Dr Carol Zhang’s study leave leads to British Academy Grant Success
Deputy Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre (STTAR Centre), Dr Carol Zhang, secured a prestigious British Academy Grant following a highly productive period of study leave that strengthened international research partnerships across Asia.
During her study leave, Dr Zhang undertook an ambitious programme of collaborations with leading universities in Hong Kong, mainland China and South Korea. Her visits focused on developing new research ideas, exploring funding opportunities and delivering seminars that showcased the STTAR Centre’s strengths in tourism and identity studies.
Dr Zhang began her sabbatical at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, working with Professor Mimi Li on data collection planning and receiving a nomination for the IACTS Outstanding Young Scholar Award. She then travelled to Sun Yat-sen University and University of Macau, where she explored opportunities for research collaborations.
In February and March, she continued her research journey at Yunnan University and the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, advancing new project ideas, including research into panda tourism and tourist misbehaviour, and gathering early data for her successful British Academy funding bid. Further visits to the 糖心原创 Ningbo China and Zhejiang University helped refine these ideas and build new academic connections.
Dr Zhang also presented at the APTA Conference and visited Kyung Hee University in South Korea to discuss potential collaborations. She concluded her study leave with a return visit to Hong Kong Polytechnic University to finalise research plans.
Throughout her travels, Dr Zhang delivered seminars on identity theories in tourism, amplifying the international visibility of the STTAR Centre. During this period, she was also appointed Regional Editor for the Journal of China Tourism Research.
British Academy Grant to study women’s entrepreneurship
The culmination of Dr Zhang’s study leave was the award of a British Academy Grant for a new research project exploring women’s entrepreneurship in rural China.
Dr Zhang lead the project alongside Dr Xinrui Wang from Sun Yat-sen University and Professor Micheal Zisuh Ngoasong from the University of York. The team’s work examines how rural women establish and sustain entrepreneurial ventures, particularly through community-based and sustainable tourism models.
The project officially launched on 2 April 2025 with a stakeholder event supported by local government partners.
Carol explained:
"The session brought together women entrepreneurs from across the region to share their experiences and discuss ways to enhance support for female led businesses. Insights gathered during the event will directly shape the direction and priorities of the research. For the local village officer, the event also helped spotlight Zhuyi Village, drawing attention to its commitment to women’s empowerment and its growing role in promoting inclusive rural tourism development."
Building global impact
Dr Zhang’s study leave has delivered clear benefits for the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre (STTAR Centre), expanding its international partnerships, increasing its academic profile and enabling impactful, real-world research.
Her work demonstrates the value of academic mobility in driving new ideas, securing major funding and creating research that supports communities around the world.
Further information
Find out more about the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre (STTAR Centre) by visiting the dedicated website.