[{"subject":"NYCU and Chiayi University Win Six Gold Medals in Japan for Herbal Medicine Innovation","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-05-14","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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The collaborative research between NYCU and Chiayi University, integrating smart agriculture, herbal medicine, and biomedical innovation to develop herbal nanovesicle technologies with applications in precision healthcare and regenerative medicine.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As Taiwan accelerates efforts to modernize its herbal medicine industry through science and technology, a joint research team from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and National Chiayi University has gained international recognition for combining smart agriculture, nanotechnology, and biomedical innovation. \r\n \r\nLed by NYCU Professor Wen-Liang Chen and Chiayi University professors Cheng-Nan Chen and Ming-Ju Lin, the cross-university team developed a series of innovations based on herbal medicine-derived nanovesicles — nanoscale biomaterials extracted from medicinal plants cultivated through smart agriculture systems. The research earned six gold medals and two special awards at the 2026 40th International Innovation and Invention Competition (IIIC) in Japan, held in Tokyo on May 7–8. \r\n
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\r\nNYCU Professor Wen-Liang Chen presents the herbal medicine smart agriculture system at the exhibition venue. (Photo credit: Chiayi University) \r\n \r\nSmart Agriculture Meets Biomedical Innovation \r\n \r\nThe award-winning research combined NYCU’s strengths in smart healthcare, engineering biology, and intelligent cultivation technologies with Chiayi University’s expertise in medicinal plant research, green extraction methods, and agricultural innovation. \r\n \r\nUsing locally cultivated medicinal herbs, the team successfully developed high-purity herbal nanovesicles with potential applications in elderly skin care, post-procedure recovery, regenerative medicine, and pet healthcare, highlighting the commercialization potential of Taiwan-grown herbal medicine technologies. \r\n \r\nThe achievement also reflects a broader collaboration between the two universities aimed at building a comprehensive herbal medicine ecosystem spanning cultivation, extraction, pharmacological research, and clinical application.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nBuilding Taiwan’s Herbal Medicine Ecosystem \r\n \r\nEarlier this year, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin led a delegation from the university’s College of Medicine to Chiayi University for academic exchanges focused on herbal medicine modernization and precision health. \r\n \r\nLin said NYCU’s Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine — launched in 2024 as the first such program at a national university in Taiwan — aims to cultivate a new generation of physicians trained in both traditional medicine and modern scientific methodologies, including artificial intelligence, molecular medicine, and neuroscience. “Our goal is to build a complete value chain for Taiwan’s herbal medicine industry, from smart cultivation and standardized production to clinical validation and healthcare applications,” Lin said. \r\n \r\nMeanwhile, researchers at Chiayi University have been developing IoT-enabled cultivation systems for medicinal herbs and preservation systems for rare Taiwanese medicinal plants, while also translating their research findings into functional health products. \r\n \r\nExpanding Industry and Research Collaboration \r\n \r\nChiayi University President Han-Chien Lin said the partnership demonstrates Taiwan’s potential to integrate agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine amid growing global demand for natural healthcare products. \r\n \r\nThe two universities are now working to establish standardized mass-production systems for herbal nanovesicles and expand industry partnerships to accelerate commercialization and international collaboration. \r\n \r\nIn January, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin led a delegation from the College of Medicine to National Chiayi University for academic exchanges on traditional Chinese medicine. (Photo credit: Chiayi University)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1504361490654695424&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Phison Electronics CEO Khien-Seng Pua","dataClassName":"Honorary Doctorate","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-05-13","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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At the honorary doctorate conferment ceremony for Khien-Seng Pua on May 12, distinguished guests included former Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) President Chintay Shih (fifth from right), along with prominent entrepreneurs and distinguished NYCU alumni Simon Lin (third from left) and Robert Li (far right).
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) on Monday awarded an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree to Phison Electronics CEO and co-founder Khien-Seng Pua, the Taiwanese tech entrepreneur widely known as the “Father of the USB Flash Drive.” The honor recognizes Pua’s decades-long impact on the global semiconductor and storage industry, as well as his commitment to education, philanthropy, and talent development. \r\n \r\nSpeaking at the ceremony, Pua said Taiwan remains one of the few places in the world capable of independently developing advanced digital storage technologies — a strength he believes should continue to drive the country’s global competitiveness in the AI era. \r\n
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\r\nKhien-Seng Pua, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), said the technological foundation behind Phison’s success was built upon the education and training he received at his alma mater. “All of Phison’s R&D roots trace back to NCTU,” he said. \r\n \r\nFrom Campus Startup to Global Storage Pioneer \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin said Pua co-founded Phison in 2000 with four classmates, building the company from a small startup into one of the world’s leading NAND flash controller providers. Today, Phison’s technologies are widely used across smartphones, PCs, servers, automotive systems, and AI-driven applications. \r\n \r\nLin said Pua has consistently championed independent innovation and long-term investment in research and development, helping elevate Taiwan’s IC design industry onto the global stage. Under his leadership, Taiwan-developed storage technologies have expanded into enterprise computing, high-performance computing, automotive electronics, and AI infrastructure — sectors increasingly critical to the global digital economy. \r\n
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\r\n \r\n \r\nThe timing of the honorary doctorate also carries symbolic meaning for NYCU. Phison is now 26 years old — the same age Pua was when he launched the company — marking the journey of a once-young entrepreneur who has since become a role model for the next generation of innovators. \r\n \r\nGiving Back to Education and Society \r\n \r\nBeyond his achievements in technology and business, Pua has remained deeply connected to his alma mater and has long supported education through philanthropy and mentorship. Among his contributions is the donation of “Phison Hall” at NYCU’s Tainan Guiren Campus, which has become an important hub for IC design, semiconductors, and AI research in southern Taiwan. \r\n \r\nHe has also regularly returned to campus to speak with students, sharing lessons from his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the semiconductor industry. NYCU also highlighted Pua’s long-standing support for disadvantaged students, overseas Chinese students, and charitable organizations, much of it carried out quietly and without publicity. \r\n \r\nThe honorary doctorate recognizes not only Pua’s technological achievements and international influence but also his sustained contributions to higher education and social impact. \r\n \r\nFormer ITRI President Chintay Shih, who also attended the ceremony, praised Pua’s entrepreneurial journey as an overseas Chinese student who built a globally influential technology company in Taiwan. Shih said Pua’s story reflects the spirit of innovation that has helped shape Taiwan’s thriving technology ecosystem and continues to inspire younger generations of entrepreneurs. \r\n \r\nChi-Hung Lin (left) presents the Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree to Khien-Seng Pua during the conferment ceremony at NYCU.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1503975046945705984&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU-Led International Study Finds Early Anti-Herpes Treatment May Reduce Dementia Risk","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-05-11","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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A new international study led by NYCU found that early treatment with anti-herpes antiviral medications may help reduce the risk of dementia.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Cold sores caused by stress, recurring herpes outbreaks, and shingles — commonly known in Taiwan as “皮蛇” — are often seen as temporary but troublesome conditions. Now, a large international study led by researchers from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, and Yuan Ze University suggests that early treatment with anti-herpes antiviral medications may also help protect long-term brain health. The findings, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease under the title “Anti-herpetic Treatment Reduces Dementia Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” provide new evidence supporting a link between chronic viral infection and dementia risk. \r\n \r\nGrowing Evidence Behind the “Infection Hypothesis” \r\n \r\nAccording to the World Alzheimer Report, the global dementia population is projected to exceed 130 million by 2050. Increasingly, researchers have turned their attention to the so-called “infection hypothesis,” which suggests that chronic viral infections may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. \r\n \r\nHuman herpes viruses are among the most widespread latent viruses worldwide. These include herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2), which commonly cause cold sores, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes shingles. Once infected, the viruses remain dormant in the nervous system for life and may reactivate during periods of stress or weakened immunity. \r\n \r\nPrevious studies have detected HSV-1 DNA within amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, raising concerns that chronic viral infection and immune responses may accelerate brain inflammation, amyloid accumulation, and neuronal damage — all of which are linked to dementia progression. \r\n \r\nCross-National Analysis of More Than 10 Million Older Adults \r\n \r\nThe study was led by Yi-Fang Chuang, together with medical student Syuan-Ting Chang and an interdisciplinary research team. Drawing on large-scale healthcare databases from Taiwan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and six additional countries, the researchers analyzed medical records from more than 10.36 million adults aged 50 and older to examine the association between antiviral medications for herpes and dementia risk.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nThe team found that individuals who had received antiviral treatment showed an overall reduction in dementia risk of approximately 10%. Among patients with clinically confirmed herpes virus infections and more pronounced symptoms, early antiviral intervention was associated with a risk reduction of up to 23%. \r\n \r\nResearchers believe repeated herpes virus reactivation may continuously trigger neuroinflammatory responses, gradually damaging brain function over time and acting as a hidden contributor to dementia development. By suppressing viral activity during the early stages of infection, antiviral medications may help reduce neurological damage and provide a potential protective effect against dementia. \r\n \r\nToward Future Dementia Prevention Strategies \r\n \r\nAlthough the study is observational, the consistency of the findings across multiple countries provides strong real-world evidence for a link between viral infection and dementia risk. \r\n \r\nThe research team hopes that future clinical trials will further evaluate whether combining antiviral therapies, vaccination strategies, and high-risk screening programs could form a more comprehensive dementia prevention framework. \r\n \r\nYi-Fang Chuang (left), professor in NYCU’s Master’s Program in Public Health, and medical student Syuan-Ting Chang pose for a photo following the research collaboration.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1503641015012036608&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and Purdue Launch Global Semiconductor Academy to Advance AI and Chip Talent Development","dataClassName":"College Features","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-05-07","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
As the global semiconductor race accelerates in the AI era, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and Purdue University have jointly launched the Semiconductor Academy, a new online professional education initiative designed to cultivate next-generation semiconductor talent and expand access to industry-focused learning worldwide. \r\n \r\nThe collaboration brings together two institutions located at the heart of critical semiconductor ecosystems — Taiwan, home to the world’s most advanced chip manufacturing industry, and the United States, a global leader in semiconductor research, design, and innovation. Developed jointly by NYCU and Purdue, the Semiconductor Academy will offer flexible online courses covering key areas across the semiconductor supply chain, including chip design for AI, semiconductor materials and devices, advanced packaging, reliability, IC design, EDA, and semiconductor industry management. \r\n \r\nThe program is designed for working professionals, engineers, and learners seeking to deepen their expertise or enter the rapidly evolving semiconductor field. Courses will be delivered online in a modular, stackable format, allowing learners to tailor their studies to their professional goals and industry needs. \r\n \r\nBringing Taiwan’s Semiconductor Expertise to a Global Classroom \r\n \r\nAs one of Taiwan’s leading universities in electrical engineering, computer science, photonics, AI, and semiconductor research, NYCU has long played a central role in nurturing talent for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and the Hsinchu Science Park ecosystem. \r\n \r\nThrough the Semiconductor Academy, NYCU faculty will contribute academic expertise and real-world industry perspectives drawn from Taiwan’s globally influential semiconductor ecosystem, offering international learners a unique window into the technologies and manufacturing practices shaping the future of chips and AI computing. \r\n \r\nDemonstrating NYCU’s strong contribution to the initiative, 18 of the academy’s initial 21 online courses were developed by NYCU faculty, while Purdue contributed three courses. The curriculum reflects NYCU’s deep expertise across semiconductor research, engineering education, and industry collaboration, further reinforcing Taiwan’s critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain. \r\n \r\n“Semiconductor innovation requires a deep understanding of the entire technology stack,” said Mark Lundstrom, Don and Carol Scifres Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. “By bringing together the strengths of both Purdue and NYCU, the Semiconductor Academy provides learners with a rigorous, globally informed perspective on the technologies shaping the future of the industry.” The collaboration also reflects NYCU’s broader internationalization strategy and its commitment to strengthening global partnerships in semiconductors, AI, and emerging technologies.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nFlexible Learning for a Rapidly Growing Industry \r\n \r\nAccording to Purdue, the Semiconductor Academy is part of a broader expansion of semiconductor professional education aimed at addressing rising workforce demands across the global chip industry. Each course in the academy will feature approximately 2 hours of focused learning content and be accessible through flexible online formats. The academy will also be featured on SEMI University (SEMI U), a global digital learning platform serving semiconductor professionals and organizations worldwide. \r\n \r\nTopics planned for the initial course offerings include:
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Chip Design for AI
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Packaging, Reliability and Characterization
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IC Design, EDA and Analog
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Semiconductor Materials and Devices
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Supply Chain Management and Leadership in the Semiconductor Industry
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Additional semiconductor professional education courses developed by Purdue are expected to launch in summer 2026, including transistor fundamentals, nanolithography, RF design, and data analysis for semiconductor applications. The launch ceremony for the Semiconductor Academy was held via livestream between Purdue and NYCU, underscoring the growing importance of international collaboration in building the future semiconductor workforce. \r\n \r\nCovering topics from chip design and semiconductor materials to packaging and supply chain management, the Semiconductor Academy’s two-hour modular courses allow learners to build industry-relevant skills at their own pace.
