On July 8, 2024, the senior meeting of the China-Europe Materials Research Society was held at the Guangzhou International Convention Center. The meeting was attended by Academician Wei Bingbo, President of the Chinese Materials Research Society (C-MRS), Professor Zhang Zengzhi, Secretary-General of C-MRS, Professor Joan Ramon Morante, former President of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS), and Professor Sanjay Mathur, Secretary of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS). Both parties discussed new paths for international cooperation in the field of materials science.

At the meeting, Professor Sanjay Mathur, Secretary of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS), provided a detailed explanation of the proposed reforms for the IUMRS. He emphasized the importance of transparency in elections and proposed that the IUMRS is considering relocating its headquarters to a country with greater capabilities and potential for development in materials research, such as China. This proposal was unanimously endorsed by President Wei and Professor Joan Ramon Morante. Both parties also agreed on the importance of encouraging more young people to participate in the management of the IUMRS to inject fresh blood and vitality into the organization.

It is worth noting that during the meeting, both parties reached a consensus on establishing a China-India-Europe tripartite cooperation organization aimed at deepening academic exchange and collaboration.

The C-MRS and the E-MRS plan to co-host a large-scale academic conference in 2025, combining the China Materials Conference, the World Materials Conference, and the Asian Advanced Materials Conference. Preliminary themes for this event include energy materials, green manufacturing, and hydrogen energy.

Additionally, both parties decided to jointly launch a summer school program in 2025, focusing on the training and exchange of young scholars. This initiative aims to lay a foundation of talent for continuous innovation and development in the field of materials science.

This meeting was not only an in-depth dialogue between the Chinese and European materials research communities but also the beginning of a new chapter in global cooperation in materials science. We look forward to more groundbreaking advancements in the field of materials science through the joint efforts of both parties, contributing to the sustainable development of human society.