press release
Published: 08 March 2024

University of Surrey and the International Longevity Centre unite to reshape the conversation on ageing

Despite heightened awareness of age-related issues and ongoing efforts to help us all live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives, there is still plenty to do, say experts from the University of Surrey.  

These comments come after Surrey's Centre of Excellence on Ageing (CEA) announced a new partnership with the International Longevity Centre (ILC) to help reshape and refocus the public debate on longevity.  

The exciting new partnership with ILC, who have a global reputation for combining evidence, solutions and networks to make change happen, will strengthen the CEA. The partnership will increase the CEA's research impact on ageing and longevity in the UK and worldwide making the right policymakers, charities and politicians aware of the work taking place at Surrey. 

"ILC has an excellent reputation for transforming innovative and world-leading research, such as that taking place at Surrey, into practical and policy solutions that governments, NGOs and businesses can apply. I'm delighted we've formed this partnership at this point in the evolution of the CEA." Professor Andrew King, CEA Co-Director

Surrey's confidence in achieving a step-change in this age-related conversation stems from a community of over 120 academics and 80 PhD students in four key thematic areas:   

  • Healthy ageing and ageing well  
  • Technologies for ageing and generative AI 
  • Tackling inequalities in ageing 
  • Policy and community engagement. 
"ILC are delighted to welcome the Centre of Excellence on Ageing onto our Partners Programme. As ILC works to shape and lead the debate on ensuring healthier, more financially secure and more fulfilling lives, the Centre's focus on robust ageing research and cross-disciplinary collaboration will help us both make the case for the changes to products, services and policies that will benefit us all." David Sinclair, Chief Executive of ILC
"In collaboration with the ILC, we aim to advance this dialogue with a keen emphasis on how our research and expertise can catalyse change, both in the UK and globally. This involves engaging in frank discussions about intergenerational inequalities and prioritising prevention over cure. Essentially, we need a long-term strategy." Professor Amelia Hadfield, Co-Director of the CEA

Launched in 2023, the Centre of Excellence in Ageing is a partnership between the University and the Global Initiative on Ageing (GIA), which operates under the auspices of the United Nations. 

This initiative is part of the University of Surrey’s effort to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership with ILC contributes to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). 

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Note to editors  

  • Professors King and Hadfield are available for interview upon request 

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Featured Academics

Andrew King

Prof Andrew King

Head of Sociology, Professor of Sociology
Amelia Hadfield

Prof Amelia Hadfield

Director, CIFAL Surrey, Co-Director of the Institute for Sustainability Associate Vice President for External Engagement, Head of Politics & IR, Founding Director, Centre for Britain and Europe, Chair in European and International Relations

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