History of Robert Barnett (scholar) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 27, 2025

Robert Barnett, also known as Robbie Barnett, is a scholar specializing in contemporary Tibetan Studies and modern Tibetan history. He held positions as Professorial Research Associate at SOAS, University of London, Affiliate Lecturer at the Lau China Institute, King's College, London, and as Adjunct Professor and Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University's Modern Tibetan Studies Program, from which he retired in 2018. His research focuses on modern Tibet.

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Full Timeline

1950: Post-1950 Leaders in Tibet

After 1950, Robert Barnett wrote articles about post-1950 leaders in Tibet.

1953: Robert Barnett's Birth

In 1953, Robert Barnett was born. He later became a Professorial Research Associate.

1987: Co-founded the Tibet Information Network (TIN)

In 1987, Robert Barnett, together with Nicholas Howen, co-founded the Tibet Information Network (TIN), an independent London-based research organization.

1998: Joined Columbia Faculty

In 1998, Robert Barnett joined the Columbia faculty. Prior to this, he worked as a researcher and journalist.

1998: End of Directorship at Tibet Information Network (TIN)

In 1998, Robert Barnett's directorship of the Tibet Information Network (TIN) ended.

2000: Running Summer Program at Tibet University

From 2000 to 2006, Robert Barnett ran the annual summer program for foreign students at Tibet University in Lhasa.

2006: Publication of 'Lhasa: Streets with Memories'

In 2006, Robert Barnett published "Lhasa: Streets with Memories" by Columbia University Press.

Lhasa: Streets with Memories (Asia Perspectives: History, Society, and Culture)

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2008: Publication of 'Tibetan Modernities: Notes from the Field'

In 2008, Robert Barnett, with Ronald Schwartz, published "Tibetan Modernities: Notes from the Field" by Brill Publishers.

Proceedings of the Tenth Seminar of the Iats, 2003. Volume 11: Tibetan Modernities: Notes from the Field on Cultural and Social Change

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December 2017: Direction of Modern Tibetan Studies Program Ends

In December 2017, Robert Barnett ceased directing Columbia's Modern Tibetan Studies Program.

January 2018: Retirement from Columbia University

In January 2018, Robert Barnett retired from Columbia University, where he was Adjunct Professor of Contemporary Tibetan Studies and Senior Research Scholar.

2020: Publication of 'Conflicting Memories: Tibetan History under Mao Retold'

In 2020, Robert Barnett co-edited "Conflicting Memories: Tibetan History under Mao Retold" with Benno Weiner and Françoise Robin, which was published by Brill Publishers.