Liu Chuntai, vice-president of ZZU, makes a speech during the 2nd International Conference of Advanced Energy and Functional Materials Research. [Photo provided to english.zzu.edu.cn]
Zhengzhou University (ZZU) recently hosted the 2nd International Conference of Advanced Energy and Functional Materials Research, which was organized by the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the journal Energy & Environmental Materials (EEM).
The conference featured a diversified format designed to foster in-depth dialogue. Key discussion areas included energy material design, nanotechnology applications, photoelectric and energy storage materials, hydrogen technology, and low-carbon conversion.
The conference attracted over 200 experts and scholars from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, South Africa, and India.
Distinguished participants, including Liu Chuntai, vice-president of ZZU, Li Jinghong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and John Wang, an academician of both the Singapore National Academy of Sciences and Academy of Engineering, contributed to the proceedings. The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Shao Guosheng from ZZU.
Participants are in a heated discussion. [Photo provided to english.zzu.edu.cn]
The conference opened with keynote speeches from distinguished scientists. Subsequent parallel sessions facilitated in-depth exchanges between established researchers and young students on frontier scientific challenges. The dedicated postgraduate forum highlighted students' solid academic foundations and strong communication skills. In a special session on high-quality journal development, participants analyzed challenges and opportunities facing Chinese academic journals and explored strategies for establishing and operating internationally influential scientific publications.
The conference was more than an academic gathering — it served as a dynamic platform for deepening collaboration and building professional networks. Moving forward, the School of Materials Science and Engineering at ZZU aims to leverage this momentum to inject new ideas into the field, stimulate innovative thinking, and enhance international cooperation in energy and environmental materials research.
Participants stand together for a group picture. [Photo provided to english.zzu.edu.cn]