The silicone material was found to emit blue fluorescence under compression or stretching, showing potential future applications in optoelectronic displays, biomedical imaging sensors, and wearable devices.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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The glowing blue waves known as the “Blue Tears” of the Matsu Islands attract thousands of visitors each year, turning Taiwan’s offshore coastline into a dreamlike sea of light. Now, the natural phenomenon has inspired researchers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) to develop a new class of non-toxic, heavy-metal-free luminescent materials that could pave the way for future display, sensing, and wearable technologies. \r\n \r\nThe study was led by Associate Professor Ming-Chia Li from NYCU’s Department of Biological Science and Technology. Inspired by the mysterious blue glow produced by marine microorganisms, Li’s team discovered a soft, transparent silicone material capable of emitting blue fluorescence when stretched or compressed. The findings were published in the international journal JACS Au as part of a collaborative study between NYCU and Associate Professor Tomoyasu Hirai’s research team at Osaka Institute of Technology in Japan. \r\n
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\r\nAssociate Professor Ming-Chia Li demonstrates the luminescent silicone material in his laboratory at NYCU. \r\n \r\nA Serendipitous Discovery Inspired by Nature \r\n \r\nThe breakthrough emerged unexpectedly during laboratory testing. While experimenting with newly developed silicone-based materials, graduate students in Li’s lab noticed that the flexible material began emitting light under mechanical stress. The phenomenon immediately reminded the researchers of Matsu’s iconic Blue Tears — a natural bioluminescent display created when microscopic marine organisms emit light after being disturbed by ocean waves. \r\n \r\nUnlike traditional luminescent materials, the silicone itself does not inherently glow. Instead, fluorescence is generated when specific molecules within the material come into closer proximity, forming clustered structures.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nLi’s team compared the process to dancers gathering on a ballroom floor. As the molecules gradually approach one another, they rotate and move in coordinated patterns like a waltz, allowing light to emerge and travel through the material. Researchers say the mechanism represents an entirely new strategy for producing light, opening the door to flexible, environmentally friendly optical materials. \r\n \r\nToward Glasses-Free 3D Displays and Wearable Devices \r\n \r\nOne of the material’s most significant features is its ability to generate circularly polarized light (CPL), a key technology widely regarded as critical for next-generation 3D imaging and advanced display systems. The research team said the soft, stretchable material could eventually be applied to optoelectronic displays, biomedical imaging sensors, and wearable electronics. \r\n \r\nCurrent 3D display systems typically rely on external glasses to create depth perception. CPL-based materials, however, can emit rotating light directly, potentially enabling more natural and immersive three-dimensional visuals without additional viewing equipment. Researchers also noted that the technology could help reduce energy consumption while enabling future electronic devices to become thinner, lighter, and more flexible. \r\n \r\nThe study highlights Taiwan’s growing capabilities in advanced polymer and optical materials research while pointing toward new possibilities for sustainable display technologies and next-generation biosensing applications. \r\n \r\nAssociate Professor Ming-Chia Li and members of his research team at NYCU. The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from Osaka Institute of Technology in Japan.
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) announced April 30 that it has received a donation of three high-performance KNEO 300 AI systems from Kneron, marking a new step in strengthening education and research in generative artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs), and edge computing. \r\n \r\nThe collaboration aims to narrow the gap between AI model development and real-world deployment, enabling students and researchers to move beyond cloud-based training toward system integration and on-device implementation. \r\n
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\r\nNYCU Senior Vice President Jenn-Hwan Tarng (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Albert Liu, founder and CEO of Kneron. \r\n \r\nExtending AI Learning into Deployment \r\n \r\nWith the new equipment in place, NYCU will expand its AI curriculum to include hands-on training in LLM inference and optimization, generative AI application development, and key techniques such as model quantization and knowledge distillation. Students will also be able to deploy models directly onto edge devices, testing real-time performance in practical scenarios. \r\n \r\nNYCU Senior Vice President Jenn-Hwan Tarng said the evolution of artificial intelligence is shifting beyond a singular focus on computing power toward system architectures that balance energy efficiency, latency, and deployment flexibility. For universities, he added, the priority is not only access to high-performance computing, but also infrastructure that supports next-generation AI applications. \r\n \r\n“The introduction of a low-power, edge-deployable AI platform represents a critical step toward a cloud-edge collaborative architecture,” Tarng said. \r\n \r\nIndustry Focus Turns to Efficiency and Deployment \r\n \r\nAlbert Liu, founder and CEO of Kneron, said the rapid rise of generative AI and large models is reshaping industry demand—shifting attention from sheer computing scale to efficiency, energy consumption, and deployability. \r\n \r\n“AI will no longer exist only in the cloud,” Liu said. “It will increasingly move into edge devices and real-world environments. The KNEO 300 is designed to support large language models and generative AI workloads at significantly lower power consumption than traditional GPUs, while providing a practical platform for deployment.” \r\n
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\r\n \r\n \r\nExpanding Access to Smart Agriculture Tools \r\n \r\nWei-Cheng Chou, founder and CEO of Innovedus, emphasized that as AI technologies mature, competitive advantage is shifting from algorithms to talent capable of rapid real-world implementation. He noted that gaps remain between training and deployment—particularly in edge AI—highlighting the importance of industry–academia collaboration. \r\n \r\nInnovedus, a strategic partner backed by Kneron, plans to work with NYCU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to launch an AI workshop for incoming students, accelerating the development of application-oriented AI talent. The initiative will focus on AIoT applications powered by Kneron’s neural processing units (NPUs). \r\n \r\nAdvancing Cross-Disciplinary AI Capability \r\n \r\nKai-Ten Feng, chair of NYCU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said the systems will be integrated into courses such as Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models, and Generative AI. Students will gain hands-on experience in model optimization and deployment, cultivating cross-disciplinary expertise spanning both software and hardware. \r\n \r\nFor research teams, the platform will also support validation of emerging technologies—including generative AI, personalized models, and embodied AI—across key metrics such as inference efficiency, energy consumption, and deployment cost. The infrastructure is expected to play a pivotal role in translating theoretical research into real-world applications. \r\n \r\nAs generative AI moves from centralized cloud systems to distributed edge devices, the partnership is seen as a strategic step for academia to strengthen its capacity for real-world AI deployment and to better align with evolving industry needs. \r\n \r\nKneron donates three KNEO 300 high-performance AI systems to NYCU to support AI education.
