Founded in 1928 as the Engineering Institute of National Central Academy, SICCAS has evolved into a dynamic institution dedicated to advanced inorganic nonmetallic materials research. In 1959, the Institute was separated into two independent Institutes. The ceramic part was reformed as the Shanghai Institute of Ceramic Chemistry and Technology, and then was renamed as the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics since the year of 1984.

SICCAS stands as a beacon of excellence in both pioneering basic research and innovative applied research, focusing on a diverse array of research areas. These include high performance ceramics and superfine microstructures, structural ceramics and composites, inorganic functional materials and devices, energy materials, inorganic coatings, artificial crystals, biomaterials and tissue engineering, environmentally friendly materials, the analysis and characterization of inorganic materials, and the technological study of industrial ceramics and ancient Chinese ceramics.

With a legacy marked by over nine decades of impactful contributions, SICCAS has garnered international acclaim, receiving 55 national-level awards, hundreds of CAS, ministerial, and provincial awards, and more than 400 scientific and technical prizes. In addition to hold approximately 1672 valid patents, we rank among the top 10 institutes in China for the number of citations in SCI-indexed papers.

Our Institute boasts a talented and diverse staff of over 700 individuals, including one CAS academician, three CAE academicians, and approximately 634 scientific researchers and technicians. SICCAS prioritizes the development of the next generation of materials scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, and has been authorized to grant Ph.D and Master’s degrees, along with hosting a circulating post-doctorate station. As of July 1, 2023, we proudly have 875 students, including 293 Ph.D. students and 582 Master students.

SICCAS has cultivated extensive global partnerships with renowned universities, institutes, and enterprises. Collaborations span continents, with joint labs established alongside organizations such as the Max Planck Institute (Germany), the National Institute for Materials Science (Japan), and the Academy of Science and Technology (South Korea). Noteworthy collaborations also include joint labs with industry giants like Sony and Corning, and over one hundred cooperative agreements with organizations such as General Electric, CERN, and Samsung. In 2010, SICCAS became a proud member of the International Energy Association.

Hosting numerous international conferences on modern ceramic technology, SICCAS has established itself as a global leader in the field. Notably, the Institute has organized the International Symposium on Ancient Ceramics nine times since 1982, solidifying its status as the world’s foremost platform for exchanging knowledge in ancient ceramics research.

Encouraging a culture of international exchange, SICCAS facilitates researchers’ participation in global programs and welcomes international researchers to engage in cooperative research or provide academic lectures. Over the years, esteemed individuals, including Nobel Prize winners Samuel Chao Chung Ting, Tsung-Dao Lee, and Ei-ichi Negishi, have graced our Institute with their visit.