On December 4th, the Fourth Asia-Oceania Conference on Neutron Scattering (AOCNS) commenced in Dongguan, marking the first time this academic event has been hosted on the Chinese mainland. Over 400 experts and scholars from more than 10 countries and regions have gathered for a week-long exchange, featuring a staggering 240 sessions. The conference is organized by the China Spallation Neutron Source.

AOCNS, the largest and most comprehensive neutron scattering conference in the Asia-Pacific region, serves as a platform for scientists and researchers to share progress and achievements in neutron scattering science. The inaugural AOCNS was held in 2011, and since then, it has been held every four years, with previous sessions taking place in Tsukuba, Japan; Sydney, Australia; and Taipei, Taiwan.

The conference is structured around five themes, covering condensed matter physics, materials science and chemistry, soft matter and life sciences, engineering and industrial applications, and fundamental physics/sources/methods/technology. It boasts over 180 oral presentations and more than 60 poster presentations. Over the next seven days, experts and scholars will engage in in-depth discussions on the development of applied sciences related to neutron sources, facility open sharing, talent exchange, and more, driving the international development of neutron scattering science and technology.

"This marks the first time that the Asia-Oceania Conference on Neutron Scattering is being held in mainland China and the first time we are hosting such a high-profile international academic event after the operation of the China Spallation Neutron Source. It will undoubtedly boost confidence and capabilities in domestic neutron scattering applied research, indirectly enhancing our influence in this field and strongly supporting applied research efforts of relevant industries in the Greater Bay Area," said Wang Fangwei, Deputy Director of the Spallation Neutron Source Science Center and Executive Chair of the Fourth AOCNS.

Professor Mandy Chu, from the Department of Physics at City University of Hong Kong, a veteran in neutron scattering for 18 years and a longstanding user of the China Spallation Neutron Source, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. "This year is my second time participating in the Asia-Oceania Conference on Neutron Scattering. Previous conferences held outside mainland China had limited attendance, but this time, being held in our 'backyard,' not only has a large international presence but also a significant increase in Chinese experts and scholars."

The conference has garnered widespread attention from renowned institutions worldwide, with nearly a hundred experts and scholars attending from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Indonesia, Russia, as well as mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.