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(Photo credit: Red Bull)
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As artificial intelligence continues to move beyond cloud infrastructure into real-world applications, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is once again demonstrating its strength at the intersection of healthcare and information and communication technology (ICT). \r\n \r\nAt the 2026 Taiwan finals of the global innovation competition Red Bull Basement, a team from NYCU emerged as the national champion. The team, named “EYEFLOW,” was formed by faculty and students from NYCU’s School of Medicine and stood out among competitors spanning fields such as aviation safety and smart agriculture. \r\n \r\nTheir winning solution—an AI-powered remote home vision testing system—addresses critical pain points faced by frontline clinical staff, earning top honors in Taiwan. EYEFLOW will now represent the country at the global finals in Silicon Valley, where they will compete against leading startups from around the world for a $100,000 investment prize. \r\n \r\nDelivering AI Solutions for Clinical Challenges \r\n \r\nUnlike many early-stage concepts, EYEFLOW’s innovation is rooted in real clinical experience. The team is led by Dr. Kao-Jung Chang, a resident physician and assistant professor in computer science, alongside medical student Chia-Hsin Lu, who brings a strong interest in business development. \r\n \r\nTheir idea was inspired by firsthand observations in hospitals, where nursing staff are required to perform large volumes of repetitive diagnostic tasks daily. This not only contributes to staff fatigue but also consumes valuable time that could otherwise be dedicated to patient care. \r\n \r\nTo address this issue, EYEFLOW developed a remote, home-based vision-testing platform that integrates AI analysis with clinical decision support. The system transforms traditional low-frequency outpatient follow-ups into high-frequency home monitoring. \r\n \r\nBy combining image recognition with a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system, the platform can assist in generating portions of clinical reports, accelerate consultation workflows, and stratify patients by risk level. The team estimates that the solution could reduce unnecessary hospital visits by more than 30%.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nBacked by Industry Mentors and Tech Giants \r\n \r\nFollowing their win, EYEFLOW will receive mentorship and resources from leading industry partners, including Plug and Play Taiwan and Microsoft. The team will also be supported with high-performance AI laptops from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and access to Microsoft Azure cloud services. These resources will be used to refine their minimum viable product (MVP) ahead of the global finals in Silicon Valley. \r\n \r\nChang noted that healthcare is a universal challenge, and the United States represents the world’s largest healthcare market. He expressed hope that EYEFLOW can leverage NYCU’s interdisciplinary strengths to demonstrate Taiwan’s capabilities in applying AI to healthcare on a global stage. \r\n \r\nWith its blend of medical expertise and engineering innovation, NYCU continues to position itself at the forefront of translating academic research into real-world impact—now taking that vision to Silicon Valley. \r\n \r\nThe EYEFLOW team emerged as the winner among nine outstanding teams in Taiwan and will represent the country at the global finals in Silicon Valley. (Photo credit: Red Bull)
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Changhua County Magistrate Hui-Mei Wang (center), NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (fourth from left), and Wen-Liang Chen (third from left), Director of the Quanta–NYCU Joint AI Research Center, unveil the “Changhua Smart Cloud App” in Xizhou on April 27. (Photo credit: Changhua County Government)
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As rural communities face the dual challenges of an aging farming population and intensifying climate change, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), in collaboration with the Changhua County Government, has unveiled the “Changhua Smart Cloud App,” a mobile platform designed to help farmers monitor crop conditions and manage agricultural practices in real time. The system was officially introduced on April 27 at a smart agriculture demonstration site in Xizhou Township. \r\n \r\nDeveloped through a joint effort between NYCU and local authorities, the app integrates big data analytics with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Sensors deployed across multiple townships collect environmental data, enabling farmers to access up-to-date information on field conditions through their smartphones. As part of its University Social Responsibility (USR) commitment, NYCU has also donated 10 sets of environmental monitoring equipment to the Changhua County Government, translating research findings into practical tools that directly support local farming communities. \r\n
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\r\nRepresentatives from the Changhua County Government and the NYCU research team observe the on-site application of the Smart Cloud system. (Photo credit: Changhua County Government) \r\n \r\nTurning Farming Experience into Data-Driven Insights \r\n \r\nAt the core of the platform is a knowledge system built from the expertise of 20 award-winning local farmers specializing in guava and grape cultivation. Their practices—ranging from irrigation and fertilization to climate adaptation—have been translated into data models that provide actionable guidance across different crop growth stages. \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin said the system allows agricultural strategies to be adjusted based on Taiwan’s seasonal and environmental variations, and offers potential applications in post-disaster assessment. \r\n \r\nReal-Time Monitoring and Alerts Enhance Farm Management \r\n \r\nThe app tracks 14 environmental indicators, including temperature, humidity, soil pH, and nutrient levels. Data is transmitted via IoT devices, allowing continuous monitoring. When abnormal conditions are detected, the system sends automated alerts, helping farmers respond quickly and reduce potential losses.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nFor many users, the shift has reduced the need for frequent on-site inspections. Tseng Hung-Chen, a young farmer in Xizhou, said the app enables more precise adjustments to fertilization and drainage, improving both yield and crop quality. \r\n \r\nExpanding Access to Smart Agriculture Tools \r\n \r\nThe Changhua Smart Cloud App is available for free download and supports a wide range of mobile devices. Even farmers without installed sensors can access regional environmental data through the platform, broadening its usability. \r\n \r\nThe system also partners with local farmers’ associations to offer soil testing services through a “Soil Health Passport,” enabling users to make data-informed decisions on fertilization and land management. \r\n \r\nChanghua County Magistrate Hui-Mei Wang noted that integrating technology into agriculture not only enhances productivity but also supports long-term land sustainability, creating new opportunities for younger generations to enter the sector. \r\n \r\nScaling from Pilot Sites to Countywide Deployment \r\n \r\nCurrently, the system has been implemented in several townships, supporting guava production in Xizhou and Shetou, and grape cultivation in Xihu and Dacun. Plans are underway to expand its application to other crops, including dragon fruit and muskmelon, with a broader goal of establishing a “Smart Cloud” system in every township. \r\n \r\nOver the past two years, the Changhua County Government has partnered with NYCU to install monitoring infrastructure across four townships, utilizing the IoTtalk platform to ensure stable data transmission. The research team continues to refine the system to adapt to diverse crops and environmental conditions. \r\n \r\nFrom field monitoring and knowledge digitization to decision support, the initiative reflects how academic research can be translated into practical tools—bringing tangible benefits to agricultural communities and advancing NYCU’s long-term commitment to social responsibility. \r\n \r\nProfessor Wen-Liang Chen (left) demonstrates how the Smart Cloud App enables real-time monitoring of field temperature and humidity, as shown on the display. (Photo credit: Changhua County Government)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1498611932486176768&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU’s Multinational Research Team Discovers New Weapons to Demolish Tumor “Illegal Structures”","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-26","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In its early stages, “medulloblastoma” typically presents no obvious symptoms. As the tumor gradually grows, it obstructs cerebrospinal fluid flow, causing young children to experience vomiting and fainting due to elevated intracranial pressure. Often diagnosed only after emergency hospital admission, medulloblastoma is a notorious killer in pediatric wards. This malignant brain tumor that is prevalent in children, often requires emergency surgery to remove the tumor and save the pediatric patient’s life. However, subsequent treatment involving multiple courses of radiation therapy and chemotherapy to eliminate residual cancer cells frequently leads to severe sequelae such as cognitive impairment, motor function damage, and secondary cancers. \r\n \r\nFinally, a decade-long multinational research collaboration between National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Academia Sinica, and Institut Curie in France has unraveled the regulatory mechanisms behind the abnormal proliferation of medulloblastoma cancer cells. This breakthrough offers a novel pathway for developing targeted therapies with reduced side effects, and it is expected to decrease the frequency and dosage of radiation therapy and chemotherapy for pediatric patients while significantly improving their prognosis and quality of life. This major research breakthrough has been published in the prestigious international journal Cell Death & Differentiation. \r\n \r\nRoot Out the Cause and Halt Tumor Proliferation at Its Root \r\n \r\nDuring cerebellar development, neural stem cells first generate a small cluster of “granule neuron progenitors”. These progenitors continuously divide and proliferate after receiving growth signals through their “primary cilia” structures. When granule neuron progenitors retract their primary cilia, they cease division and prepare to differentiate into mature neurons. The research team has discovered for the first time that the proteins TTBK2 and HUWE1 play critically important roles in the process of primary cilia retraction. \r\n \r\nProfessor Won-Jing Wang at NYCU Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology described: “TTBK2 is like the ‘building permit’ for primary cilia growth. Once TTBK2 reaches the centrosome of the progenitor, it begins constructing cilia, receiving growth signals, and then proceeds with division and proliferation. When the progenitor prepares to differentiate into a mature neuron, HUWE1 is responsible for degrading TTBK2. Once the ‘building permit’ is revoked, the primary cilia retract. The progenitor stops dividing and starts to differentiate.” \r\n
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\r\nProfessor Won-Jing Wang at NYCU describes the protein TTBK2 as a crucial driver for tumor growth. Her team’s discovery of how TTBK2 and HUWE1 regulate cellular antennas offers a groundbreaking strategy to halt medulloblastoma at its root, transitioning cells from dangerous division to healthy maturation. \r\n \r\n“However, in SHH-type medulloblastoma, this delicate dynamic equilibrium is disrupted!” Professor Jin-Wu Tsai at NYCU Institute of Brain Science indicates: “TTBK2 in cancer cells cannot be normally degraded. Primary cilia fail to retract and continuously receive growth signals, ultimately causing progenitors to become abnormally activated and uncontrollably proliferated, forming malignant tumors akin to ‘illegal structures’.” \r\n \r\nAfter confirming TTBK2 as a key therapeutic target, the team is actively developing strategies to inhibit TTBK2. One approach involves developing small-molecule RNA drugs that interfere with TTBK2 mRNA, directly blocking TTBK2 production. Another approach focuses on preventing TTBK2 from reaching the centrosome. A major advantage of such targeted therapies lies in their “specificity”: mature cerebellar neurons typically lack primary cilia, so inhibiting TTBK2 affects only aberrantly proliferating tumor cells, significantly reducing side effects on normal brain tissue. \r\n \r\nA Decade of Dedication to Mastery to Decode the Black Box of Cancer \r\n \r\nThis groundbreaking achievement did not happen overnight, but rather took root in a Taiwan-France collaborative research project that began in 2013. At that time, Olivier Ayrault, a cancer specialist from Institut Curie in France, visited Taiwan seeking partners for joint research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of cerebellar medulloblastoma. Jin-Wu Tsai recalls: “NYCU Brain Science Laboratory has long focused on studying brain structure and developmental processes. Medulloblastoma is intrinsically linked to cerebellar development, making the collaboration a perfect fit.” Subsequently, Professor Won-Jing Wang, whose expertise lies in cell biology, biochemistry, and research on centrosomes and primary cilia, joined the team, completing the final piece of the puzzle in understanding the microscopic mechanisms. \r\n \r\nProfessor Jin-Wu Tsai recalls the 2013 origins of the Taiwan-France collaboration that led to this breakthrough. By merging NYCU’s expertise in brain development with Institut Curie’s oncology research, the multinational team has successfully decoded the microscopic mechanisms of SHH-typemedulloblastoma.