From May 28 to June 2, 2023, at the invitation of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS), a delegation from the Chinese Materials Research Society (C-MRS) traveled to Strasbourg, France, to attend the 40th anniversary celebration and the Spring Meeting of the European Materials Academic Conference.

The C-MRS delegation consisted of seven members: Li Guangxuan, the Supervisor General (Team Leader); Zhang Zengzhi, Secretary-General (Deputy Team Leader); Board Member Mai Liqiang; Deputy Secretary-General Zhao Chao; Xia Hesheng; Li Song; and young scholar Yan Mengyu. The EMRS made thorough preparations for this important bilateral meeting, carefully arranging the schedule, travel itinerary, agenda, attendees, and catering.

Before the visit, the E-MRS proposed holding a roundtable meeting to discuss four areas of exchange: an overview of the development of both materials societies; an overview of the development of materials science and technology in China and Europe; potential priority areas and conferences for cooperation between the C-MRS and E-MRS; and whether the current International Union of Materials Research can truly represent the voices of materials societies worldwide, and how to shape it in the future.

The E-MRS placed great importance on the visit by the C-MRS, and the two societies held four formal bilateral roundtable meetings, attended by EMRS officials including President Joan Ramon Morante, Secretary-General Paul Siffert, Vice-President Tony Kenyon, Council President Lan W. Boyd, Councilor Valentin Cracium, and Jacques Amouroux.

Through these exchanges, mutual understanding and friendship were strengthened, and consensus was reached to enhance cooperation. Decisions included: jointly organizing materials for academic conferences or thematic meetings; inviting or recommending experts to give academic lectures; establishing a bilateral working group to strengthen cooperation and promote cooperative projects; and agreeing to sign a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement.

The E-MRS provided an exceptional reception for the C-MRS. During the 40th anniversary celebration, a PowerPoint presentation specifically introduced the history and friendship between the E-MRS and the C-MRS. The C-MRS delegation was specially invited to address the main conference hall and have a group photo taken with all members present.

This visit was also a journey of honor. During the 40th anniversary celebration, the entire CMRS delegation attended the award ceremony. At the ceremony, the C-MRS delegation presented Secretary-General Professor Paul Siffert with a certificate of "Honorary Director of the Chinese Materials Research Society," marking the first time the C-MRS had bestowed such an honor on a foreign scientist. They also awarded him the "Academic Exchange and Cooperation Friendship Award" trophy and a personal commemorative award. Professor Li Guangxuan, leader of the CMRS delegation, delivered the award speech, expressing sincere gratitude on behalf of the CMRS for Professor Siffert's contributions to promoting exchanges and cooperation between the materials communities in Europe and China, as well as the development of cooperation between the E-MRS and C-MRS. Additionally, the C-MRS delegation presented the EMRS with a commemorative cup celebrating its 40th anniversary.

With the successful conclusion of the E-MRS’s 40th anniversary celebration, the C-MRS’s visit also came to a satisfying end. This visit will open a new chapter in the exchanges and cooperation between the C-MRS and the E-MRS.