The 42nd International Conference on "Light-Cone 2024: Hadron Physics in the EIC Era" was held from November 24 to 30. It took place at the Huizhou Branch of the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. This is the first time that this series of conference has been hosted in China.

Guided by the International Light Cone Advisory Committee (ILCAC), this year's Light Cone conference centered on advancing quantum field theory, quantum chromodynamics and high-energy physics. It also served as a platform for exchanges and cooperation on hadron and nuclear physics, with a focus on key experimental facilities, including upcoming electron-ion colliders (EICs).

The conference brought together over 150 experts and scholars from home and abroad, fostering discussions on recent experimental and theoretical advancements. Nearly 100 participants gave academic presentations, highlighting progress in hadron physics and the potential of EICs.

During the conference, Prof. Chueng-Ryong Ji from North Carolina State University, the Chairman of ILCAC, presented the "Gary McCartor Award" to three outstanding young scholars. Additionally, ILCAC recognized five young scholars for their oral and poster presentations with the "Dirac Award.

The conference featured a public lecture by Prof. James P. Vary, a renowned theoretical nuclear physicist from Iowa State University. The lecture, titled "What Do We Know That We Don't Know?", was attended by over 220 teachers and students on-site. Around 7,000 viewers watched via live streaming, further expanding the reach of nuclear physics knowledge.

The successful organization of the conference provided a platform for collaboration and communication among researchers in light-cone physics, contributing to the future development of hadron physics in the era of electron-ion colliders.

The conference was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, and the Southern Center for Nuclear-Science Theory.

Figure 1. Prof. ZHAO Xingbo from IMP chairing the opening ceremony.

Figure 2. Prof. HE Yuan, Deputy Director of IMP delivering the welcome address.

Figure 3. Prof. Chueng-Ryong Ji, Chairman of ILCAC delivering a speech.

Figure 4. Group photo during the public lecture.

Figure 5. Group photo of the conference participants.

Figure 6. Presentation of the "Gary McCartor Award".

Figure 7. Presentation of the "Dirac Award".