Professor Zhang Min-xuan is currently the Head of Teacher Education Centre of UNESCO, and Director of the Research Institute for International and Comparative Education at Shanghai Normal University. He previously held top positions at Shanghai Education Commission, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai Institute of Educational Sciences, and Shanghai Experimental School. He also served as the Adviser for China National Commission for UNESCO, Board Member of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), Member of the Advisory Committee of the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), and Education Expert for UNICEF and the World Bank.

He is passionate about education research in areas of education system and policy, teacher education, and school-based curriculum. He plays a pivotal role in leading education-related research studies and providing education policy advice in China and globally. His works and contributions include “Medium and Long-Term Education Reform and Development Guideline in Shanghai (2010-2020)”, “Comparative Study of University Student Financial Support Policies in the World”, “Compulsory Education School Management Standards for Principals in China”, “Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in Shanghai”, “Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)”, and “Sino-British Mathematics Teacher Exchange Project”.

Professor Zhang Min-xuan received numerous awards at provincial and national levels in China in recognition of his contribution to education in philosophy & social sciences research and outstanding teaching achievement. He was conferred the Game Changer Award and Asia Outstanding Education Leader Award by Asia Society in 2014.