Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xu Zhang | Human Geography | Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor, Wuhan University of Technology China
Xu Zhang is an Associate Professor at Wuhan University of Technology’s School of Resources and Environmental Engineering. His research delves into cultural and creative economies, urban and regional development, and city networks. With a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Amsterdam, he brings a global perspective to his studies. Xu has published extensively in leading journals, exploring China’s cultural industries, creative urban networks, and globalization’s impact on urban development. As an educator and researcher, he strives to bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications, particularly within the dynamic context of urban China.
Profile
🎓 Education
PhD in Human Geography (2010-2015): University of Amsterdam, focused on restructuring Pearl River Delta cities in the service economy. Master’s in Human Geography (2008-2010): Sun Yat-sen University, exploring urban planning and development. Bachelor’s in Geographic Information Systems (2004-2008): Central South University, specializing in geoscience and spatial systems.
💼 Experience
Associate Professor (2015-Present): Wuhan University of Technology, teaching and researching urban geography and spatial planning. Principal Investigator: Multiple projects on urban networks, cultural economies, and digital music industries funded by China’s Natural Science Foundation. Author: Numerous publications on global city networks, creative industries, and performing arts markets in China.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Natural Science Foundation Grants: Secured multiple research projects on creative urban networks and cultural economies. Best Paper Awards: Recognized for insightful contributions to urban and regional geography. International Journal Reviewer: Serves as a reviewer for leading geography and urban studies journals.
🔬 Research Focus
Cultural and Creative Economies: Exploring digital music and film industries. Urban and Regional Development: Analyzing urbanization and regional transformations in China. City Networks: Investigating city connections through global cultural production and consumption. Globalization Impacts: Studying knowledge circulation and creative industries in Chinese cities
Conclusion
Xu Zhang is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His prolific output, global perspective, and impactful projects establish him as a leader in human geography and urban studies. Addressing areas such as interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement would further enhance his profile. His dedication to advancing research in cultural and creative economies makes him a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.
Publication
1. Spaces of Collaboration? Geography and Functionality of Coworking Spaces in China
- Authors: Zhang, X., Liang, H., Yin, Z.
- Published in: Applied Geography, 2025.
- Focus: Explores the spatial and functional characteristics of coworking spaces in China, examining their role in fostering collaboration.
2. From Protectionist to Regulator: Policy-Driven Transformation of Digital Urban Networks in China’s Online Gaming Industry
- Authors: Zhang, X., Huang, Y., Zou, X.
- Published in: Sustainability (Switzerland), 2024.
- Focus: Analyzes policy shifts in China’s online gaming sector and their impact on digital urban networks.
3. The Digital Practice of Internet-Famous Sites and the Production of New Spatial Forms
- Authors: Guo, W., Zhou, S., Zhang, M., Li, D., Dong, H.
- Published in: Tropical Geography, 2024.
- Focus: Investigates how digital practices influence spatial forms at popular internet sites in China.
4. Exploring Music Geography Beyond the West: Clustering and Mobility of Chinese Musicians in the Digital Era
- Authors: Zhang, X., Chu, X., Liang, H., He, J.
- Published in: Geoforum, 2024.
- Focus: Studies the geographies of Chinese musicians and their mobility within digital ecosystems.
5. Exploring the Geographies of Transnational Higher Education in China
- Authors: Li, Y., Song, C., Zhang, X., Li, Y.
- Published in: Geographical Research, 2024.
- Focus: Examines the spatial dynamics of transnational higher education institutions in China.
6. Decentralizing the Power of Fashion? Geographies and Inter-Place Connections of Fashion Cities through Fashion Weeks
- Authors: Zhang, X., Zhang, Y., Chen, T., Qi, W.
- Published in: Urban Geography, 2024.
- Focus: Analyzes the decentralization of fashion capitals through the lens of fashion weeks.
7. Spatiotemporal Distribution and Network Characteristics of World Cultural Cities: International Film Festivals Perspective
- Authors: Zhou, R., Zhang, X., Huang, G.
- Published in: World Regional Studies, 2023.
- Focus: Investigates cultural cities’ global networks through international film festivals.
8. Structure and Influencing Factors of the Global Cooperation Network of E-Sports Teams
- Authors: Qu, H., Zhang, Y., He, J., Zhang, X.
- Published in: Tropical Geography, 2023.
- Focus: Studies the spatial structure and influencing factors of global e-sports team networks.
9. Research Progress and Prospects of Chinese Cybergeography in the Digital Transition Context
- Authors: He, J., Wang, M., Xi, G., Dai, J., Zhang, X.
- Published in: Tropical Geography, 2023.
- Focus: Reviews progress and future directions in Chinese cybergeography research amidst digital transitions.
10. Spatial Structure and Impacting Factors of Urban Networks in China Based on Cultural Performance Consumption
- Authors: Xie, M., Huang, G., Zhang, X.
- Published in: World Regional Studies, 2022.
- Focus: Explores urban network structures through the lens of cultural performance consumption.