By 2026, China will have completed its 14th Five-Year Plan. Exploration in the deep Earth, deep seas, and deep space may challenge current perspectives in planetary science and lead to significant breakthroughs in mineralogy. This year, the application of functional minerals and new materials is expected to contribute to reaching peak carbon emissions across various regions in China. In the same year, China’s first asteroid probe will complete its sampling mission, returning from the Earth’s quasi-satellite Kamo'oalewa while also orbiting the main-belt comets. The research conducted on asteroid samples will provide a solid foundation for future advancements in mineralogy.

In 2026, we will organize and host the 24th IMA General Meeting in Nanjing, with the theme Mineralogy in the Future.

This will mark the second IMA General Meeting in history to be held in China, following the one in Beijing in 1990. Our past success in organizing the IMA and the enthusiasm of participants from around the globe have inspired us to bid for the 24th IMA. The local government and the Chinese mineralogy community share a common goal of ensuring the conference is a resounding success.

Nanjing is a city rich in both ancient and modern artistry. Throughout Chinese history, thirteen dynasties have flourished here, fostering a vibrant economy and culture. Today, Nanjing stands as a leading center for culture, education, economy, transportation, and tourism in China. Visitors will find not only captivating ancient Chinese architecture but also karst caves, spectacular stone pillars, and well-preserved paleontological fossils! By 2026, the concept of a green economy in Nanjing will be largely realized, and with the implementation of low-carbon policy reforms, carbon neutrality should be within reach.

The Chinese mineralogy community and Nanjing University are excited to welcome guests from around the world, offering high levels of accommodation and academic activities. We sincerely invite researchers to participate in this exciting mineralogy event that focuses on the future of the field.

It would be an honor for us to be selected to organize this significant event in Nanjing, and we are confident in our capacity to do so. We look forward to exploring and discussing the future of mineralogy with all of you in Nanjing.

Warmest welcomes from Nanjing!