About GNARC
Established in 2021 and led from the University of Manchester, GNARC has grown into a vibrant international network of nearly 200 members across China, the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and other parts of Asia.
Mission
To advance understanding of ageing, health and well-being in China and among Chinese populations globally — including migrant and diasporic communities — through interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Our members work across sociology, gerontology, public health, social policy, demography, psychology and related fields — sharing research, mentoring the next generation and translating findings for policymakers, practitioners, NGOs and the wider public.
Vision
A connected global community that improves health and well-being in later life for Chinese populations everywhere — bridging researchers, older people, community organisations and policymakers across borders.
History
GNARC was established in 2021 by Dr Nan Zhang at the University of Manchester, launching a regular international seminar series on ageing research relating to China and Chinese populations.
The network co-hosted symposia with MICRA and a joint webinar with the WHO Collaborating Centre at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and added an ECR Methods Seminar Series for early career researchers.
GNARC now spans six continents, with a Joint China–UK Symposium on Ageing and Health hosted in Manchester in October 2025 bringing together teams from Fudan University, Shandong University and the University of Manchester.