On June 9, 2024, the Energy Research Institute of Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center convened the inaugural joint meeting of the Fusion High-End Metal Materials Research and Development Joint Laboratory at the Hefei Fusion Reactor Comprehensive Research Facility. The event was honored by the attendance of five esteemed academicians: Zhao Zhongxian, Li Jiangang, Zheng Xiaojing, Zhou Youhe, and Zhao Hongwei. Over 100 leaders and experts from leading domestic universities, research institutions, and key enterprise executives were in attendance. The meeting was presided over by Yan Jianwen, Executive Dean of the Energy Research Institute, and Li Laifeng, a researcher from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The Fusion High-End Metal Materials Research and Development Joint Laboratory is a collaborative initiative led by the Energy Research Institute, along with partners such as Central Iron & Steel Research Institute Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Jiuli Special Materials Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Electric SHMP Casting & Forging Co., Ltd., Pangang Group Jiangyou Changcheng Special Steel Co., Ltd., China First Heavy Industries Group Co., Ltd., Shougang Group Co., Ltd., and Erzhong (Deyang) Heavy Equipment Co., Ltd. The lab is dedicated to the research and development of high-end metal materials for fusion applications, targeting three key areas: armor, forgings, and welding. The overarching goal is to catalyze technological breakthroughs, demonstrate applications, and foster the industrial development of critical fusion materials, including cryogenic structures, shielding, and low activation materials.

During the meeting, the laboratory's director reported on the research progress, achievements, challenges, and issues encountered since the lab's inception. They also outlined the objectives and key focal points for the upcoming phase. The academicians and experts present provided thoughtful feedback and engaged in profound discussions, offering numerous insightful suggestions to guide the lab's future trajectory.

In addition to the main agenda, the meeting featured a ceremony to honor the laboratory's directors and a signing ceremony for new partner institutions. The successful hosting of this meeting marks a new chapter in the high-quality development of the joint laboratory and is of significant importance for advancing the integration of industry, academia, and research, as well as for nurturing the growth of new-quality productive forces.