What is GEREC?

GEREC is a collaborative effort in ageing research run jointly by the University of Jyväskylä and Tampere University. GEREC aims to produce new scientific knowledge on the life, health and functioning of the ageing population. The main research areas are health and functioning and their promotion along with care and other services targeted to older people. Applying high-level scientific research, we seek to further knowledge on the different phases of life and help people and society to better realize the possibilities that are held out by living longer.

GEREC is active on the international, national and local level and participates in the debate on the ageing society. In our active collaboration with policy makers we provide research-based knowledge that helps them to tackle the challenges presented by an ageing society. We also participate in university education and further expertise in the field of ageing research.

GEREC is jointly run by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä and the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University. Research groups from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä and from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at Tampere University also collaborate with GEREC.

GEREC has a director vice director, 15 professors and other senior researchers, approximately 20 post-doctoral researchers and, currently, almost 30 doctoral students.

The Gerontology Research Center is supported in its work by an international scientific advisory board.

GEREC was founded in 2012. Its roots lie in the gerontological research performed over several decades in the two universities. The first gerontology professorship in the Nordic countries was founded in 1976 in Tampere University, while a multidisciplinary gerontology research unit has been functioning in the University of Jyväskylä since 1986.

Gerontology Research Center membership is open to all active researchers of either the University of Jyväskylä or Tampere University whose research is about ageing and the ageing society, and who provide their contact information to be published on the GEREC website (www.gerec.fi), participate in GEREC events (e.g. summer school), report on their activities when requested, and mark GEREC as one affiliation in their activities and publications.

GEREC’s Strategy 2026 -

GEREC increases understanding of aging and contributes to the development of policies for an ageing society

To achieve this objective, GEREC (a) conducts scientifically high quality research, (b) disseminates its research findings to the scientific community, policymakers, and the general public, and (c) participates in societal discussion, for example in the media as well as in societal bodies and associations.

GEREC actively promotes interdisciplinary cooperation among the research groups and scientific fields it compasses

To achieve this objective, GEREC (a) provides its researchers with opportunities for scholarly exchange (e.g. by organizing an annual summer school) and (b) supports activities that foster collaboration among research groups (such as joint publications and funding applications, as well as the co-supervision of thesis).

GEREC supports the professional growth and career progression of researchers affiliated with GEREC

To achieve this objective, GEREC (a) organizes network meetings and summer schools and (b) organizes mentoring activities.