Features

Electron microscopy has seen a massive boom in China. Ze Zhang and Xiaodong Han discuss what this could mean for materials research and development.

Xun Shi and Lidong Chen summarize recent progress in the field of thermoelectric materials in China, and discuss steps towards the realization of commercially viable devices.

The China Spallation Neutron Source is expected to produce its first beam in 2017. Hesheng Chen and Xun-Li Wang provide an overview of this user facility and what it means for science in China and elsewhere.

Graphene is extensively researched in China. Xiaoyue Xiao, Yichun Li and Zhaoping Liu illustrate how the China Innovation Alliance of the Graphene Industry aims to harness this for commercial opportunities.

Computational materials science has grown in China in recent times. Hai-Qing Lin gives an overview of China's efforts towards a Materials Genome Initiative and the challenges faced.

Ho-kwang Mao discusses the history of high-pressure research in China, and recent developments to ensure further success.

Condensed-matter physics is one of the most active research topics in China. Qi-Kun Xue considers the reasons underpinning its success.

'Globalization' is familiar in the context of the international expansion of corporations, but what does it mean when applied to research and education? Nature Materials examines the visions of globalization from the Provost of Georgia Institute of Technology, the President of California Institute of Technology and the Director of New Business Development of Solvay.