The Xiangshan Science Conferences (XSSC) held the 423rd symposium under the theme of "The Materials Corrosion Theories Research and Key Experimental Technologies at Deep Sea Hydrothermal Extreme Environment” in Beijing from May 15 to 17. This event focused on “Materials Corrosion in Deep-sea Extreme Environments” with the purpose to increase a deep-sea awareness, promote the understanding of deep-sea materials corrosion studies in China, and recognize the urgency of the studies. More than 40 scholars and experts from companies, universities and institutes were invited to participate in this important event and have an in-depth discussion on the three topics including: (1) the importance of deep-sea microbe culturing and deep-sea experiments to deep-sea science and technology; (2) the promotional importance of corrosion studies in deep-sea environment on deep-sea equipment and materials development; (3) values and importance of deep-sea materials studies for oceanic exploration and development.

Prof. Xue Qunji, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, director of science and technology from NIMTE, were invited to attend the conference and made the keynote review report entitled marine corrosion and marine materials. During the conference, Prof. Xue Qunji as executive Co-chairs chaired the symposium together with Prof. Weng Yuqing from Chinese Society for Metals, Prof. Hou Baorong from the Institute of Oceanology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Ke Wei from the Institute of Metal Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Prof. Yin Yansheng from Shanghai Maritime University. Researchers of NIMTE, Prof. Chen Jianmin, Prof. Wu Xuedong, Prof Song Zhenlun and Dr. Zeng Zhixiang, were invited by the XSSC program committees to share their opinions on the theme. Prof. Chen Jianmin, Director of the Surface Engineering Division in NIMTE made the invited report entitled Key Scientific Issues of the Deep-sea Exploration and the Demands for Special Equipment and Materials. Prof Wu Xedong made the invited report entitled Application of Sol-Gel Self-assembly Coatings on Marine Materials Protection.

The XSSC was initiated by the former State Science and Technology Commission, now the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST). XSSC promotes multi- or inter-disciplinary research, overall comprehensive studies, innovative thinking and knowledge innovation by creating a relaxed environment for academic exchanges, upholding the spirit of free academic discussion, and giving priority to scientific frontiers and their future development.