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nThis research truly brought together masters from various fields, each showcasing their unique expertise. Institut Curie is already a hallowed institution in tumor research, while the NYCU team possesses the “cerebellar electroporation” technique—a capability found in only a handful of laboratories worldwide. This technology enables precise gene transfer into the mouse cerebellum, allowing observation of how specific genes influence tumor growth. Moreover, NYCU’s cutting-edge neuroimaging technology allows researchers to clearly visualize minute cellular changes. Academician Bon-chu Chung of Academia Sinica further validated the findings using zebrafish models, confirming that this regulatory mechanism exhibits high evolutionary conservation—from fish to mammals. \r\n \r\n \r\nBy combining rare cerebellar electroporation with cutting-edge neuroimaging, researchers are finally “seeing all sides of the black box.” This interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between microscopic cell biology and clinical oncology to reveal the hidden drivers of pediatric brain tumors. \r\n \r\n“This is the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.” Won-Jing Wang emphasized: “It’s like observing a black box—a single discipline can only see one side. By combining neuroscience’s macro perspective, cell biology’s micro mechanisms, and clinical oncology’s pathological analysis, we can piece together the full picture of pathogenesis.” Jin-Wu Tsai added with deep resonance that as communication technology advances, it has made cross-border, interdisciplinary collaboration both more vital and accessible. Jin-Wu Tsai said: “This collaboration model sparks cutting-edge research breakthroughs, thereby infinitely expanding the frontiers of research. \r\n \r\nIn addition to the long-standing collaboration with Institut Curie in France, Professor Jin-Wu Tsai is currently engaged in multinational research with a Belgian team. His recent findings on brain development and genetic mutations are set to be published in Nature Communications. These frequent and in-depth international connections fully demonstrate that NYCU’s research capabilities in the field of brain science have earned high recognition from the global academic community. \r\n \r\nSee the Bigger Picture through Small Details and Explore New Frontiers in Brain Science \r\n \r\nIn the past, scientists believed primary cilia were vestigial structures akin to the appendix, mere remnants of evolutionary processes. Today, they have been proven to be crucial hubs for progenitors to receive growth signals. The multinational research team led by Professors Won-Jing Wang and Jin-Wu Tsai has not only revealed the dual role of primary cilia in cerebellar development and tumorigenesis but also demonstrated the profound strength of NYCU in basic science and translational medicine. Their work offers new hope for life for pediatric patients lying on sickbeds. \r\n \r\nHowever, the research team’s exploration does not stop here. Won-Jing Wang pointed out that recent academic findings suggest primary cilia appear to be highly correlated with drug resistance and malignancy in various cancers: “We have observed cilia with unusual shapes and varying lengths in certain highly malignant tumors or drug-resistant cancer cells. This may be the next field worthy of attention and investment in research.” \r\n
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Additionally, the team’s research scope has expanded from “cell proliferation” to encompass “neurodegeneration” and “developmental abnormalities”. Jin-Wu Tsai said that mutations in the TTBK2 gene are known to be associated with cerebellar ataxia type 11. Meanwhile, mutations in centrosome proteins frequently cause brain developmental abnormalities, such as lissencephaly—a condition characterized by the absence of folds on the brain’s surface. Therefore, this collaborative effort will further investigate how these microscopic organelles influence the macroscopic structure and function of the brain, unraveling more unsolved mysteries in the field of brain science. \r\n \r\n \r\nThe discovery of the primary cilia’s dual role in development and tumorigenesis marks a new era in brain science. This collaborative effort continues to explore the microscopic drivers of conditions like lissencephaly and cerebellar ataxia, seeking to solve the most complex puzzles of the human brain.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1499052041153024000&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Study Finds Belly Fat May Signal Hidden Heart Failure Risk—Even at Normal Weight","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-23","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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An NYCU study finds that visceral fat may drive systemic inflammation, accounting for approximately 25% to 33% of the increased risk of heart failure over time.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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A research team led by Professor Hao-Min Cheng of the College of Medicine at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has found that where fat is stored in the body—rather than how much a person weighs—may be a critical predictor of heart failure risk. The findings show that abdominal fat can significantly increase the likelihood of developing heart failure, even among individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI). The study was presented at the American Heart Association EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 in Boston. \r\n \r\nWaist Size Outperforms BMI in Predicting Heart Failure Risk \r\n \r\nThe study analyzed data from the Jackson Heart Study—one of the largest long-term cohort studies of cardiovascular health among African American populations in the United States—covering 1,998 adult participants. The findings showed that abdominal fat was more strongly associated with heart failure risk than overall body weight. Individuals with larger waist circumferences or higher waist-to-height ratios faced increased risk—even when their BMI remained within a healthy range. \r\n \r\n“These findings suggest that BMI alone may not be enough to identify individuals at risk,” said Szu-Han Chen, lead author of the study and a medical student at NYCU. “Monitoring waist size may provide a more sensitive and accessible way to detect hidden cardiovascular risk early.” \r\n \r\nInflammation Drives Risk from Abdominal Fat \r\n \r\nResearchers identified inflammation as a major biological pathway connecting abdominal fat and heart failure. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers were associated with a higher likelihood of developing heart failure over time, accounting for approximately one-quarter to one-third of the observed risk.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nThe findings are consistent with previous research from the American Heart Association, which highlights systemic inflammation as a key contributor to cardiovascular disease. \r\n \r\nImplications for Early Detection and Prevention \r\n \r\nOver a median follow-up period of 6.9 years, 112 participants in the study developed heart failure. Higher levels of abdominal fat and inflammation were consistently associated with increased risk, while BMI alone showed no significant predictive value. \r\n \r\nThe results suggest that incorporating simple measures such as waist circumference into routine health assessments could improve early detection of cardiovascular risk—particularly for individuals who may appear healthy based on BMI alone. \r\n \r\nWhile further research is needed to explore specific subtypes of heart failure and potential interventions, the study underscores a clear message: the number on the scale may not tell the full story—your waistline could be a more important indicator of future heart health.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1496506402007420928&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Develops Humidity-Resistant Catalyst to Tackle Ozone Pollution in Subtropical Climates","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-22","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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A humidity-resistant catalyst developed by NYCU efficiently converts harmful ozone (O₃) into oxygen (O₂) even in indoor environments, overcoming the performance limitations caused by moisture.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Spring and autumn mark peak ozone seasons in Taiwan, when prolonged exposure to elevated ozone levels is linked to increased risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Yet many conventional ozone-decomposing catalysts lose effectiveness in humid environments—a critical limitation in subtropical regions. \r\n \r\nNow, a research team led by Professor Kuo-Pin Yu at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has developed a novel humidity-resistant catalyst capable of efficiently breaking down ozone even under high-moisture conditions, offering a promising solution tailored to Taiwan’s climate. \r\n
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\r\nGraphical illustration of a MOF-derived carbon-supported CeO₂/Co/Co₃O₄ heterojunction for humidity-resistant ozone removal. The catalyst maintains ~99% O₃ removal at 50% RH and ~92% efficiency at 75% RH, enabled by carbon protection and defect-rich active sites that promote O₃ adsorption, activation, and decomposition. \r\n \r\nFrom Protective Shield to Hidden Pollutant \r\n \r\nOzone is often associated with the protective layer in the upper atmosphere. At ground level, however, it is a harmful secondary pollutant formed when emissions react under sunlight. As daylight hours lengthen in spring and ultraviolet radiation intensifies, photochemical reactions accelerate ozone formation. \r\n \r\nThese ozone molecules can infiltrate indoor spaces through air circulation. In addition, modern office equipment such as laser printers can act as unexpected indoor sources of ozone, further elevating exposure risks. \r\n \r\nAccording to the World Health Organization, the recommended maximum for an eight-hour average ozone concentration is 100 micrograms per cubic meter. However, indoor environments such as offices and classrooms frequently exceed this threshold. \r\n \r\nOvercoming the Humidity Barrier \r\n \r\nAmong existing ozone mitigation strategies, catalytic decomposition is considered one of the most effective. However, moisture has long been a major obstacle, as water molecules tend to occupy active sites on catalysts, significantly reducing their efficiency.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nTo address this challenge, Professor Yu’s team turned to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—nanoporous crystalline materials composed of metal clusters and organic linkers. Known for their exceptionally high surface area, tunable pore sizes, and versatile chemical properties, MOFs have attracted global attention for applications ranging from energy storage and gas separation to catalysis and water desalination. \r\n \r\nA “Water-Repellent Jacket” for Catalysts \r\n \r\nThe team employed an advanced “MOF-on-MOF” strategy, assembling two distinct MOF structures like building blocks and coating the composite with a protective carbon layer. This design allows electrons to move efficiently within the material while preventing water molecules from occupying active catalytic sites. \r\n \r\nExperimental results show that the new catalyst achieves a 99% ozone removal rate at room temperature and 50% relative humidity. Even under 75% humidity, it maintains an impressive 92% efficiency. \r\n \r\nProfessor Yu likened the innovation to “wearing a water-repellent jacket,” explaining that the carbon coating shields the catalyst from moisture while also enhancing electrical conductivity, which facilitates the activation of oxygen molecules. This dual function enables stable ozone decomposition even in Taiwan’s hot and humid environment. \r\n \r\nToward Real-World Applications \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, the research team envisions broad applications for the technology. Potential uses include integration into air purifiers, deployment in hospitals, schools, and public transportation systems, and incorporation into building ventilation and filtration systems. \r\n \r\nBy bridging advanced materials science with real-world environmental challenges, the breakthrough underscores NYCU’s role in developing practical solutions for healthier living environments in a changing climate. \r\n \r\nProfessor Kuo-Pin Yu (left) and Master’s student An-Yu Wang from the Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1496414120344293376&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Taiwan–U.S. Biomedical Collaboration: NYCU and NHRI Co-host with UC Irvine to Advance Big Data in Tumor Biology and Immunology","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-20","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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By Cancer and Immunology Research Center, NYCU \r\n______
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The “Taiwan–U.S. International Joint Symposium & NHRI 30th Anniversary Series: Big Data and Cancer,” co-organized by the Cancer and Immunology Research Center of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and the Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine of National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), was successfully held on April 10, 2026, at the HO YING TSAI Memorial Hall, Shou-Ren Building, Yangming Campus of NYCU. The event brought together leading experts from NYCU, NHRI, and the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) for in-depth discussions on key areas including precision medicine, immunotherapy, and big data analytics. \r\n
