Institute of Light Alloys is formerly known as Non-ferrous alloy and Foundry Institute. As early as the 1950s, the institute has been engaged in non-ferrous alloys related research. Based on the Institute of Light Alloy, in March 2000, the State Development and Reform Commission (formerly State Development Planning Commission) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University jointly established the National Engineering Research Center for Light Alloy Precision Forming. In September 2009, Shanghai Science and Technology Commission approved the establishment of Shanghai Magnesium Materials and Applied Engineering Technology Research Center. 

After more than ten years of development, Institute of Light Alloys has now become an important research center of Mg alloy, Al alloy materials and products in China and the world. The current director of the institute is Academician Wenjiang DING, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Currently, there are more than 30 full-time staffs, including 7 full professors, 4 associate professors and senior engineers, 16 lecturers and 6 postdocs. The entire research team is divided into two parts: one part is located in the Minhang campus of SJTU, specializing in Mg alloy, Al alloy related basic research, the other part is located in Songjiang Hi-Tech Park, mainly engaged in research on engineering applications.

Main Research Fields:

• Advanced Mg alloy, Al alloy design;
• Mg alloy, Al alloy corrosion and protection
• Mg alloy, Al alloy precision forming technology;
• Mg-based energy materials;
• Mg alloy, Al alloy melt treatment;
• Mg-based biomaterials