On April 20, the Fifth Media Materiality Forum, hosted by the School of Journalism and Communication at South China University of Technology (SCUT), officially opened in Guangzhou. Nearly one hundred scholars from more than 40 universities—both in China and abroad—gathered at the event, including representatives from Communication University of China, Fudan University, Tsinghua University, Jinan University, Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, Macau University of Science and Technology, and Grand Valley State University. Participants convened under the theme “Reflections on Media Materiality and New Beginnings.” The opening ceremony was presided over by Tan Zhiwei, Secretary of the School’s Party Committee.

Opening Ceremony

Lan Manyu, Deputy Director of the Social Sciences Division, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing SCUT’s commitment—under its vision of an “academic,” “open,” “well-governed,” “happy,” and “beautiful” university—to cultivating robust research environments. He expressed hope that attendees would leverage the Forum as a platform to exchange academic ideas, deepen friendships, and jointly advance scholarly development.

Chen Gang, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, noted that this Forum is the first academic event commemorating the School’s 20th anniversary. He highlighted the School’s focus on interdisciplinary integration between the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering, stating that media materiality embodies this fusion. Dean Chen encouraged participants to spark new thinking through scholarly exchange during the conference.

Keynote Speeches

At the ceremony, prominent scholars—including Chen Changfeng (Tsinghua University), Zhang Gehao (Macau University of Science and Technology), Wei Gang (South China University of Technology), and Zhang Xianguang (Grand Valley State University)—delivered keynote speeches. They emphasized that research on media materiality transcends disciplinary boundaries, responds to societal needs, drives the integration of diverse fields, and creates an organic reconnection between humanity and media. This approach fully engages the academic imagination in journalism and communication.

Sub-Forums and Book Exhibition

Following the opening ceremony, nine sub-forums took place, focusing on topics such as Imagination in Chinese Media Research, Medium and Media Infrastructure, Media Philosophy, and Sensory Media. The conference also featured a new book exhibition organized by the Communication University of China Press, adding another dimension to discussions of media materiality research.

Support from Academia and Media

The Forum was warmly received in both academic and professional circles. The Social Sciences Division provided detailed guidance, while the National Center for Communication Innovation Studies at Communication University of China served as a key co-organizer. Major academic journals—including Journalism and Communication, Journal of International Communication, Modern Communication, Journalistic University, Global Journal of Media Studies, News and Writing, Journalism and Communication Review, and Academic Research—strongly supported the event. Mainstream media such as Southern Daily, Guangzhou Daily, Yangcheng Evening News, and Guangdong Radio and Television Station provided extensive coverage, further extending the Forum’s influence.