political constraints. I address topics such cultural and identity politics, civic engagement and activism, documentation of pressing social issues, and different platforms and institutions involved in photography and documentary film such as art institutions, photo and film festivals. I have organised several documentary film festivals that involves other countries in the region, including Youth in Asia, Urban Developments in Asia, and Memories and Trauma in Asia and Activism and Documentary Film in Asia. I have also been involved in organising lectures and photo exhibitions.

Another research interest concerns challenges to academic freedom in China and the implications this has for education and research on China. I am also interested in the situation for youth in China, their dreams and challenges, and issues that relate to education and the job market as well as young people's civic and political engagement in a global perspective.