Peking University, February 21, 2026: On February 11, 2026, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Irene Tracey, led a delegation to the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing (OIPA) to visit students in the exchange programme jointly run by the Peking University (PKU) Institute of Population Research and OIPA.
Apart from celebrating Chinese New Year together with faculty members and students, a roundtable meeting was held to discuss the progress of the exchange programme. Sarah Harper, Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, introduced the background of the collaboration. Chen Gong, Director of the PKU Institute of Population Research extended a warm welcome to Tracey and her delegation, and presented an overview of the programme's development and achievements.
Chen noted that since its launch in 2023, the programme has made steady progress in student training, academic exchange and cross-cultural understanding, while fostering distinctive interdisciplinary cooperation in ageing research. In the presence of faculty and students from both institutions, Chen and Harper signed a three-year cooperation agreement, laying a solid foundation for continued collaboration.
During the exchange session that followed, Tracey praised the students for their active participation and strong cross-cultural adaptability in the programme. She also extended Chinese New Year greetings to the faculty and students present, wishing everyone good health and academic success.
Faculty members and students of the OIPA were invited to join a Chinese New Year banquet in the evening. Chen Gong introduced the traditions of the Spring Festival and explained the symbolism of the Year of the Horse.
Apart from promoting Chinese culture abroad, the event highlighted the PKU Institute of Population Research's commitment to international exchange, joint training, and academic collaboration. Participants expressed their eagerness to engage in international and interdisciplinary research, bringing Chinese and youth perspectives to address global ageing and health challenges.
Irene Tracey in a group photo with PKU faculty and students.
Written by: Wong Jun Heng
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
