On December 5, the Guangming New Materials Industry Development Conference and Transformation Conference, co-organized by the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) and Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) (HITSZ), took place in Guangming, Shenzhen.

Notable attendees included Lin ZHANG, Director of the Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality; Fangcheng WANG, Deputy District Mayor of Guangming District; Yudong HUANG, President of HITSZ; Academician Tongyi ZHANG, Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Materials Genome (SiMG); Academician Jinsong LENG, Dean of the School of Future Technology at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT); and Academician Xiaojun PENG, Dean of the College of Materials Science and Engineering at Shenzhen University.

Representing SUSTech were Vice President Xueming YANG; Academician and Dean of the College of Science Shuhong YU; Dean of the College of Engineering Mingwei CHEN; and Academician and Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry Dawei MA.

The conference brought together leading scientists in new materials research, along with industry leaders and representatives from investment institutions. Discussions centered on topics including basic research, concept validation, pilot-scale transformation, and industrial development of new materials. Participants delved into emerging trends in the materials industry and explored strategies for leveraging scientific and technological infrastructure to address key technical challenges in the field

In his speech, Fangcheng WANG emphasized that Guangming District, as a key part of the Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao science and technology innovation corridor, strategically prioritizes the development of three major fields: information, life sciences, and new materials. The district is dedicated to driving Shenzhen’s high-quality growth through these efforts.

Looking ahead, he highlighted Guangming’s commitment to fostering the integrated development of the industrial and innovation chains. He expressed hope that more scientists and entrepreneurs will engage in groundbreaking research and the transformation of scientific achievements in the district, working together to build a world-class science city.

Vice President Xueming YANG highlighted that, with the strong support of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and the broader society, SUSTech has achieved remarkable progress in talent cultivation and scientific research. He emphasized the University’s dedication to aligning with national strategies and contributing to local economic growth by actively engaging in scientific innovation and industrial transformation efforts.

With strong support and assistance from the Guangming District People’s Government, SUSTech has established deep collaborations with Guangming District across various fields, significantly bolstering regional scientific and technological advancements and industrial growth. Vice President YANG further stated that SUSTech will continue to enhance its cooperation with the district, striving to jointly drive innovation and industrial development, ultimately making a greater impact on Shenzhen’s and the nation’s scientific and technological progress.

The Institute of Major Scientific Facilities for New Materials was officially unveiled during the conference, marking a significant milestone in advancing materials science research and innovation.

During the keynote session, distinguished experts including Shuhong YU, Tongyi ZHANG, Jinsong LENG, Xiaojun PENG, Dawei MA, and Mingwei CHEN presented cutting-edge research and developments in various areas such as bionic materials, artificial intelligence, intelligent materials, photolithographic materials, high value-added conversion of aryl halides, and nanoporous materials.

At the roundtable discussion, Shuhong YU was joined by Lijie CI, Professor of HITSZ; Haihui LIN, Director of the Guangming District New Materials Pilot Transformation Research Institute; Yunqi XU, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Angel Investment Guidance Fund Co., Ltd.; and Jianguo REN, Vice President of BTR New Material Group Co., Ltd.

Together, they engaged in in-depth discussions on the trends, technological advancements, and industrial transformation within the new materials industry, offering valuable insights and recommendations for its future development.

Starting in 2023, Shenzhen will host the Guangming Science City Forum annually under the permanent theme of “Guangming: Building Dreams for the Future”.