The CUHK IASACT Research Forum 2025 is a prestigious and fully funded academic program hosted by the Divinity School of Chung Chi College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This four-week residential program, scheduled from June 20 to July 19, 2025, provides an exceptional opportunity for early to mid-career researchers and faculty members affiliated with Asian higher education institutions to engage in rigorous academic research and intellectual exchange. With the theme "Framing Foodscapes in Asia: Patterns, Problems, and Prospects," the forum aims to explore the dynamic intersections between food, culture, sustainability, and global challenges.

This guide offers an in-depth overview of the IASACT Research Forum 2025, detailing the program's financial benefits, thematic focus areas, eligibility criteria, responsibilities, and application process.

Overview of the CUHK IASACT Research Forum 2025

• Host Country: Hong Kong
• Location: Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Dates: June 20 – July 19, 2025
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

Financial Benefits

Selected participants of the IASACT Research Forum 2025 will receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Airfare Sponsorship: Round-trip travel expenses to and from Hong Kong.
• Accommodation: Lodging provided for the entire duration of the program.
• Meals: Daily meals to support participants' stay.
• Stipend: Participants will receive a financial stipend ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 1,500.

This extensive funding ensures that participants can focus entirely on their research without financial concerns, fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.

Theme and Research Focus Areas

The 2025 IASACT Research Forum will explore the theme “Framing Foodscapes in Asia: Patterns, Problems, and Prospects.” Foodscapes refer to the physical, social, and cultural environments in which food is produced, acquired, prepared, and consumed. This interdisciplinary theme encourages scholars to examine the following aspects of food systems in Asia:

1. Health, Hunger, and Healing

• Food security and malnutrition
• Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger)
• Food safety and contamination
• Nutritional disparities and health outcomes
• Traditional and modern medical nutrition approaches

2. Production, Perplexities, and Possibilities

• Agricultural advancements and sustainability (e.g., Agriculture 4.0, genetic modification, and organic farming)
• Climate change and food production
• Food supply chain challenges and trade policies
• Food waste and loss reduction strategies

3. Consumption and Consumer Behaviors

• Dietary habits, cultural influences, and food choices
• Vegetarianism, veganism, and ethical food consumption
• Food trends and market influences

4. Civilizations, Cultures, and Customs

• The role of food in cultural identity and heritage
• Religious dietary practices and regulations
• Culinary traditions and globalization’s impact
• Food-sharing customs and social cohesion

Responsibilities of Participants

To ensure meaningful engagement, selected participants will be required to actively participate in the following activities:

• Opening and Orientation Sessions: An introduction to the research forum and its objectives.
• Brief Presentations of Research Proposals: Participants will present their initial research proposals for feedback.
• Full Research Presentations: Final presentations of research findings.
• Regular Mentorship Meetings: Scheduled one-on-one sessions with assigned academic mentors.
• Submission of a Final Paper: Participants are expected to submit a well-developed research paper at the end of the program.
• Mini-Conferences and Special Lectures: Engagement in academic events, discussions, and collaborative projects.

These responsibilities will contribute to the participants' academic growth while fostering intellectual exchange among a diverse group of scholars.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the IASACT Research Forum 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be currently working in an Asian country.
• Hold a professional affiliation with an Asian higher education institution.
• Be early to mid-career faculty or researchers (i.e., those who have completed a postgraduate degree within the last five years).
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate program (except final-semester students).
• Have initiated research projects that require expert guidance for further development.
• Possess strong spoken and written English proficiency.

The program seeks to support scholars committed to advancing research on Asian cultures, religions, and social issues while fostering academic collaboration across the region.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume outlining academic and professional experiences.
• Project Abstract: A concise summary of the applicant’s proposed research.
• Outline of Expected Output: A clear description of the intended research outcome.
• Recommendation Letter: A letter of recommendation from an academic or professional referee.

These documents will be used to assess the applicant’s academic qualifications, research potential, and suitability for the program.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official IASACT Research Forum 2025 website. The application deadline is February 28, 2025.Application Steps:

• Visit the official website of the IASACT Research Forum.
• Complete the online application form.
• Upload the required documents in the specified format.
• Submit the application before the deadline.
• Await selection results and further instructions from the organizers.

The CUHK IASACT Research Forum 2025 in Hong Kong presents an invaluable opportunity for scholars and researchers in Asia to deepen their knowledge, develop their academic work, and connect with like-minded professionals. With its fully funded support, interdisciplinary approach, and mentorship from esteemed academics, the program promises to enrich participants’ research journeys and contribute to the broader academic discourse on Asian foodscapes, cultures, and sustainability.

Scholars eager to advance their research and engage in meaningful academic exchange are strongly encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this prestigious opportunity to be part of a dynamic intellectual community at one of Asia’s leading research institutions.

For further details and to apply, visit the official website of the IASACT Research Forum 2025.

APPLY FOR THE IASACT FORUM 2025 IN HONG KONG