Professor Lei Chen assumes the positions of Chair Professor of Comparative Law and Li Kai Hung Chair of Chinese Politics at the University of Manchester from August 2026. He also serves as Director of the Manchester China Institute. Prior to joining Manchester, Professor Chen was Chair in International Arbitration and Chinese Law at the Durham University (2020–2026) and Deputy Dean of Durham Law School (2024–2026). Before that, he served at City University of Hong Kong as Associate Dean of the School of Law (2015–2020) and Director of the Centre for Chinese and Comparative Law (2018–2020).

In 2026, Professor Chen was elected a member of the Academia Europaea (MAE). He was elected a Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in 2024 and became an Titular Member of the International Academy of Comparative Law in 2021. He currently serves as Distinguished Visiting Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Adjunct Chair Professor at Shandong University. Professor Chen is also an independent arbitrator at Newmans Row, London, and has been called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

His principal research interests include comparative private law, international arbitration, and commercial dispute resolution.

Related Links: 陈磊 Lei Chen

*The original text is Chinese and has been translated into English for reference only. If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity between the Chinese version and the English version, the Chinese version shall prevail.