Canberra, Feb 22 (IANS): Kevin Rudd, former prime minister of Australia, has been named a Senior Fellow with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, the former prime minister's office said in a press release.

He will work at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and will also be a Visiting Fellow with Harvard's Institute of Politics. He will start at Harvard in February 2014, reported Xinhua.

At the Belfer Center, Rudd will lead a major research effort on possibilities and impacts of a new strategic relationship between China and the US.

"With China on track to surpass the US as the world's largest economy during the next decade, the initiative will explore the shape of a new relationship and its impact on the global order," the press release said.

Rudd is a Chinese language speaker, a student of Chinese history and has lived and worked in China.

As a Visiting Fellow with the Institute of Politics, Rudd will meet students and student groups, leading discussions on topical issues and on his experience in public and political service.

In addition, he will work with Harvard research centre staff and participate in public policy classes with students and Harvard University faculty.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Kevin Rudd joining the Harvard community," the release quoted Belfer Center Director Graham Allison as saying.