As the world grapples with unprecedented population aging, Syracuse University’s Professor Harvey Wang of the Maxwell School is pioneering research that illuminates pathways to address this global challenge. Recently honored with the 2025-26 Yang Ni & Li Xiaoqing Scholar Award in U.S.-China/Asia relations, Wang’s work transcends academic recognition—it represents a vital framework for cross-border collaboration.

Decoding the Social Architecture of Aging

Wang’s research focuses on the social determinants of healthy aging through an international lens. Her groundbreaking analyses reveal how family networks and intergenerational relationships fundamentally shape elder care outcomes, while examining how demographic transitions and public policies influence health trajectories across lifetimes. These insights are reshaping policy approaches from Beijing to Boston.

“The aging phenomenon isn’t confined by borders,” Wang notes in her forthcoming white paper. “Effective solutions require understanding how cultural contexts modify the impact of universal biological processes.” Her comparative studies of Eastern and Western care models have identified previously overlooked synergies between formal institutional support and informal family caregiving.

A Trans-Pacific Research Bridge

Beyond theoretical contributions, Wang has established herself as a linchpin in U.S.-China scientific cooperation. Her initiatives have created permanent channels for joint gerontology research, enabling shared analysis of longitudinal health data and policy experiments. This bilateral exchange comes at a critical juncture—China’s elder population is projected to exceed 400 million by 2040, while America’s 65+ demographic will double within thirty years.

The implications extend beyond academia. Wang’s team recently developed an assessment toolkit now adopted by the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities initiative, demonstrating how scholarly work can translate into practical urban planning instruments. “The goal isn’t just longer lifespans,” she emphasizes, “but creating societies where added years mean added value.”

With the Yang Ni & Li Xiaoqing Scholar designation, Wang will expand her comparative policy studies across additional Asian economies, further solidifying her role as a leading voice in one of humanity’s most pressing demographic transitions.