The Chinese Australian Social Work Research Center was jointly established by Central China Normal University(CCNU) and Griffith University(GU), and was officially founded on December 1, 2015 at CCNU. The research center aims to provide support for the development of social work in China through a long-term cooperation between CCNU and GU. Relevant research projects should meet the need of the development of social work in China, and pay great attention to the development of relevant educational theories and social work practice.

The research center would be based at CCNU and GU, with the main location being CCNU. Governance of the unit would have CCNU’s School of Sociology as the Principal with oversight led by board consisting of members from parties making financial investment i.e. both universities, AEMG and any relevant external community/professional representation. Dean of School of Sociology of CCNU, Prof. Darrell Irwin, has been named as Director of this center. Prof.Patrick O'Leary from GU and Prof. Zhang Dawei from CCNU serve as Deputy Directors of the center.