Shenzhen, China – Facing a shared demographic challenge, China and France are deepening their collaborative efforts in healthy aging research. A recent high-level seminar, hosted by the Sino-French Interdisciplinary Research Network on Healthy Aging in Shenzhen, brought together over 90 experts and researchers from both nations to explore new avenues for scientific partnership. This initiative builds upon a declaration of intent signed in 2025, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to China, signaling a commitment to address the complex issues surrounding an aging global population.
The increasing longevity of populations worldwide presents both opportunities, and challenges. While longer lifespans are a testament to advancements in healthcare and living standards, they also bring about a rise in age-related chronic diseases, placing strain on healthcare systems and social support networks. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to healthy aging is therefore paramount. The collaboration between China and France, two nations with significant experience in tackling these issues, promises to accelerate progress in this critical field. The focus on healthy aging, rather than simply longevity, emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality of life and functional independence as people age.
Strengthening Sino-French Ties in Geriatric Research
The seminar, themed “Promoting Mutual Enrichment Between Fundamental Aging Research and Clinical Applications,” was co-organized by several prominent institutions: the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), the Chinese Geriatric Society, the French Embassy in China, and the Chinese Embassy in France. This multi-faceted collaboration underscores the importance placed on this partnership by both governments and scientific communities. The involvement of both basic science and clinical experts is crucial for translating laboratory discoveries into tangible benefits for older adults. According to the French Embassy in China’s website, the partnership aims to foster a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise between researchers in both countries. La France en Chine
He Hongping, Vice President of the CAS, highlighted the complementary strengths of China and France in aging research. China’s large population and diverse genetic background offer a unique opportunity to study the factors influencing healthy aging on a broad scale. France, meanwhile, boasts a long tradition of excellence in biomedical research and a sophisticated healthcare system. The newly established research network will serve as a platform for expanded scientific exchange, enabling researchers from both countries to collectively address the major scientific and technological challenges associated with the aging process. This collaborative approach is particularly essential given the complexity of aging, which is influenced by a multitude of interacting factors.
Didier Samuel, President of INSERM, echoed this sentiment, noting that the seminar would strengthen complementarities between the two nations and contribute to building a sustainable model for Franco-Chinese cooperation on healthy aging. INSERM is a leading French public research institution dedicated to biological sciences, medicine, and public health. CCI France Chine provides support for French businesses and research collaborations in China, further facilitating these types of partnerships.
Key Research Areas Explored
During the seminar, experts from China and France engaged in in-depth discussions on several key areas of aging research. These included brain health and cognitive frailty, the intersection of aging and cancer, and multidimensional measurement of aging. The focus on brain health reflects the growing recognition of the importance of maintaining cognitive function as people age, with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias posing a significant public health challenge. The link between aging and cancer is also increasingly recognized, as older adults are at higher risk of developing cancer and may respond differently to treatment.
Multidimensional measurement of aging acknowledges that aging is not simply a biological process, but also encompasses psychological, social, and economic dimensions. Developing comprehensive measures of aging is essential for accurately assessing the impact of interventions and policies aimed at promoting healthy aging. These discussions led to a broad consensus, laying a solid foundation for collaborative research that is interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and interinstitutional. The emphasis on a holistic approach to aging research reflects a growing understanding of the complex interplay between different factors that influence health and well-being in later life.
Shenzhen as a Hub for Innovation
The choice of Shenzhen as the location for the seminar is significant. Shenzhen, a major city in Guangdong province, has emerged as a leading center for technological innovation and economic growth in China. The city’s dynamic environment and strong support for research and development make it an ideal location for fostering international collaborations. Shenzhen is also home to a growing number of biotech companies and research institutions, creating a vibrant ecosystem for aging research. The city’s commitment to innovation aligns with the goals of the Sino-French research network, which aims to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications.
In October 2024, Shenzhen hosted the “China-France Discovery Fair,” showcasing over 50 international and Chinese brands and offering a glimpse into French culture, including fashion, art, and gastronomy. Xinhua reported on the event, highlighting the growing cultural and commercial ties between the two countries. This fair demonstrates Shenzhen’s role as a bridge between China and France, facilitating exchange and collaboration in various fields.
Looking Ahead: Collaborative Research Initiatives
The seminar in Shenzhen represents a significant step forward in Sino-French cooperation on healthy aging. The establishment of the interdisciplinary research network will provide a framework for ongoing collaboration, enabling researchers from both countries to function together on projects of mutual interest. Potential areas for future collaboration include the development of new diagnostic tools for early detection of age-related diseases, the identification of novel therapeutic targets for preventing or treating these diseases, and the design of interventions to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent frailty.
The success of this partnership will depend on continued investment in research, the development of robust data-sharing mechanisms, and the fostering of strong relationships between researchers in both countries. Addressing the challenges of an aging population requires a global effort, and the collaboration between China and France serves as a model for international cooperation in this critical field. The long-term goal is to develop effective strategies for promoting healthy aging and improving the quality of life for older adults worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- China and France are strengthening their collaboration in healthy aging research through a new interdisciplinary research network.
- The partnership builds on a declaration of intent signed during French President Macron’s 2025 visit to China.
- Key research areas include brain health, aging and cancer, and multidimensional measurement of aging.
- Shenzhen is playing an increasingly important role as a hub for innovation and international collaboration.
The next steps for the Sino-French research network include finalizing the details of collaborative research projects and establishing a joint steering committee to oversee the network’s activities. Further updates on the network’s progress will be available through the websites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and INSERM. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this important collaboration and to contribute to the discussion on healthy aging in the comments below.