Scottish Centre for China Research

When: Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 4–5.30pm 

Where: 208 McIntyre Building, University of Glasgow and online with registration here. 

 

Abstract: 

"Science philanthropy" has recently emerged as a major force in China’s philanthropic landscape. Science philanthropy is not just about direct funding for scientific research but is a constantly evolving form of practice and ideas responding to China’s national sci-tech strategy, changes in the research ecosystem, and the pursuit of social values.

This talk will explore why science philanthropy has become an important topic, drawing on international experience and Chinese examples. How can it form a "third pillar" of research among government, market, and society? How can it play a unique role in cutting-edge fields such as risk-taking, research evaluation, and open science? How can Chinese scientists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists jointly promote scientific innovation and social change? Why can "science philanthropy" become a new growth point when the power of civil society in China is weakening? And how can science play an increasingly important role when philanthropic efforts focus on social governance and problem-solving?

Short Bio: 

Weinan is a postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Philanthropy, University of Kent, a researcher at the “China Philanthropist” Philanthropy Research Institute, and author of the weekly "Science Philanthropy" column. Weinan received his PhD from Beijing Normal University. He serves as an evaluation expert for the Nonprofit Evaluation Support Platform (Beijing) and is an affiliate at the Scottish China Studies Centre, University of Glasgow. Weinan’s long-term research interests have focused on two main areas: the theory and practice of nonprofit evaluation; and the adjustment of inter-departmental relationships in philanthropy with Chinese characteristics. Recent focuses include: science philanthropy; Tencent’s SSV (sustainable social value) practices and its evaluation system; the adjustment of the international development aid landscape following the withdrawal of USAID.