Generous donation to fund research on civic engagement in the UK and China

A visionary gift has enabled the appointment of a two-year postdoctoral research associate to the Manchester China Institute (MCI).

Dr Katja Levy will conduct research comparing civic engagement and charitable giving in China and the UK, investigating ways in which philanthropic culture can thrive within the existing political and social structures in China. Dr Levy is currently a lecturer in Chinese politics and foreign policy at the Technical University Berlin.

At The University of Manchester, Dr Levy will explore how the British and Chinese publics have responded to global challenges, including that of COVID-19. The pandemic has presented unprecedented health, social, and economic challenges to the British and Chinese governments, creating an urgent need for volunteers and philanthropists. Alongside a broader look into the development of meaningful philanthropic culture, Dr Levy’s appointment provides an opportunity to study the COVID-19 response in real-time, with an eye towards making policy recommendations to promote philanthropic activity.

The research position has been made possible by the generosity of Kui Man Gerry Yeung OBE DL. Growing up in Guangdong and Hong Kong, Mr Yeung came to Manchester as a teenager and built a successful career in property and hospitality, founding the famous Yang Sing restaurant in Chinatown. A former Manchester High Sheriff, Yeung is himself active in local cultural and charitable work, as well as philanthropic activities with The University of Manchester.

“Gerry’s donation to MCI for research on civic engagement in the UK and China is extremely timely,” said Professor Peter Gries, MCI Director. “We are incredibly grateful for his generosity, and hope that Dr Levy’s research will help promote the wellbeing of the British and Chinese peoples well into the 21st century.”

Dr Levy will step into her new role when the 2020/21 academic year begins.