This special topic of Science China Chemistry resulted from a bilateral symposium between the Université de Montréal (U de M) and Peking University on materials research held in October 2011.A delegation of 13 professors and students from the Department of Chemistry visited Peking University and the Institute of Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and held symposia with colleagues and students of these institutions.We were glad to use this unique opportunity to promote scientific exchange and collaboration between our institutions.