The University of Science and Technology of China was established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 1958 in Beijing as a new type of university in the country, and then moved to Hefei in Anhui Province in 1970. Since its establishment, USTC has made distinguished achievements in talent fostering, scientific research and technology transfer. It has become an important base of topquality talent training and highlevel scientific research for the nation. The University is regarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology as one of the best 4 universities in scientific research performance in China. The University ranks consistently among the best in the review of Chinese top universities by the US journal "Science" and the French journal "Research". It is our honour that PAAP08 is presented for USTCs 50th anniversary celebration.