EASt (ULB Centre for East Asian Studies) is the research center dedicated to the study of East Asia at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB).

Established in 2016 under the auspices of the ULB’s Maison des Sciences Humaines (MSH), EASt aims to underscore the importance of the Humanities and Social Sciences while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance our understanding of the world, both past and present. Serving as a catalyst for advancing research on East Asia at ULB, EASt organizes guest lectures, seminars, conferences, and workshops covering a wide array of topics related to one of the most dynamic regions in the world. Located in the heart of Brussels, EASt is a unique initiative within the Belgian French-speaking academic community, well-positioned to engage with students, policymakers, and the broader Brussels community interested in East Asian studies.

Rooted in original research and teaching, EASt focuses on five main research axes:

1. Migration and Mobility, exploring the complexities of migration, including diasporic experiences, transnational networks, and the socio-cultural impacts of migration flows.

2. Gender and Family Dynamics, examining the intersections of gender, family structures, and social roles, with a focus on mixed couples and gendered migration patterns.

3. Youth and Public Spaces, investigating the role of public spaces as sites for cultural expression and social interaction, highlighting the impact of artistic and literary practices on identity and public discourse.

4. State-Society Interactions, analyzing the interplay between state policies and societal responses, focusing on governance, political frameworks, and civil society, including discussions on political sociology and grassroots movements.

5. Norms and Cultural Practices, delving into how cultural norms and practices shape social behaviors and identities within East Asian societies.

EASt is engaged in several significant research projects that address these axes, contributing valuable insights into contemporary East Asian issues.

Since 2017, EASt has been a member of GIS Asie, the French Network for Asian Studies.

EASt 2018-23 report is available here.

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