The field of materials science is at a pivotal juncture, demanding paradigm shifts in research methodologies to address emerging challenges. Building on advancements in computational materials science and high-throughput experimentation, the next frontier lies in exploring quantum computing-enabled material discovery, novel theoretical frameworks beyond the Materials Genome Initiative, and AI-driven multiscale design principles. To catalyze multidisciplinary integration and accelerate transformative innovations, The Innovation Conference on Materials 2025 will convene leading global researchers from May 23–25, 2025, in Hangzhou, China. This forum will foster in-depth dialogues on fundamental scientific questions, cutting-edge breakthroughs, and future trajectories, aiming to bridge theoretical insights with industrial applications and foster groundbreaking ideas from concept to realization.

Background to the Conference

The convergence of interdisciplinary approaches and disruptive technological breakthroughs is driving a paradigm shift in materials science, transforming methodologies from atomic-scale design to macroscopic performance control. The Innovation Conference on Materials 2025 will assemble globally renowned materials scientists to address critical frontiers, including quantum topological materials interface engineering, carbon-neutral material innovations, ultra-stable materials for extreme environments, sustainable circular economy frameworks, self-healing nanocomposite mechanisms, and bioinspired multiscale synthesis. This forum aims to decode fundamental mechanisms governing material performance limits, catalyze transformative advancements in aerospace, clean energy, and biomedical technologies, and deliver strategic material solutions for global carbon neutrality and next-generation manufacturing.

Conference Sessions

Session 1: Thermal Mechanisms and Exploration of Extreme Thermal Conductivity Materials

Conveners: Gang Wang

Session Overview:

Research on extreme thermal conductivity materials investigates fundamental heat transport mechanisms, including phonon topology, interface scattering, and non-equilibrium thermal conduction. Through atomic defect engineering, anisotropic structure design, and multi-scale characterization, this field aims to elucidate quantum thermal transport behaviors in high-conductivity materials (e.g., diamond/boron nitride heterostructures) and phonon localization mechanisms in ultra-low-conductivity systems (e.g., clathrates). These advances address critical challenges in high-power electronics cooling, aerospace thermal protection, and thermoelectric energy conversion.

Session 2: Biomass-Based Functional Materials

Conveners: Chaoji Chen

Session Overview:

Driven by global carbon neutrality and green manufacturing initiatives, biomass-based functional materials have emerged as a frontier in materials science. Innovations span cellulose nanocrystals for smart sensing, lignin-derived carbon composites for structural applications, chitin-based biomimetic medical dressings, and starch-derived fully degradable packaging systems. These materials redefine sustainable solutions for energy storage, intelligent healthcare, and eco-friendly packaging through precise structural design and functional optimization.

Session 3: Memory-Computing Devices and Materials Physics

Conveners: Mingzhi Dai

Session Overview:

As traditional silicon-based computing approaches physical limits, researchers are leveraging atomic-scale material properties to develop next-generation architectures. Key advances include memristors utilizing quantum tunneling in 2D materials to emulate neural synapses, and brain-inspired chips employing edge-state currents in topological insulators for energy-efficient computing. Breakthroughs in phase-change memory, spintronics, and neuromorphic devices are redefining the physics of information processing and storage.

Session 4: Carbon Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage

Conveners: Fangyuan Su, Bin Zhang

Session Overview:

Carbon materials, with their diverse structures, tunable properties, and cost-effectiveness, play pivotal roles in energy technologies. Feedstocks range from biomass and polymers to coal derivatives, processed via pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, or flash Joule heating. Advanced characterization techniques, computational modeling, and AI have enhanced the understanding of structure-performance relationships, enabling transformative applications: electrocatalyst supports, supercapacitors, and advanced batteries (Li/Na/K/Zn-ion). These innovations accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy systems.

Proposed Topics (Call for Convenors in progress, applications welcome)

Artificial Intelligence Driven Materials R&D

Nanomaterials and Biomedicine

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Organizing Institutions and Supporting Organizations

Host: The Innovation

Conference Venue

Hangzhou China

Accommodation Information

DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East

Hotel Address: 

No. 600 Jinsha Avenue, Economic and Technological Development Zone.

Qiantang District, Hangzhou, China

Transportation Guide

DoubleTree by Hilton Hangzhou East is strategically located in the Jinsha Lake core area of Qiantang District, adjacent to Jinsha Lake Station (Line 1) providing direct Metro access to historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and commercial hubs.

*East: A 5-minute walk to Longhu Paradise Walk shopping complex, 15-minute walk to Jinsha IMPRESSION City Mall.

*West: Direct connectivity via Desheng Elevated Expressway or Metro Line 1 to Hangzhou East Railway Station, Xiaoshan International Airport, West Lake, and Xixi Wetland.

*South: Proximity to Olympic Sports Center, Qiantang River New Town, and Qiantang River Tide-Watching Site.

*North: Access to Tangqi Ancient Town and Xiasha Outlets via the expressway.