On November 27, 2025, Shanghai ChemLab Instrument Co., Ltd. and the Research Center for Intelligent Innovation and Application Verification of Advanced Materials, School of Mechanics and Transportation Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU), successfully signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the Chang’an Campus of NWPU. The two parties jointly founded the “Frontier Materials Analytical Techniques Joint Laboratory” and held an inauguration ceremony. This partnership represents an important milestone in combining advanced materials research and high-end analytical technologies from both parties. The goal is to collaboratively create a top-tier platform for innovation in materials science and a hub for talent development.

Focusing on Materials Innovation

The Frontier Materials Analytical Techniques Joint Laboratory combines NWPU’s expertise in advanced materials with Shanghai ChemLab’s high-end analytical technology to offer comprehensive analytical testing services for advanced materials.

The laboratory is dedicated to addressing critical challenges in the precise characterization and performance evaluation that arise during the research, validation, and application of new materials. It aims to deliver robust data and technical support to facilitate the transition of innovative materials from theoretical development to engineering practice, thereby supporting China’s pursuit of technological advancements in key sectors such as aerospace and transportation.

Ms. Liang Yan, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai ChemLab Instrument Co., Ltd., delivered a technical report entitled “Introduction to Self-developed Products and Materials Analysis Technologies”. She highlighted the strong potential of fs-LA-ICP-MS, a micro-area analytical tool for materials science. This technology addresses key challenges such as accurate characterization and performance assessment in new material development and application.

Signing Ceremony Venue

Special Report

In-depth Industry-Education Integration to Cultivate Future Talents

As a significant outcome of the collaboration, the laboratory has been formally designated as the Cooperative Experimental Base of ChemLab Instrument (Xi’an) Co., Ltd. This designation establishes a comprehensive training platform for postgraduate and doctoral students at NWPU, integrating academic study, research, industrial production, and practical application.

Through this initiative, students will gain access to advanced analytical technologies and participate in hands-on projects, seamlessly bridging theoretical understanding with industrial practice. The program is designed not only to develop high-level specialists urgently required by the industry but also to advance scientific innovation and talent development concurrently.

Campus Visit

Strong Alliance to Build a New Industry-University-Research Ecosystem

The School of Mechanics and Transportation Engineering at NWPU possesses significant expertise in intelligent materials innovation and application validation. Shanghai ChemLab is recognized as a reputable enterprise within the high-end analytical testing instruments sector. This collaboration extends beyond standard equipment cooperation and establishes a comprehensive partnership encompassing technology, talent, platforms, and industrial needs.

By leveraging shared resources and complementary strengths, both parties will collaborate to address advanced scientific challenges, accelerate the practical application of scientific and technological developments, and develop the joint laboratory into a leading center for materials analysis technology. Furthermore, this initiative aims to serve as a model for industry-university-research collaboration both regionally and across China.