Zhiqiang Zheng

Zhiqiang Zheng is a PhD Researcher in Environment and Development at the Global Development Institute (GDI). His research focuses on the intersections of infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and rural development in the Global South. He is particularly interested in how mega-infrastructure projects, rural sustainability and conservation programmes, and other initiatives reshape local economies, mobility, and social–ecological relations in rural regions.

Zhiqiang’s doctoral research investigates the social–ecological impacts of the China–Laos Railway and rural development, with the infrastructure development and regional development. His work examines how infrastructure-led development affects livelihoods and regional development imaginaries among rural communities. He conducted fieldwork in Laos and interacted with diverse groups, including Chinese rural migrants and rural Lao groups. Drawing on multi-sited fieldwork, he analyses how infrastructure development shaped sustainable rural transformation and inclusive development. 

Beyond Southeast Asia, Zhiqiang has conducted comparative fieldwork in East Africa, including Rwanda and Uganda, where he examined issues of development, agricultural trade and industries. These cross-regional experiences have deepened his understanding of how global development agendas and local practices intersect across different socio-ecological contexts.

As a Visiting PhD at the University of Melbourne, Zhiqiang collaborates with researchers on projects related to land use, political ecology and rural transformation in Asia and Australia. He also maintains an affiliation with the National University of Laos, contributing to research partnerships that support evidence-based development planning and community engagement.

Zhiqiang’s broader academic interests include infrastructure development, sustainable development policy, conservation, and the socio-ecological effects of connectivity in the Global South. His work seeks to bridge research and practice to promote inclusive and sustainable development pathways.

Teaching (GTA)

Development Fieldtrip 

Global Development Challenge

Migrant, Mobilities and Displacement

Human Resources Practice (1)

Doing Environmental Research

Research in Manchester

Human Resources Development 

Conference and workshop participation

International Congress for Conservation Biology Conference in Brisbane, Australia, 2025

Political Ecology Network (POLLEN) in Lund 2024 

Forest & Livelihoods: Assessment, Research and Engagement (FLARE) in Rome 2024

RGS Expedition and Fieldwork Symposium 2024

Contact: [email protected]