The Center for Sci&Tech and Human Rights Studies at the Beijing Institute of Technology was established in March 2020. Relying on the disciplinary characteristics and advantages of the university, the Center adheres to the interdisciplinary development model of "law + science", which integrates human rights law with other disciplines like technology, AI, Big Data, UAV and biotech. The goal of the Center is to build a national think tank of global renown as well as a platform for international exchange in science and technology and human rights. The Center aims to support China’s national human rights plan, the strategy of rule of law and the strategy of strengthening the country through science and technology, and boost China’s human rights discourse on the global stage.
The forerunner of the Center is the human rights law research center established by the BIT’s Law School in 2008. At present, Professor Zhao Changlu, Secretary of the Party Committee of the BIT, serves as the director of the BIT’s Management Committee for the Center. Professor Qi Yanping is the director of the Center, and Professor Xiao Junyong and Professor Yang Chengming are deputy directors. Assitant professor Chen Zihan serves as the liaison.
The Center consists of 24 professors and associate professors and 12 young scholars, including an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, an academician of the Social Sciences Department of the International Academy of Astronautics three “Yangtze River Scholars”, a “Top Ten Outstanding Young Jurists” titleholder, and four scholars enjoying special allowances from the State Council. Some of the team members serve as experts at the National Information Security Technology Standardization Committee. Some have provided advice for the legislative work of relevant departments and participated in the drafting of national documents.
The Center has opened national, provincial and university-level courses on science and technology and human rights. The Center has undertaken over 50 research projects, with more than 30 influential monographs and 100 high-quality papers published.
