Professor at Jilin University, China
Professor Yanzhe Zhang is an esteemed academic in public administration and governance, currently serving at the Northeast Asia Study College, Jilin University, China. Holding a PhD in Government from the University of Canberra, his career spans prestigious roles in China and Australia, including research fellowships and senior lectureships. He has significantly contributed to policy studies, administrative reform, and international cooperation through numerous books, peer-reviewed articles, and high-impact projects. His work often intersects with major global themes, including social policy, demographic governance, and international development. Professor Zhang also plays a vital role as an editor and reviewer for several renowned international journals. Beyond academia, he has contributed his expertise to global agencies, advising on governance reform and institutional development in countries such as Afghanistan, Chad, and Palestine. A prolific scholar and global policy influencer, his career reflects a deep commitment to policy innovation and public sector reform.
Professional Profile
ORCID
Education
Professor Yanzhe Zhang holds a rich academic background rooted in international education. He earned his PhD in Government from the Institute of Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Australia (2010–2014), focusing on administrative reform and policy transfer. He also holds a Master’s in Public Administration & Public Policy from the University of York, UK (2004–2006), and a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Sunderland, UK (2005–2006). He completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the University of Sunderland as well (2003–2004). His diverse and interdisciplinary education has equipped him with a global outlook on governance and public policy. The integration of business, project management, and policy analysis in his academic training has significantly contributed to his ability to manage large-scale international projects and influence public sector reforms across various regions.
Professional Experience
Professor Zhang brings over 15 years of international academic and policy experience. He currently serves as a Professor at Jilin University, where he also advises government and provincial departments on governance and policy design. From 2016 to 2022, he was Associate Professor at the same institution. He previously held senior research fellowships at the University of Canberra and Australia and New Zealand School of Government Institute, where he led research on administrative reform and international development. Earlier, he worked as Senior Lecturer at Liaoning University. His consulting engagements include evaluation and training for entities such as the China National Audit Office, Afghan Central Committee, and Palestinian Protocol Department. His leadership in multiple national and international research projects—including China’s Belt and Road Initiative and long-term care insurance reform—highlights his influence in public governance and international policy.
Research Interest
Professor Zhang’s research is rooted in governance, policy transfer, administrative reform, and international development. He focuses on how policy models migrate across national contexts, particularly from developed to developing nations, shaping public sector institutions. His work often explores demographic policy (e.g., One-Child Policy), aging populations, social security reforms, and public sector innovation. His interest in China’s governance evolution, including the Belt and Road Initiative and anti-corruption reforms, ties theory with real-world policy needs. He is especially invested in the design and evaluation of long-term care insurance, urban renewal policies, and foreign aid effectiveness. His interdisciplinary approach merges empirical research with applied public management, making his work relevant to both academia and governments. With over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and five research projects under national grants, Professor Zhang’s research continues to bridge the gap between theory and practical governance reforms in both transitional and developed states.
Publications Top Noted
Policy Transfer and Property Management in China
Authors: Yanzhe Zhang, Jian Zhang, Liying Yang
Year: 2025
The China‑Characteristic Policy Transfer: A Case of Establishing Long‑term Care Insurance
Authors: Jian Zhang; Yanzhe Zhang; Xiao Yu; Ali Farazmand
Year: 202
Citations: 11
Empirical Research on Male Preference in China: A Result of Gender Imbalance in the Seventh Population Census
Authors: Yanzhe Zhang; Bowen Zou; Huai Zhang; Jian Zhang
Year: 2022
Air Pollution and Settlement Intention: Evidence from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey
Authors: Xiao Yu; Jianing Liang; Yanzhe Zhang
Year: 2022
The Green‑Innovation‑Inducing Effect of a Unit Progressive Carbon Tax
Authors: Xiao Yu; Yingdong Xu; Meng Sun; Yanzhe Zhang;
Year: 2021
Policy Transfer: The Case of Founding the Growth Enterprise Board in China’s Security Market
Authors: Jian Zhang; Yanzhe Zhang; Ali Farazmand
Year: 2021
Conclusion
Prof. Yanzhe Zhang is an excellent and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His scholarly contributions, leadership in international projects, and influence on real-world governance reform mark him as a top-tier researcher. His profile aligns strongly with the award’s objectives of honoring excellence, impact, and innovation in academic research.