Zongchao Peng graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Comparative Politics from Peking University in 1999, majoring in Political Theories, and engaged in post-doctoral research at the Institute of 21st Century Development, Tsinghua University from 1999 to 2001. In 2006-2007, he visited John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for crisis management studies.

He is currently Professor at the Institute of Social Organization and Social Governance, Tsinghua University, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Director of the Center for Social Risk Assessment in China, Tsinghua University, Director of China Social Risk Assessment Research Center of Tsinghua University, and Deputy Director of the Institute for National Governance, Tsinghua University. He is also Member of the Expert Committee on Public Health Emergencies of the National Health Commission, Vice President of the Chinese Public Administration Society and Director of China Society of Emergency Management.

Prof. Peng focuses on the teaching of Public Policy Analysis and Public Crisis Management.

His research interest includes public policy, emergency management, health emergency and social risk management.