The 1st International Symposium on Innovations in Advanced Materials for Optics and Electronics was held in La Rochell University, France from June 14th to 17th. On invitation from Prof. Brahim Elouadi of La Rochell University, organizer of the symposium, Prof. Jingtai Zhao, Prof. Suhao Luo, Prof. Jiayue Xu and Prof. Guorong Li from SICCAS attended the symposium and were warmly welcomed. The symposium was initiated by Prof. Brahim Elouadi from France, and was accomplished with joint assistance from scientists of China, Russia, Japan and other countries, and with vigorous support and cooperation from French Embassy, Vermon Company of France, and La Rochell University. In addition, almost 100 researchers from Canada, Russia, Japan, France and China, including scientists from SICCAS, SIOMCAS, Tsinghua University and Hongkong University of Science and Technology, attended the symposium, which greatly promote the exchanges and cooperation of Materials Science and Technology.

Located in the west of France and near Atlantic coast, La Rochell University boasts specialties such as Geophysics, Gceanic Environment and Biology, Civil Engineering, Food Engineering, and Material Chemistry. Prof. Brahim Elouadi specializes in researches of Chemistry, Material Engineering, and is in charge of external exchanges and cooperation of the university. He had an active discussion with researchers from SICCAS about future cooperation. The French side was intensively interested in achievements of SICCAS in inorganic materials, translucent ceramics and piezoelectric crystals especially, and expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation. The two parties decided to hold the 2nd International Symposium on Innovations in Advanced Materials for Optics and Electronics in Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2008 and to vigorously start preparation for the nest symposium.