Shandong University (SDU) hosted the 20th Chinese Conference on Crystal Growth and Materials (CCCG-20) in Shandong's Jinan from Aug 22 to 25, bringing together more than 1,300 researchers and industry representatives from across China.

Held every three years, the conference serves as a major platform for exchanging ideas and cutting-edge technologies in crystal growth and materials research.

SDU President Li Shucai pointed out that crystal materials constitute a cornerstone for the development of advanced materials and play a major role in engineering projects as well as industrial security. He noted that SDU has conducted research into functional crystals for more than six decades. He also called for further collaboration toward original and pioneering research into crystal materials.

Xue Qikun, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and president of the Southern University of Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of crystal materials in chip manufacturing, 5G communications, quantum technologies, and high-power laser systems.

Focusing on breakthroughs in functional crystals and crystal-growth technologies, the conference featured 10 plenary lectures and 12 thematic sessions. Topics ranged from crystal-growth theory and AI applications to different types of functional crystals, devices, industrial technologies and equipment development.

A forum on crystal applications and industry, along with an exhibition of crystals and related equipment, was also held to promote exchanges between researchers and industry practitioners.

The conference was organized by the Chinese Ceramic Society and its Crystal Growth and Materials Division.