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\r\nFour scholars from UC Irvine: Professors Jianhua Yu (top left), Scott Atwood (top right), and Arthur D. Lander (bottom left) delivered featured talks, with Professor Xing Dai (bottom right) serving as moderator. \r\n \r\nThe strong academic ties between NYCU’s Cancer and Immunology Research Center and UC Irvine date back to late 2024, when Professor Xing Dai from UC Irvine’s Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, was invited to deliver a lecture at NYCU. In 2025, Senior Vice President Muh-Hwa Yang, the Center's Director, was also invited to visit UC Irvine and deliver a lecture. Since then, ongoing academic exchanges have facilitated a research partnership in cancer biology and precision medicine. This solid foundation has helped catalyze the organization of this Taiwan–U.S. joint symposium. It reflects a shared long-term commitment to advancing next-generation oncology research and developing innovative strategies for cancer treatment. Additionally, since Professor Su-Hao Lo, a Yushan Scholar of the Cancer and Immunology Research Center, assumed the position of Director of the Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine at the National Health Research Institutes, he has actively strengthened collaboration and connections between NYCU and NHRI. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the National Health Research Institutes, the two institutions have jointly organized this symposium to deepen academic exchange and celebrate this significant milestone together. \r\n \r\nTumor Microenvironment and Immune Regulation \r\n \r\nThe symposium program is closely aligned with cutting-edge developments and clinical challenges in cancer research. In the first session, Professor Jianhua Yu (Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Irvine) presented the latest advances in innate immune cell therapies and herpesvirus-based oncolytic virotherapy for cancer treatment. Professor Nien-Jung Chen of NYCU discussed how the interaction between calnexin and TREM1 enhances tumor antigen presentation and promotes anti-tumor T cell activation. Associate Investigator Mingzi Zhang from NHRI introduced the applications and potential of chemoproteomics in data-driven drug discovery. Chair Professor Mu-Hwa Yang of NYCU delivered a talk titled “Precision oncology beyond convention: uncovering hidden drivers and adaptive resistance,” highlighting novel cancer drivers and their roles in therapeutic resistance.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nThe second session expanded the discussion of the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic strategies. Professor Scott Atwood (Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, UC Irvine) presented an in-depth analysis of the dynamic regulatory mechanisms underlying tumor recognition and regression in basal cell carcinoma. Associate Professor Szu-Ting Chen of NYCU discussed her research on how novel non-TLR pattern recognition receptors on dendritic cells regulate antigen fate and influence CD8⁺ T cell activation. Assistant Investigator En-Chi Hsu from NHRI shared recent progress in developing diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies targeting CD98⁺ cancer cells, highlighting their potential for precision medicine. \r\n \r\nNew Perspectives on Cancer Research Driven by Big Data \r\n \r\nThe third session centered on the theme of “Big Data and Cancer.” Professor Arthur D. Lander, Director of the Center for Complex Biological Systems at UC Irvine, delivered a keynote titled “Big Data and Cancer: What are we capturing; what are we missing?”, offering critical insights into the capabilities and limitations of big data in cancer research. Assistant Investigator Ya-Hsuan Chang from NHRI presented data-driven discoveries in human disease research, integrating precision oncology reporting, spatial analysis, and disease susceptibility. Finally, Associate Professor Chun-Yu Lin from NYCU introduced network-based strategies for precision medicine, demonstrating how omics data can be leveraged to decode individualized disease characteristics and advance clinical translation. \r\n \r\nThrough this in-person academic exchange, researchers from the three participating institutions—NYCU and NHRI in Taiwan, and UC Irvine in the United States—engaged in close discussions, not only showcasing their collaborative achievements in cancer biology and biomedical informatics, but also fostering new opportunities for international collaboration and innovation. Looking ahead, the Cancer and Immunology Research Center at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University will continue to strengthen research partnerships and academic exchanges with leading global institutions, jointly advancing next-generation precision medicine and biomedical science innovation. \r\n \r\nGroup photo of distinguished guests and faculty.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1496370276269559808&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Hosts GCIEM Summit as Global Experts and Industry Converge on Engineering Medicine and AI","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-13","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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The 2026 Global Summit of the Global Consortium of Innovation and Engineering in Medicine (GCIEM) brought together academic and industry experts to discuss education and solutions in smart healthcare.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Leading experts in engineering medicine gathered in Taipei last weekend as National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) hosted the Global Consortium of Innovation and Engineering in Medicine (GCIEM) Summit 2026. Originally launched by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the summit entered its second edition with NYCU taking the lead as host—highlighting the university’s growing role in integrating medicine, engineering, biotechnology and data science on a global stage.
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\r\nNYCU’s College of Medicine hosted the GCIEM Global Summit. \r\n \r\nA platform for global collaboration in engineering medicine \r\n \r\nThe summit brought together scholars, clinicians and industry leaders to explore how interdisciplinary collaboration is reshaping modern healthcare. \r\n \r\n“Healthcare can no longer rely solely on traditional medicine,” said Shuu-Jiun Wang, Dean of NYCU’s College of Medicine. “Facing aging populations and rising chronic disease burdens, the future lies in integrating medicine with engineering, life sciences and artificial intelligence.” \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin emphasized that future physicians must go beyond clinical expertise. “Doctors today must be equipped to understand and apply emerging technologies in real clinical settings,” he said. \r\n \r\nStudent innovation showcases practical impact \r\n \r\nA key feature of the summit was the inaugural student innovation competition in medicine, engineering and AI, held in Taiwan for the first time. \r\n \r\nAn NYCU medical student team placed fifth with its project, a non-contact carotid artery stenosis detection system. The technology uses standard camera imaging combined with signal processing to analyze blood flow patterns—allowing early detection without specialized medical equipment. The system’s accessibility and low deployment threshold point to broader applications in preventive healthcare and remote diagnostics. \r\n \r\n \r\nAn NYCU medical student team won fifth place with its “non-contact carotid artery stenosis early detection system.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nFrom education to ecosystem integration \r\n \r\nNYCU noted that hosting GCIEM reflects Taiwan’s shift from traditional medical training toward a more integrated model of engineering medicine. \r\n \r\n“Hosting this summit is not just about international exchange—it is about demonstrating a systematic approach to cultivating interdisciplinary talent,” said Albert Chih-Chieh Yang, Chair of NYCU’s Department of Medicine and Director of Digital Medicine Center. \r\n \r\nThe university has introduced a physician-engineer training track within its six-year medical program, combining clinical education with engineering and information science to prepare students for future healthcare challenges. \r\n \r\nThe summit also highlighted NYCU’s close collaboration with Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH), reinforcing a strong ecosystem that connects research, clinical practice and technological development. \r\n \r\nThe Summit also highlighted the NYCU’s close collaboration with TVGH. Pictured: Chen Wei-Ming, Superintendent of TVGH (third from left), and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (second from left). \r\n \r\nAI in healthcare: opportunity and responsibility \r\n \r\nDiscussions at the summit pointed to the evolving role of AI—from diagnostic assistance to deeper integration into clinical workflows. Experts stressed that AI should support, not replace, physicians, while improving efficiency and reducing risk in areas such as imaging and critical care. \r\n \r\nAt the same time, trust and reliability remain central challenges. Speakers emphasized that real-world validation and cross-disciplinary collaboration will be key to advancing medical AI safely and effectively. \r\n \r\nIndustry participation—including ASUS—also reflected Taiwan’s strengths in data, system integration and rapid implementation, helping accelerate the translation of innovation into clinical practice. \r\n \r\nPositioning Taiwan on the global stage \r\n \r\nFor NYCU, hosting GCIEM 2026 represents a significant milestone in elevating Taiwan’s international presence in engineering medicine.“ \r\n \r\nThrough this platform, the world can see Taiwan’s capabilities in smart healthcare and interdisciplinary innovation,” Yang said. \r\n \r\nAs healthcare continues to evolve alongside AI and digital technologies, NYCU aims to play a leading role in shaping a more integrated, efficient and human-centered future for medicine. \r\n
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1493551879278301184&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Study Identifies Key Gene Linking Gut Microbiota, Circadian Rhythm, and Metabolic Disease","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-12","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n
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The gut is not only a digestive organ—it also influences systemic metabolism and immune function through the “gut–liver axis.”
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A research team at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) identified a key gene, Nfil3, that regulates liver immunity and metabolism under high-fat diet stress, offering new insights into fatty liver disease, obesity, and related disorders. \r\n \r\nBuilding on this discovery, the team led by Assistant Professor Li-Ling Wu of NYCU’s Institute of Physiology and Microbiota Research Center published their findings in the Journal of Translational Medicine. \r\n \r\nA Molecular Switch in the Gut–Liver Axis \r\n \r\nExpanding on these insights, Wu’s team demonstrated that Nfil3 is a critical regulator within the so-called “gut–liver axis,” a biological pathway through which the gut microbiota communicates with the liver to influence systemic metabolism and immune responses. \r\n \r\n“The gut is not just a digestive organ—it is a central hub of the immune system,” Wu said. “When the gut is out of balance, the effects extend far beyond digestion, impacting the entire body.” \r\n \r\nModern lifestyle factors—like high-fat diets and irregular sleep—destabilize this system. The study finds that Nfil3 integrates signals from both diet and disrupted biological clocks, shaping the body’s response to metabolic stress. \r\n \r\nGene Deletion Reduces Obesity and Liver Fat \r\n \r\nIn experimental models, the researchers observed that removing Nfil3 led to striking metabolic improvements. Even when fed a high-fat diet, mice lacking the gene showed reduced weight gain, more stable blood glucose levels, and lower liver fat accumulation. \r\n \r\nThese results highlight Nfil3's active role in promoting obesity and fatty liver disease when the body faces metabolic stress. \r\n \r\nProbiotics Show Similar Protective Effects \r\n \r\nThe study found a promising therapy: multi-strain probiotics, such as VSL#3, improved gut microbiota—boosting good bacteria and reducing those linked to inflammation.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nThe metabolic effects of probiotic supplementation resembled those observed in Nfil3-deficient models. \r\n \r\n“This indicates that gut microbes can remotely regulate systemic metabolism through this key pathway,” Wu explained. \r\n \r\nToward Precision Treatment of Metabolic Disease \r\n \r\nThis research reveals that gut microbiota, circadian rhythms, and immune metabolism connect through Nfil3, advancing our understanding of metabolic disease mechanisms. \r\n \r\nWu described Nfil3 as a master "control switch" that integrates both dietary and biological clock signals to affect health. \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, she said, the treatment of metabolic diseases may move beyond conventional dietary interventions toward more precise strategies that target the gut microbiota and restore healthy biological rhythms. \r\n \r\n“Future therapies will focus on how to rebalance the body’s internal ecosystem,” Wu said, “and regain control over metabolic health.” \r\n \r\nAssistant Professor Li-Ling Wu (front row, center) and her research team.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1494201129108508672&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Marks 5th Anniversary with Opening Ceremony at Bo-Ai Campus, Showcasing Renewal and Future Vision","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-11","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) officially launched its fifth anniversary celebrations on April 11 with an opening ceremony at its historic Bo-Ai Campus, marking a major milestone that also commemorates the 130th anniversary of National Chiao Tung University and the 51st anniversary of National Yang-Ming University. \r\n \r\nUnder the theme “Five Years Together, A Legacy of 130”, this year’s ceremony departed from tradition by returning to the university’s original grounds—transforming the event into a symbolic homecoming that connected generations of alumni with the university’s evolving future.
