At the invitation of Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMR, CAS), an Austrian materials science delegation consisting of nearly 20 delegates, visited IMR on November 6 for academic exchange and cooperative discussions. The delegation included leaders or representatives from major Austrian enterprises, universities, and research institutes engaged in materials research. The reception was presided over by Prof. CHEN Xingqiu, Party Secretary and Deputy Director of IMR.

Prof. CHEN Xingqiu first welcomed the delegation on behalf IMR, reviewed the history of cooperation and the fruitful outcomes of bilateral exchanges, introduced the development history and current status of the institute, and expressed expectations for further deepening cooperation in the future. Subsequently, two representatives of the Austrian delegation delivered speeches affirming IMR's scientific achievements and expressing the desire to continue strengthening cooperation in the field of materials based on previous cooperation.

The morning exchange mainly consisted of 20 presentations, with researchers from both sides providing an overview of their research fields and intentions for cooperation. In the afternoon, researchers from both sides conducted group discussions on topics including additive manufacturing technology, lightweight alloy (titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy) application research, advanced steel materials, plastic forming, ceramic materials, bio-medical materials, material surface treatment, and nano mechanics. Particularly, they focused on conducting joint research on scientific and technological hotspots over the next five years between China and Austria. During the group discussions, Austrian representatives were taken on tours of relevant laboratories by IMR collaborators.

This is the third time for IMR to organize the Sino-Austrian Round Table on Material Sciences, the previous two were held in 2016 and 2018 respectively. Through this exchange platform, researchers have established cooperation with Austrian universities, research institutes and enterprises, and received strong support from CAS and BMK respectively.

More than 40 researchers from IMR participated in the event. The Austrian delegation also visited SIASUN Robot & Automation Co., Ltd.

Group photo (Image by IMR)