Created in 2016 under the auspices of the ULB's Maison des Sciences Humaines (MSH), EASt aims to highlight the importance of the humanities and social sciences while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration for a better understanding of the world, past and present. A true catalyst for research on East Asia at ULB, EASt organizes conferences, seminars, colloquiums, and workshops covering a wide range of topics related to one of the most dynamic regions in the world. Located in the heart of Brussels, EASt is a unique initiative within the Belgian French-speaking academic community, ideally placed to engage with students, policy makers, and the wider Brussels community interested in East Asian studies.

Rooted in original research and teaching, EASt focuses on five main areas of research:

• Migration and Mobility, exploring the complexities of migration, including diasporic experiences, transnational networks, and the sociocultural impacts of migration flows.

• Gender and family dynamics, examining the intersections between gender, family structures, and social roles, with a focus on mixed couples and gendered migration patterns.

• Youth and Public Spaces, which examines the role of public spaces as venues for cultural expression and social interaction, highlighting the impact of artistic and literary practices on identity and public discourse.

• State-Society Interactions, analyzing the interaction between state policies and societal responses, focusing on governance, policy frameworks, and civil society, including discussions on political sociology and popular movements.

• Cultural Norms and Practices, which explores how cultural norms and practices shape social behaviors and identities within East Asian societies.

EASt is engaged in several major research projects that address these themes, providing valuable insights into contemporary issues in East Asia.

Since 2017, EASt has been a member of GIS Asie, the French Network for Asian Studies.

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