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\r\nThe Bo-Ai Campus began admitting students in 1958, marking a formative chapter in National Chiao Tung University’s reestablishment in Taiwan. \r\n \r\nA Return to Origins—and a Vision Forward \r\n \r\nThe Bo-Ai Campus holds a foundational place in Taiwan’s technological history. In 1964, it became home to the nation’s first semiconductor research laboratory, followed by the successful production of Taiwan’s first transistor a year later—laying the groundwork for what would become a globally leading semiconductor industry. \r\n \r\n“As our founding campus, Bo-Ai is more than a physical space—it is where Taiwan’s first generation of engineers were shaped,” said NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin. “Today, it stands at the threshold of transformation into a new innovation hub for the next generation.” \r\n \r\nThis transformation is now taking shape through the “Bo-Ai Campus Revitalization Project.” Key milestones include the completion of the renovated ShuTien Building, the ongoing development of the Jumin Hospital, and the phased redevelopment of former student dormitories. Together, these projects aim to reimagine the campus as a “campus-as-innovation-park”—integrating clinical medicine, research, and engineering into a unified ecosystem. \r\n \r\nAlumni Return for a Cross-Generational Reunion \r\n \r\nThe ceremony brought together distinguished alumni from across decades, including leaders who helped build Taiwan’s technology industry. Returning to the dormitories and spaces where they once lived and studied, many reflected on formative experiences that shaped both their careers and Taiwan’s industrial trajectory. \r\n \r\nThe event also highlighted the enduring emotional bond between alumni and their alma mater, with attendees traveling from across Taiwan and overseas to take part in the celebration. \r\n \r\n \r\nOverseas alumni returned to Taiwan for the anniversary celebrations and joined a guided tour of the Bo-Ai Campus, revisiting familiar grounds and witnessing its transformation over time.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nFrom Dormitories to Innovation: A Campus Reimagined \r\n \r\nA highlight of the ceremony was the screening of a documentary capturing life in the former Bo-Ai dormitories—structures that are now entering a new phase of redevelopment. For many alumni, these dormitories represented not only living spaces, but also the birthplace of ideas, friendships, and hands-on experimentation that defined an era. \r\n \r\nAs NYCU moves forward, the transformation of these spaces reflects a broader institutional shift—from a traditional academic campus to an interdisciplinary innovation platform that bridges engineering, medicine, and real-world application. \r\n \r\nA Celebration of Community and Innovation \r\n \r\nBeyond the opening ceremony, NYCU’s anniversary month features a wide array of activities celebrating both heritage and innovation. A large-scale alumni banquet—featuring 150 tables and bringing together approximately 1,500 alumni and retired faculty members—served as a centerpiece event, offering a rare opportunity for cross-generational exchange and reconnection. \r\n \r\nIn parallel, the university hosted a Digital Campus Achievements Exhibition, showcasing student projects, research breakthroughs, and interdisciplinary innovations that reflect NYCU’s forward-looking vision in AI, engineering, and biomedical fields. \r\n \r\nAt the Digital Campus Achievements Exhibition, a presenter introduces NYCU’s smart campus innovations, including the Campus Assistant, NYCU AR app, and intelligent navigation services. \r\n \r\nAdditional events include student performances, departmental showcases, international exchange activities, and research exhibitions—highlighting the diversity and vitality of the NYCU community. \r\n \r\nBridging Past and Future \r\n \r\nOver its 130-year legacy, Chiao Tung University has stood at the forefront of Taiwan’s technological development, while Yang-Ming University has built a strong foundation in medical education and research. Five years after their merger, NYCU continues to deepen the integration of these strengths—positioning itself as a key driver of interdisciplinary innovation in Taiwan and beyond. \r\n \r\nAs past and future converge at the Bo-Ai Campus, NYCU’s anniversary is not only a celebration of history, but a reaffirmation of its mission: to cultivate talent, advance knowledge, and shape the next era of global innovation.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1494171941081190400&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1494171941207019520&init=Y","expFile":"As part of the anniversary program, NYCU hosted a forum titled “From Foundations to Legacy: Building Taiwan’s ‘Silicon Shield’ for the Next Century,” featuring a dialogue between Stan Shih (center), founder and honorary chairman of Acer Inc., and Chih-Yuan Lu (left), chairman of Ardentec Corporation."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1494171941316071424&init=Y","expFile":"The “Alumni Mei-Chu Games,” an annual sports meet between alumni of National Tsing Hua University and NYCU, brings former students together each April to reconnect, relive campus memories, and celebrate a shared tradition through friendly competition."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1494171941462872064&init=Y","expFile":"NYCU hosted an anniversary banquet for 1,500 alumni and faculty members, held in the outdoor plaza beside the gymnasium."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1494171941643227136&init=Y","expFile":"Student Club Fair"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1494173157739728896&init=Y","expFile":"International Day offers students, faculty, and alumni the opportunity to experience diverse cultures from around the world."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Renowned Photonics Scientist Jia-Ming Liu","dataClassName":"Honorary Doctorate","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-10","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree to internationally acclaimed photonics scientist and educator Dr. Jia-Ming Liu, recognizing his outstanding contributions to optical science and higher education, as well as his enduring impact on global academic development. \r\n \r\nA Distinguished Career from NCTU to the Global Stage \r\n \r\nA distinguished alumnus of National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Dr. Liu graduated from the Department of Electrophysics in 1975 before pursuing advanced studies in the United States. He earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in applied physics from Harvard University, where he studied under Nobel laureate Nicolaas Bloembergen. \r\n \r\nDr. Liu later held research and academic positions at the University at Buffalo and GTE Laboratories before joining the University of California, Los Angeles in 1986. He currently serves as Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and as Associate Dean of Engineering, maintaining a prominent role in the international academic community. \r\n \r\nPioneering Contributions to Photonics Research \r\n \r\nOver decades of research, Dr. Liu has become a leading figure in laser physics, nonlinear optics, and ultrafast photonics. In 1982, he introduced an innovative technique for measuring focused laser beam spot size—now widely known as “Liu’s Method.” This approach has since become a standard tool across physics, engineering, and biomedical research. \r\n \r\nBeyond this breakthrough, his work in laser dynamics, ultrafast pulse technology, and nonlinear optical systems has significantly advanced modern optoelectronic science and technology. \r\n \r\nScholarly Impact and Global Recognition \r\n \r\nDr. Liu has authored multiple books and published more than 270 academic papers. His textbook Photonic Devices is widely regarded as a foundational reference in the field and is used by universities around the world. \r\n \r\nHe is a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and Optica. His honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship and the IEEE Quantum Electronics Award, among other prestigious distinctions.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nAdvancing Taiwan’s Academic and Research Ecosystem \r\n \r\nIn addition to his research achievements, Dr. Liu has long been dedicated to advancing Taiwan’s academic landscape. Since 1997, he has frequently returned to Taiwan to deliver lectures, foster U.S.–Taiwan research collaboration, and serve as a visiting professor at multiple institutions. \r\n \r\nIn recent years, he has further deepened these ties as a Yushan Scholar under Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, leading research initiatives and mentoring young scholars, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back to his alma mater and to society. \r\n \r\nA Lifelong Commitment to Knowledge and Education \r\n \r\nReflecting on his time at NCTU, Dr. Liu expressed pride in the university’s transformation over the past five decades. He emphasized that the true value of science and engineering lies in both exploration and real-world application, and noted that individual achievements are built upon the support of mentors and collaborative teams. \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, he reaffirmed his commitment to knowledge transmission and academic development. \r\n \r\nDr. Liu’s distinguished achievements and international influence make him an exemplary role model for students and faculty alike. The conferment of the honorary doctorate not only celebrates his lifelong contributions but also underscores the NYCU’s dedication to academic excellence and global engagement. \r\n \r\n \r\nDr. Jia-Ming Liu (left) received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University on April 9. He is pictured with NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right).
