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Open-Access Portal on Chinese Law and Policy (2025-2026)

Background

Despite the rising importance of Chinese law and policy research, there are information, methodological, and communications barriers to advancing the field. For example, researchers lack access to a centralized repository that compiles interdisciplinary data, primary sources and vetted secondary literature. While the Chinese government has made primary sources more accessible, these efforts remain inefficient and lack transparency.

Researchers from different disciplines also approach law and policy questions through distinct research methods, frameworks and perspectives, meaning disciplinary silos limit scholars’ ability to recognize and appreciate valuable insights from neighboring fields. Different disciplines also have specialized terminologies and jargon, even when discussing similar topics.

To overcome these obstacles, work must be done to develop a centralized repository that aggregates information on Chinese law and policy and offers scholars access to primary documents, data and resources to support new interdisciplinary research in the field.

Project Description

This project team will conduct a feasibility study to explore the development, sustainability and impact of a scalable information “portal” that centralizes research findings, core terminologies and theoretical and conceptual frameworks in Chinese law and policy. Ideally, the portal prototype will offer access to key primary legal sources (statutes, regulations, departmental rules, industry standards, guiding cases, model cases, and judicial interpretations reflecting judicial reasoning), and reliable and verifiable datasets.

Team members will conduct a thorough exploratory study to identify the potential risks, challenges and solutions to building a portal and scaling the portal beyond the prototype stage. This assessment will include a detailed subject scope analysis; an evaluation of possible portal design, architecture and costs (including hosting fees associated with building the proposed portal); a draft of data collection and IT security protocols; and a thorough assessment of potential risks related to law, policy and regulatory considerations.

Team members will break into two subteams dedicated to content evaluation and portal design:

  • The content evaluation subteam will focus on conducting literature reviews and collecting data to help define the content scope while performing relevant legal, policy and data analysis.
  • The portal design evaluation subteam will focus on testing portals, assessing technical challenges, and providing recommendations for solutions.

Team members will also collaborate with librarians and faculty in related substantive areas, and other experts in copyright, usability, data management, IT security and website design.

Anticipated Outputs

Exploratory study for open-access portal on Chinese law and policy, including feasibility, sustainability, legal and regulatory policy analysis, and long-term impact; small-scale portal prototype

Student Opportunities

Ideally, this project team will include 2 graduate students and 6 undergraduate students interested in law, policy, social sciences, humanities, data science, or computer engineering.

Students will engage in various research activities, including conducting literature reviews, researching journal policies (particularly those related to data transparency and copyright restrictions), and other legal, technological and regulatory considerations.

Students will develop a strong knowledge of Chinese law and policy research methodologies, a solid understanding of the related publishing landscape, and critical thinking and writing skills. Students will also develop technical skills in website and portal design and evaluating digital tools and applications.

Both graduate and undergraduate students will have the opportunity to work alongside scholars and experts in China, expanding their professional networks and gaining valuable insights into global research trends and challenges. Moreover, the project will also provide them with an intimate opportunity to work closely on a small interdisciplinary research team and gain a practical understanding of the ethical, legal, and social implications of research dissemination in a global context.

This team will include an optional summer component, where team members can work on initial literature review, policy analysis, and portal setup.

Timing

Summer 2025 – Spring 2026

  • Summer 2025 (optional): Conduct literature reviews; identify primary legal sources; evaluate journal policy and copyright restrictions
  • Fall 2026: Continue feasibility assessment; conduct in-depth analysis; prepare data for and design a small-scale portal prototype
  • Spring 2026: Conduct portal testing; produce and disseminate findings and reports

Crediting

Academic credit available for fall and spring semesters; summer funding available

Team Leaders

  • Shitong Qiao, Duke Law
  • Alex Zhang, Duke Law
  • Luo Zhou, Duke Libraries

Team Contributors

  • Melanie Manion, Arts & Sciences: Political Science