Ningning Liu, a commercial lawyer with a Juris Master degree from Fudan University and a BA in German Language and Literature from Tongji University, has been awarded the prestigious AHSS International DfE Award. Ningning will begin her PhD at the School of Law, focusing on women’s rights to political participation in modern China—specifically in Shanghai from the 1840s to the 1940s—and seeks to draw lessons for women’s empowerment today. Her research addresses critical questions about the role of women in shaping the legislative, political, and social landscapes in modern Shanghai, and the lasting impact of their political engagement on China and beyond.

Ningning’s primary supervisor is Dr. Ronagh McQuigg and Dr. Eithne Dowds as her secondary supervisor.

Ningning – “I am honored and thrilled to embark on this PhD journey to explore the achievements, challenges, and strategies of Shanghai women’s political engagement. During my time at the OECD Trade and Agriculture Directorate, I became aware of how underrepresented Chinese women’s fight for political equality is in global discourse. This research will not only shed light on their pivotal role in shaping modern Chinese society but also offer fresh perspectives to global narratives on feminist legal history and the ongoing struggle for political rights. I look forward to working closely with my supervisors to advance this exciting project.”

Dr. Ronagh McQuigg shared “Ningning’s research project is timely and important, and we are delighted that she has been awarded an AHSS International DfE Award.  This is very well deserved and demonstrates the excellent quality of her project.  Ningning’s research will make a valuable contribution to the field, and we are very pleased to be working with her during the course of her PhD studies.”    

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We welcome PhD applications from prospective students. Further details on how to apply can be found athttps://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/study/postgraduate-research/