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is gaining growing recognition in biomedical research, as two faculty members from its College of Life Sciences have been honored with major national awards for their pioneering work in neuroscience and liver biology. \r\n \r\nProfessor Cheng-Chang Lien, Dean of the College of Life Sciences, received the Chiung-Lin Chen Memorial Award for Translational Medicine, while Assistant Professor Wei-Chien Yuan of the Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences was named a recipient of the Taiwan Outstanding Women in Science Award (Young Scholar Award). \r\n \r\nTheir achievements highlight NYCU’s strength in advancing both fundamental scientific discovery and translational medical innovation. \r\n \r\nDecoding the Brain’s Neural Balance
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\r\n \r\nProfessor Cheng-Chang Lien, Dean of NYCU’s College of Life Sciences, specializes in neural circuit dynamics and translational neuroscience. \r\n \r\nLien, a leading neuroscientist, has focused his research on the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain—an essential mechanism underlying cognition and emotional regulation. \r\n \r\nHis team has systematically elucidated the function and dynamic changes of neural circuits, particularly GABAergic inhibitory pathways, which play critical roles in cognition, anxiety, fear, and chronic pain. His work provides vital insights into how disruptions in these circuits contribute to neurological and psychiatric conditions, laying the groundwork for future translational therapies.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nUnlocking the Mechanisms of Liver Regeneration \r\n \r\n \r\nAssistant Professor Wei-Chien Yuan of NYCU, whose research focuses on liver regeneration and tumor biology. (Photo from: 2026 Taiwan Outstanding Women in Science Award) \r\n \r\nYuan’s research centers on liver regeneration and tumor development. Through her work, she has identified key genes and signaling pathways that regulate liver cell renewal and cancer formation. \r\n \r\nThese findings not only deepen understanding of liver physiology but also offer promising directions for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, including liver cancer. \r\n \r\nStrengthening NYCU’s Biomedical Impact \r\n \r\nThe recognition of both Lien and Yuan reflects NYCU’s continued commitment to excellence in life sciences and its ability to bridge basic research with clinical relevance. \r\n \r\nBy fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across medicine, biology, and engineering, NYCU is positioning itself at the forefront of global biomedical innovation. \r\n \r\nAs the university continues to expand its research capabilities, such achievements highlight its growing role in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1491487539683397632&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Pioneers MagTIES Technology to Revolutionize Future of Neurological Medicine","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-08","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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MagTIES integrates magnetic nanodiscs and piezoelectric nanoparticles, sequentially assembled onto neurons and bio-bonded to the cell membrane to enable wireless neural stimulation.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy, which involves implanting electrodes in the brain through craniotomy, has long deterred patients already suffering from diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and mood disorders due to concerns about postoperative infection, rejection, and actual therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, the rapid advancement of wireless magnetoelectric stimulation technology has brought long-awaited hope to this medical challenge. \r\n \r\nParticularly exciting is the innovative technology developed by Professor Po-Han Chiang’s team at the Institute of Intelligent Bioelectrical Engineering and the Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Neurotechnology at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University—Magnetic-Driven Torque-Induced Electrical Stimulation (MagTIES). This technology has been proven capable of precisely stimulating specific deep brain regions via wireless magnetoelectric means, inducing neuronal activity within milliseconds. The research team also discovered that MagTIES can also precisely modulate emotion-related brain waves, opening up new avenues for future advances in neurological medicine. This research, recognized for its groundbreaking academic contributions, was selected as the back cover featured research for the international top-tier journal Advanced Healthcare Materials. \r\n \r\nThinking Outside the Box and Technological Leap \r\n \r\nProfessor Po-Han Chiang developed an aspiration to pursue neuroscience during senior high school, driven by a desire to understand complex neural circuits and apply this knowledge to artificial intelligence. In 2010, while enrolled in the doctoral program at National Yang Ming University’s Institute of Neuroscience, Po-Han Chiang was profoundly impacted by a paper describing wireless control of neural cell activity in living nematodes. \r\n
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\r\nDuring his postdoctoral training at MIT, Prof. Po-Han Chiang advanced wireless neural control technologies—laying the groundwork for next-generation, fully wireless brain stimulation. \r\n \r\n“That was the world’s first research to use magnetic fields to generate thermal energy in magnetic nanoparticles, thereby stimulating neurons. Ever since reading that paper, I have had this dream— one day, I’ll achieve it using a completely wireless method, because it is so cool!” This dream propelled Po-Han Chiang to pursue postdoctoral research at MIT in 2016, where he studied various wireless neural control technologies that harness magnetic fields to generate thermal, mechanical, and electrical energy. \r\n \r\nSince neurons communicate through electrical signals, academia has been devoted to exploring innovations in magnetoelectric stimulation technology in recent years. However, traditional magnetoelectric stimulation techniques, aside from DBS, such as the clinically widely adopted “transcranial magnetic stimulation”, require a strong magnetic field of approximately 1.5 Tesla. The drawback is that the stimulation area is too large and limited to the brain’s surface layer. Although another approach, “magnetostriction using nanomagnetic particles,”can stimulate deeper brain regions, due to the extremely minute expansion and contraction of these nanoparticles, it relies on high-frequency magnetic fields delivering sustained stimulation over extended periods (1 to several seconds) to accumulate sufficient energy and induce neurons to respond. \r\n \r\nTo overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, Po-Han Chiang dedicated himself to developing MagTIES technology after returning to Taiwan to teach. During the in vitro cultivation of neurons and validation phase, the team first attached biocompatible and non-toxic piezoelectric nanoparticles of barium titanate to the neuronal membrane. They then injected a hexagonal magnetic nanodisc with a diameter of approximately 250 nanometers and a thickness of about 35 nanometers. Since the surfaces of both materials were coated with polymeric polymers, they subsequently bonded automatically through biological adhesion. When an alternating magnetic field was applied externally, it drove the magnetic nanodisc to vibrate, generating torque that stimulated the underlying piezoelectric nanoparticles to produce an electric field. This, in turn, excited the neurons to generate action potentials. \r\n
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To verify reaction speed, the team employed a membrane potential imaging system and high-speed cameras to directly observe changes in neuronal membrane potential. Results showed that MagTIES captures neural action potentials in only about 10 milliseconds, making it 100 to 1,000 times faster than other previous magnetoelectric stimulation technologies. \r\n \r\nPrecision Control for Remarkable Results \r\n \r\nFollowing breakthrough progress in in vitro cell experiments, the next phase involves tackling more complex in vivo experiments in mice. First, the research team surprisingly discovered that each magnetic field stimulation induced brain oscillations in the mouse brain at twice the frequency of the applied magnetic field. Po-Han Chiang explained:“Each cycle of the alternating magnetic field involves two directional reversals, effectively delivering two stimuli to the neurons. This dual stimulation generates brain waves at twice the frequency of the magnetic field.”This result demonstrates the team’s comprehensive ability to modulate brain oscillations, which are achievements previously unattainable with conventional wireless Deep Brain Stimulation technologies.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFiber photometry shows that MagTIES stimulation in live mice induces synchronized brain oscillations at precisely twice the applied magnetic field frequency, reflecting millisecond-scale neural activation with each field reversal. \r\n \r\nThe research further demonstrates that MagTIES not only stimulates deep brain regions like the amygdala but can also precisely modulate brain waves to specific frequency bands based on magnetic field frequencies. For instance, it can induce beta waves associated with emotions and concentration. Po-Han Chiang analyzed that many fear-related disorders, such as panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, are associated with amygdala dysfunction. By precisely modulating specific frequency brain waves linked to emotions using MagTIES technology, it is expected to alleviate symptoms promptly during patient episodes in the future. \r\n \r\nCurrently, nanomaterials still require ‘minimally invasive’ intracranial injection, but without leaving hardware implants like electrodes or optical fibers, significantly reducing the invasiveness of deep brain stimulation. In the next phase, we hope to collaborate with specialized laboratories to investigate achieving ‘non-invasive’ delivery of nanomaterials,” Po-Han Chiang states. Conducting safety validation through large animal studies and observing the metabolic time of nanomaterials within the body are essential hurdles to overcome before advancing to human applications. \r\n \r\nOpen-source Sharing to Expand Applications \r\n \r\nMagTIES offers significant advantages that lower the barrier to use: it utilizes a low magnetic field strength, operates at a frequency of only about 10Hz, features a simple system setup and operation, employs inexpensive and readily available materials, and requires no complex synthesis techniques. In fact, all coil designs, circuit designs, analysis software, and user interfaces were co-developed by Po-Han Chiang and his graduate students. \r\n \r\nTo promote MagTIES technology, the team led by Po-Han Chiang has also developed a low-cost, open-source magnetoelectric stimulation system. Not only does it keep the setup cost under NTD$100,000, but it also features a user-friendly graphical interface to enable basic research or clinical research teams without an electrical engineering and information background to easily operate and utilize the system.“The next priority is researching how to treat various diseases. We want to explore every condition that can be addressed with DBS therapy,”Po-Han Chiang adds. \r\n \r\nHe emphasized that the current research remains in the proof-of-concept phase, with a long road ahead before reaching clinical treatment. “DBS was successfully demonstrated in experiments as early as the 1950s, yet it wasn’t applied to humans until around the year 2000.” Po-Han Chiang maintains an optimistic yet rigorous stance toward the widespread adoption of MagTIES, recognizing that every technological leap requires time to mature. \r\n \r\n“If needed, we can provide design schematics, circuit boards, software, and even nanomaterials for all systems.” Po-Han Chiang believes that promoting this technology is currently more important than commercialization. Only through broader adoption and user feedback can issues be continuously refined, proving the technology’s feasibility and value across diverse applications. \r\n \r\nMagTIES is built as a low-cost, open-source system—with accessible hardware, software, and nanomaterials—designed to lower barriers, accelerate global research, and expand future clinical applications.
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A group photo of Jong-Shinn Wu and his research team.
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Edited by Chance Lai
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Known in Taiwan as the “Rocket Uncle,” Jong-Shinn Wu—Director General of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and a professor of mechanical engineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU)—is bringing aerospace-grade innovation back down to Earth. \r\n \r\nIn his latest cross-disciplinary breakthrough, Wu and his research team have successfully adapted low-temperature plasma technology—originally developed for aerospace applications—into the biomedical field. By integrating plasma science with micro- and nano-bubble technology, the team has developed a novel system capable of both sterilizing and accelerating the healing of chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores. \r\n \r\nA “Rocket-Grade” Solution for Chronic Wounds \r\n \r\nThe patented technology, known as a “dual-module plasma microbubble water system,” introduces a two-stage therapeutic mechanism: sterilization followed by tissue regeneration. \r\n \r\nIn the first stage, oxygen-based reactive species, such as ozone (O₃), effectively suppress harmful pathogens. In the second stage, nitrogen-based reactive species, such as nitric oxide (NO), promote tissue repair and regeneration. This dual-action process enables a “one-step” solution for both infection control and wound healing, as researchers describe. \r\n \r\nThe innovation is particularly promising for difficult-to-treat chronic wounds, offering the potential to improve clinical care and patient recovery outcomes. \r\n \r\nBreaking Through the Limits of Conventional Plasma Technology \r\n \r\nPlasma technology has long been widely used in aerospace engineering, particularly in coating processes for rockets and satellites. Wu, who has spent years advancing plasma applications at NYCU, began exploring its biomedical potential after encountering micro- and nano-bubble technologies during his research. \r\n \r\nConventional plasma-activated water systems typically rely on oxygen-based reactive species, which provide strong antibacterial effects but are limited in broader biomedical applications. To overcome this constraint, Wu’s team pioneered a “dual-mode dynamic plasma” system that combines both oxygen- and nitrogen-based reactive species.
