On 28 September 2022, the Department of Social Sciences held the kickoff meeting of academic promotion and lecture series of the 2022-2023 academic year. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Wang Xiang, Head and Professor of the Department of Social Science. The Faculty members from the Digital Social Science (DGS) and Globalisation and Development (GAD) programmes introduced to students the structure and development prospects of the DGS and GAD programmes. The theme of the lecture series is ‘Social Sciences for the Globalised and Digital World’.

Prof. Zhao Xiaobin, Associate Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, opened the meeting by introducing the background and philosophy of the Department of Social Sciences. He highlighted the growing digital trend of the times. To cope with the trend，Digital Social Science (DGS) focuses on the application of big data to society, including digital humanities and digital society and urban management. Globalisation and Development (GAD) focuses on global affairs and development.

Prof. Wang Xiang introduced the structure of the Department of Social Sciences and explained to students what social sciences are. He emphasised that the Department of Social Sciences is an interdisciplinary department and introduced the characteristics and hot topics related to Digital Social Science (DGS) and Globalisation and Development (GAD).

Dr. Chan Siu-Han, Associate Professor from the Digital Social Science (DGS) programme, introduced the objectives of the programme. She highlighted that UIC was the first university in China to pioneer the programme of digital social science, and the programme look to equip students with both the knowledge and practical skills to cope with the digital transformation of our society.

Dr. Zhang Qiaoyun, Assistant Professor from the Digital Social Science (DGS) programme, introduced the course structure of the programme, and explained the contents covered by the major courses. She emphasised that the major courses will enable students to understand society with data, and use digital technologies to tackle social problems.

Dr. Ning Xuan, Assistant Professor from the Digital Social Science (DGS) programme, introduced the staff from the programme, potential careers and further development of graduates. She indicated that graduates of the programme can either choose to work for government departments, domestic and international companies, and internet enterprises, or choose to pursue further studies in renowned universities.

Dr. Wu Shuang, Assistant Professor from the Globalisation and Development (GAD) programme, gave a detailed presentation on the course structure, content and development prospects of the graduates, as well as a number of exciting student learning activities and outstanding graduates from the programmes. She stressed that the Globalisation and Development programme provides an excellent platform for students’ studies and overall development.

During the question and answer session, Prof. Zhao Xiaobin said that the Digital Social Science (DGS) is considering offering different concentration courses to students in the future. The Department of Social Sciences will also continue to offer a wide range of academic activities for students. Finally, Professor Zhao Xiaobin urged students to participate in the Department of Social Sciences' lecture series on " Social Sciences for the Globalised and Digital World " to be held in the academic year 2022-2023.