Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey Celebrates Chinese New Year at Peking University
On February 11, 2026, Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, visited the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing (OIPA) to engage with students participating in an exchange program with the Peking University (PKU) Institute of Population Research.
Celebrations and Roundtable Meeting
During her visit, Tracey took part in celebrations for the Chinese New Year and attended a roundtable meeting focused on the progress of the exchange program. Sarah Harper, Director of OIPA, provided insights into the collaboration’s background, while Chen Gong, Director of the PKU Institute of Population Research, welcomed Tracey and her delegation and offered an overview of the program’s development and accomplishments.
Steady Advancement of the Exchange Program
Chen highlighted the steady advancement of the exchange program, established in 2023, specifically in the areas of student training, academic exchange, and cross-cultural understanding. He noted that the initiative has fostered interdisciplinary cooperation in ageing research. A three-year cooperation agreement was signed by Chen and Harper, formalizing their commitment to ongoing collaboration in front of faculty and students.
Acknowledgment and Best Wishes
Following these discussions, Tracey acknowledged the students’ engagement and adaptability within the program and conveyed her best wishes for health and academic success in the new year.
Traditional Chinese New Year Banquet
Later, faculty and students from OIPA participated in a traditional Chinese New Year banquet, where Chen elaborated on the customs associated with the Spring Festival and the significance of the Year of the Horse.
Commitment to International Exchange
The event highlighted the PKU Institute of Population Research’s dedication to international exchange, joint training, and academic collaboration. Participants expressed a strong interest in pursuing international and interdisciplinary research to tackle global ageing and health challenges.
(Source: Peking University)
