British Association for Chinese Studies

The British Association for Chinese Studies (BACS) is a non-political organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging Chinese studies in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1976 during a conference at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, BACS serves as the comprehensive subject association for Chinese Studies in the UK[2][4].

Objectives and Activities

BACS aims to foster cooperation among individuals and organizations interested in Chinese studies through various activities:

• Conferences and Events: BACS organizes conferences, lectures, and seminars to further the field of Chinese studies.
• Information Dissemination: It disseminates information related to Chinese studies across the UK.
• Collaboration: BACS collaborates with other area studies organizations, funding bodies, China-related offices, and government departments[2].

Publications

BACS publishes several key resources:

• Journal of the British Association for Chinese Studies: This is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that covers a wide range of disciplines related to China and the Chinese diaspora, spanning from history to contemporary times[5].
• Annual BACS Bulletin: First published in 1982, it chronicles the state of Chinese studies in higher education across the UK[2].

Membership and Governance

The organization is administered by an elected Council and consists of members from various sectors, including education, business, media, and government[2]. Membership is open to those interested in Chinese studies, and the association also administers scholarships for language study and research in Taiwan[2].

Scholarships and Awards

BACS supports academic excellence by awarding scholarships and recognizing outstanding research contributions. For example, during its 40th-anniversary celebration, it awarded a prize for the best research paper related to East Asian Studies[4].

Anniversary Celebrations

In 2016, BACS celebrated its 40th anniversary with a reception at SOAS, University of London. The event featured speeches from past and present presidents, including Professor Jane Duckett and the first BACS President, Professor Don Rimmington[4].

Charity Status

BACS is registered as a charity with the number 273023.

Role in Promoting Chinese Studies

Over the years, BACS has played a pivotal role in transforming Chinese studies from a niche subject to a mainstream field in the UK. It continues to advocate for Chinese studies and liaise with various stakeholders, including media and government representatives[2][4].

[1] https://bacsuk.org.uk [2] https://bacsuk.org.uk/about-us [3] https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/c.php?g=352470&p=2375571 [4] https://english.moe.gov.tw/cp-117-21519-ED470-1.html [5] https://bjocs.site/index.php/bjocs/issue/download/4/PDF