Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we are pleased to announce that the 8th International Symposium on Solar Fuels and Solar Cells (8th SFSC) will be held from November 12–15th, 2026, at Westlake University in Hangzhou, China.

The continued reliance on finite fossil fuels poses dual threats of energy insecurity and climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning global energy systems toward renewable sources is therefore one of the most urgent challenges of this century. Against this backdrop, the 8th SFSC is dedicated to advancing solar energy research by providing a high-level international forum for scholars to share insights, present recent breakthroughs, discuss key scientific challenges, and identify future directions in solar fuels and solar electricity technologies. We aim to gather leading researchers from across the world to foster collaboration and inspire innovative pathways toward a sustainable energy future.

Initiated in 2008 and held biennially, the SFSC series was founded by Academician Can Li and Academician Licheng Sun to create a dedicated high-level forum for deep scientific exchange. Over the years, it has grown into an internationally recognized platform, known for its rigorous academic focus and influential role in advancing the field. The past symposia have gathered an outstanding array of leading scientists and emerging scholars, whose contributions have consistently elevated the quality and impact of the discussions.

We are delighted to bring the symposium for the first time to the historic and innovation-rich city of Hangzhou—a place renowned not only for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, but also as a dynamic hub of scientific research and technological advancement in China. This edition is proudly hosted in association with Westlake University, an institution founded in 2018 that has quickly become a leading center for frontier research and talent development. Its commitment to scientific excellence and addressing global challenges aligns closely with the forward-looking spirit of this symposium, making Hangzhou and Westlake University an ideal setting for inspiring dialogue and collaboration at the forefront of solar energy research.

Through the 8th SFSC, we hope to ignite more innovative scientific ideas for the efficient conversion of solar energy into solar fuels and solar electricity. We also sincerely hope to foster new collaborations among individual scientists, research institutes, and countries, recognizing that energy and environmental sustainability are shared global challenges.

The Organizing Committee warmly welcomes colleagues from around the world working in solar fuels, solar cells, and related fields to actively participate in this symposium. We are confident that you will have a rewarding and memorable experience at the 8th SFSC in 2026, and we look forward to welcoming you to the historic, beautiful, and innovation-rich city of Hangzhou—home to our host, Westlake University.

Sincerely,

Licheng Sun

Professor & Academician
Symposium Chair
Westlake University

Can Li

Professor & Academician
Symposium co-Chair
Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS