From May 26 to 31, 2024, at the invitation of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS), President Wei Bingbo, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led a delegation from the Chinese Materials Research Society (C-MRS) to Strasbourg, France, for a series of in-depth cooperation and exchange activities. The delegation included President Wei Bingbo, Supervisor General Professor Li Guangxuan, Executive Council Member Professor Lin Yuanhua, Secretary-General Professor Zhang Zengzhi, Deputy Secretary-General Professor Zhao Chao, Professor Wang Guilei from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and C-MRS Co-Chairs Professor Luo Hongjie, Academician Cheng Huiming, Professor Zhang Jiatao, and Professor Chen Hongzheng, who were involved in co-hosting symposia with E-MRS. E-MRS highly valued the visit of C-MRS, and all E-MRS officials attended the reception and accompanied the delegation throughout their stay. Extensive and in-depth exchanges were conducted, leading to a consensus and specific plans for further cooperation.

On May 27th, to promote cooperation and development in materials science research globally, both parties decided to establish the International Association of Materials Research Societies (IAMRS). Detailed consultations were held regarding the purpose, operational mechanisms, organizational structure, establishment timing, and methods for IAMRS. After thorough discussions, consensus was reached on these matters, laying a solid foundation for the smooth establishment of IAMRS. During the discussions, the importance of IAMRS in the global materials research field was emphasized, and future work directions and goals were clearly defined.

On May 28th, C-MRS and E-MRS delegates engaged in detailed discussions on various aspects of cooperation. They reviewed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during the China-Europe meeting in Beijing in January 2024. Topics included the successful hosting of the E-MRS 2024 Spring Meeting, where Academician Wei Bingbo delivered a keynote report introducing the latest trends in materials science and China's achievements in the field. Professor Li Guangxuan, as one of the co-chairs of the conference, co-hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, demonstrating C-MRS's influence in international materials science. A team of experts from C-MRS served as session chairs at the E-MRS conference, organized sessions, and invited over 130 Chinese representatives to participate in the various activities and discussions, adding the voice and strength of China's materials science community to the conference. Both parties agreed to continue strengthening cooperation and plan to co-host multiple academic activities in 2025 and explore further collaboration in academic journals.

On the morning of May 29th, Consul Pan Yumin of the Chinese Consulate in Strasbourg met with President Wei Bingbo. During the meeting, Academician Wei Bingbo introduced the development history and future plans of C-MRS, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and expressing the intention to further strengthen cooperation with E-MRS. Consul Pan Yumin fully affirmed the significant role of C-MRS in international materials science exchanges and expressed strong support for C-MRS's work.

During the opening ceremony of the E-MRS Spring Meeting on May 29th, Academician Wei Bingbo and Consul Pan Yumin jointly presented the "C-MRS International Cooperation Award" to Professor Paul Siffert, founder and secretary-general of E-MRS, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to international cooperation in materials science. This award marked a new phase in the cooperation between the Chinese and European materials research societies. In his acceptance speech, Professor Siffert expressed his gratitude and commitment to continuing efforts to promote cooperation and development in the materials science field between China and Europe.

Subsequently, Academician Wei Bingbo delivered a keynote report titled "Recent Progress in Space Materials Sciences," detailing the latest advancements in space materials science. He highlighted that the unique physical and chemical conditions in outer space provide a distinctive environment for the design, research, and application of advanced materials. Thanks to the continuous achievements of manned space programs, global researchers have conducted extensive explorations, including ground simulations and payload experiments.

Reflecting on more than two decades of cooperation, C-MRS and E-MRS have achieved remarkable results in promoting international exchanges and cooperation in materials science. In particular, in May 2023, the C-MRS delegation participated in the 40th anniversary celebration and spring meeting of E-MRS, engaging in in-depth discussions on topics such as society development and progress in materials science and technology. C-MRS also awarded the Friendship Award to E-MRS Secretary-General Paul Siffert, symbolizing the deep friendship between the two societies.

The inaugural China-Europe Materials Conference held in January 2024 marked a new milestone in cooperation. At the conference, C-MRS and E-MRS held in-depth talks, jointly exploring global needs for new materials and cooperation strategies, and signed a long-term cooperation agreement, establishing a new cooperation mechanism. This agreement is of significant importance for the development of global materials and lays a solid foundation for research and applications in the materials field worldwide.

Through these cooperative activities, both parties have once again demonstrated their determination to deepen cooperation and promote development in the materials science field. In the future, C-MRS and E-MRS will continue to work together to explore frontiers and innovations in materials science, contributing more to the prosperity and development of the international materials science community.