Shanghai University’s Qian Weihang College and the Institute for Materials Genome Engineering successfully participated in the 2026 China Conference on Materials and the 27th China International New Materials Expo, held from July 14 to 17 at the Wuhan International Expo Center. A delegation of more than 30 faculty members and students engaged with leading scholars and researchers nationwide to explore cutting-edge developments across energy, information, advanced structural, functional, and biomedical materials, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence-driven material discovery. Among the 125 specialized academic forums, the E06 session on Materials Genome and AI Materials proved especially relevant to the college’s interdisciplinary Materials Design Science and Engineering program. The session emphasized data-driven research, computational modeling, machine learning, and high-throughput experimentation, directly aligning with the curriculum’s integration of materials science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, and computer science. Students actively presented their undergraduate research through poster displays, detailing methodological frameworks, computational models, and analytical results. Interactive discussions with peer researchers and senior experts enabled participants to refine their experimental designs and identify novel interdisciplinary approaches. During the conference, attendees also held targeted discussions with Academician Zhang Tongyi, Honorary Dean of Qian Weihang College and Director of the Institute for Materials Genome Engineering. The dialogue centered on the convergence of materials genome engineering and AI, the evolving landscape of youth research development, and the necessity of breaking traditional disciplinary boundaries. Participants noted that the synthesis of data, computational tools, empirical experimentation, and fundamental materials knowledge is accelerating innovation in next-generation material development. Reflecting the college’s educational commitment to rigorous fundamentals, cross-disciplinary training, and global competitiveness, the conference provided a critical platform for students to contextualize theoretical knowledge within active research environments. By transitioning from campus laboratories to a national academic forum, participants enhanced their scientific communication skills and expanded their professional networks. Moving forward, the college plans to institutionalize similar engagements, ensuring continued access to frontier research, hands-on innovation, and comprehensive academic development for its students.