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\r\n \r\nBy precisely controlling the ratio of these reactive components, the system can generate tailored compositions suited for different applications. When integrated with micro- and nano-bubble water, the result is a biocompatible and highly versatile platform for medical use. \r\n \r\nBeyond Wound Care: Expanding Applications Across Industries \r\n \r\nBeyond chronic wound treatment, the technology demonstrates significant cross-sector potential. Possible applications include dermatological therapies, aesthetic medicine, and health maintenance, as well as high-standard sterilization processes for food and agricultural products. \r\n \r\nThe development highlights the growing role of plasma technology not only in aerospace, but also in healthcare and industrial innovation. \r\n \r\nBridging Space Technology and Human Health \r\n \r\nFrom rocket propulsion systems to human-centered medical care, Wu’s work exemplifies how advanced technologies can be translated across disciplines to address real-world challenges. \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, the NYCU team plans to accelerate technology transfer and expand industry-academia collaboration, aiming to bring biomedical plasma applications into clinical and commercial use—turning “rocket-grade” innovation into tangible healthcare solutions. \r\n \r\nNYCU Professor Jong-Shinn Wu extends his expertise beyond aerospace, translating plasma technology into innovative solutions for wound care
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1491061424527511552&init=Y","expFile":"The research team demonstrates the generation of plasma-activated microbubble water."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Builds One of Taiwan’s Most Complete Virtual Campuses in Minecraft","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-04-01","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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By Chance Lai \r\n______
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As National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) marks its fifth anniversary—alongside the 130-year legacy of National Chiao Tung University (NCTU)—a new kind of campus is taking shape, not in concrete and steel, but in pixels and code. \r\n \r\nA student-initiated project, supported by the NCTU Alumni Association, is recreating NYCU’s campuses inside the global sandbox game Minecraft. More than a digital replica, the initiative is designed to connect alumni across generations and geographies—inviting them to “return” to campus from anywhere in the world. \r\n \r\nLaunched in 2025, the project is led by a student team in collaboration withDreamCity Studio. Starting with the historic Bo-Ai Campus, the team reconstructed buildings to real-world dimensions while integrating future development plans—allowing past, present, and future to coexist in a single virtual environment. \r\n
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\r\nThe monument at NYCU’s Bo-Ai Campus is one of the university’s most iconic landmarks. \r\n \r\nA campus across time: past, present and future \r\n \r\nUnlike conventional digital archives or static 3D models, the NYCU Minecraft campus is built as a living narrative. \r\n \r\nVisitors can revisit familiar landmarks from decades past, walk through the university as it stands today, and glimpse what lies ahead. Planned transformations—such as the redevelopment of student dormitories and the future construction of facilities including the Chuming Hospital—are embedded directly into the virtual landscape. \r\n \r\nThis layered design turns the project into more than a reconstruction. It becomes a storytelling platform—one that reflects NYCU’s evolution from NCTU’s 130-year legacy to its identity as a five-year-old merged institution.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nBeyond “Minecraft builds”: a rare full-scale project \r\n \r\nWhile Minecraft has been used in Taiwan for educational and creative purposes—including classroom teaching in geography, architecture and history—most campus-related projects remain limited in scope. \r\n \r\nMany are small-scale efforts focused on individual buildings or partial areas. Others are personal or club-based creations that remain unpublished, lacking long-term planning or public engagement. NYCU’s project stands apart. \r\n \r\nIt delivers a full reconstruction of both the Bo-Ai and Guang-Fu campuses, making it one of the most complete virtual campus builds in Taiwan to date. More importantly, it operates as an organized initiative rather than a standalone creation—bringing together students, a professional creative studio, and alumni support under a unified vision. \r\n \r\nThe project also integrates outreach strategies, including promotional videos, guided experiences and interactive participation mechanisms, transforming it from a static model into a dynamic, externally shareable platform. \r\n \r\nIn this sense, NYCU’s Minecraft campus is not simply a digital experiment—it represents a first-tier, flagship case that can be presented internationally. \r\n \r\nReimagining alumni connection in the digital age \r\n \r\nAt its core, the initiative is about reconnection. By embedding memory, identity and future vision into a shared virtual space, NYCU is redefining how universities engage their global communities. Alumni are no longer limited to nostalgic recollection—they can actively explore, interact and rediscover the campus in an evolving digital form. \r\n \r\nThe project reflects a broader shift in higher education, where digital environments are increasingly used not just for teaching, but for storytelling, community-building and institutional identity. \r\n \r\nOpening the virtual gates \r\n \r\nThe virtual Bo-Ai and Guang-Fu campuses are set to open for online exploration starting after April 8, with access available for one month. Visitors are encouraged to stay tuned for official announcements to receive the latest updates. \r\n \r\nFor NYCU’s global alumni network, the experience offers something both familiar and new: a chance to walk the same paths, see the campus transformed, and imagine what comes next. In a single, block-built world, 130 years of history—and the future still unfolding—are brought into view.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1488516374367047680&init=Y","expFile":"A student-led virtual campus project visualizes the future Chuming Hospital at NYCU’s Bo-Ai Campus, a next-generation, digital-native medical facility integrating healthcare and technology."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Partners with GWOXI and PODAK to Advance Automated Stem Cell Manufacturing Platform","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-31","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n
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From left: Chia-Yu Chen, Chairman of PODAK International Corp.; Professor Chi-Ying Huang, Dean of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU); and Ming-Hsi Chuang, Chairman of Gwo Xi Stem Cell Applied Technology Co., Ltd.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As Taiwan enters the first year of implementing its landmark regenerative medicine legislation in 2026, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has taken a leading role in a major industry–academia partnership aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation cell therapies. \r\n \r\nOn March 27, NYCU signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with leading stem cell developer Gwo Xi Stem Cell Applied Technology Co., Ltd. (GWOXI) and electronics distributor-turned-biotech player PODAK International Corp., marking a milestone collaboration to build an advanced automated stem cell manufacturing platform. \r\n \r\nBridging Research and Industry \r\n \r\nThe partnership underscores strong industry confidence in NYCU’s regenerative medicine research capabilities. Led by the university’s College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the collaboration integrates:
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Clinical-grade stem cell technologies from GWOXI, including U.S. FDA Drug Master File (DMF)-registered adipose-derived stem cells
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Fully automated cell production systems introduced by PODAK from Japan
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NYCU’s strengths in AI-driven drug discovery, data platforms, and translational research
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Together, the three parties aim to develop a next-generation automated stem cell processing platform to accelerate the transition from laboratory research to scalable, industrial-level production. \r\n \r\nFrom Lab Innovation to Scalable Manufacturing \r\n \r\nThe signing ceremony, held at NYCU, coincided with the “2026 Conference on Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Regenerative Medicine,” where international experts witnessed the agreement. \r\n \r\nGWOXI Chairman Ming-Hsi Chuang noted that early integration of industry-grade standards is essential for translating academic innovation into real-world applications. By providing FDA DMF-registered clinical-grade stem cells, the company aims to support NYCU as a core R&D platform and help align Taiwan’s regenerative medicine sector with global regulatory pathways.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nPODAK Chairman Chia-Yu Chen highlighted the introduction of Japan’s latest automated cell culture and monitoring system. The platform enables closed, sterile production environments with AI-powered imaging, allowing 24/7 monitoring and standardized large-scale cell expansion—key to ensuring consistency and quality across batches. \r\n \r\nNYCU as a Translational Hub \r\n \r\nProfessor Chi-Ying Huang, Dean of NYCU’s College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, emphasized the university’s role as a bridge between academia and industry. \r\n \r\nLeveraging proprietary drug databases and AI-based screening technologies, NYCU can predict drug–target interactions and significantly shorten development timelines. With added industry support, the university will focus on designing next-generation cell therapies and building automated production workflows, while also cultivating talent for Taiwan’s growing biotech sector. \r\n \r\nPositioning Taiwan for Global Regenerative Medicine \r\n \r\nThe collaboration signals a broader shift in Taiwan’s regenerative medicine landscape—from early-stage research to industrial-scale production. \r\n \r\nBy combining modular manufacturing systems, clinical-grade materials, and automated technologies, the alliance is expected to establish a resilient, scalable supply chain for cell-based therapies. Industry observers note that such a model could not only serve domestic hospitals and clinics, but also position Taiwan to export integrated “cell factory” solutions across the Asia-Pacific region. \r\n \r\nAs global demand for stem cell therapies continues to grow, NYCU’s leadership in this cross-sector initiative highlights its expanding role in shaping the future of biomedical innovation and industrial translation.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1488526252628250624&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Study Redefines Battery Design, Boosting Capacity by 167% for Next-Generation EVs","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-30","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Electric vehicle (EV) battery life and charging speed remain among the most critical concerns for consumers worldwide. Now, a research team at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has unveiled a breakthrough that could reshape the future of battery technology. \r\n \r\nLed by Professor Yu-Sheng Su of NYCU’s International College of Semiconductor Technology, the team has developed a novel lithium-ion battery design that increases capacity by 167%, offering a promising new direction for EV power systems and large-scale energy storage applications. The study has been published in the international journal Small Structures. \r\n \r\nRethinking a “Safe but Limited” Battery Material \r\n \r\nAt the heart of the breakthrough is lithium titanate (LTO, Li₄Ti₅O₁₂)—a material long regarded as one of the safest anode options in lithium-ion batteries. \r\n \r\nUnlike many conventional battery materials, LTO undergoes almost no volume expansion during charging and discharging. This structural stability translates into exceptional cycle life and thermal safety, making it particularly suitable for applications that require frequent, fast charging, such as electric transportation and grid-scale energy storage. \r\n \r\nHowever, LTO has historically faced a major limitation: low energy density, which means it can store less energy than other materials, restricting its adoption in EV markets. \r\n \r\nChallenging a Core Assumption in Battery Design \r\n \r\nSeeking to overcome this limitation, Professor Su’s team at the BEST Lab (Battery Energy Semiconductor Technology Lab) revisited a fundamental assumption in lithium-ion battery design: that the electrolyte must contain lithium ions for the battery to function. Their findings challenge this long-held belief. \r\n \r\nThe researchers demonstrated, for the first time systematically, that LTO can operate effectively even in a sodium-ion electrolyte—without lithium ions present in the electrolyte itself. Under specific conditions, the battery exhibited enhanced capacity, improved cycling stability, and superior rate performance compared to conventional lithium-based systems.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nA Subtle Structural Shift Unlocks Higher Capacity \r\n \r\nAccording to Su, the key lies in a hybrid design combining lithium metal with a sodium-ion electrolyte. \r\n \r\nWhile lithium ions remain the primary charge carriers responsible for energy storage, sodium ions play a crucial supporting role. A small number of sodium ions enter the LTO crystal structure, causing a slight and reversible lattice expansion. \r\n \r\nThis process is like creating extra space on a tightly packed bookshelf—making it easier to insert and remove books. Similarly, the expanded lattice allows lithium ions to move more freely, increasing the material’s overall storage capacity without compromising its inherent stability. \r\n \r\nImplications for EVs and Energy Systems \r\n \r\nThe innovation offers a rare combination of advantages: high safety, long lifespan, fast charging capability, and significantly increased capacity. Beyond performance gains, the approach may also deliver economic benefits. Compared to lithium, sodium is more abundant and cost-stable, suggesting that partially replacing lithium salts in electrolytes could reduce long-term costs and ease supply chain pressures—particularly for large-scale batteries and energy storage systems. \r\n \r\nAs the global push toward electrification accelerates, the NYCU study provides a compelling glimpse into how rethinking fundamental design principles can unlock the next generation of energy technologies. \r\n \r\nProfessor Yu-Sheng Su (right, first) with his laboratory research team.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1488011634122166272&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Partners with HHRI and RPI to Develop High-Speed Micro-LED Quantum Random Number Generator","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-25","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As display technologies continue to advance, Micro-LED is emerging as a transformative force across the semiconductor and communications industries. A research team led by the Semiconductor Research Institute of the Hon Hai Research Institute (HHRI), in collaboration with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), has developed a high-speed, scalable quantum random number generator (QRNG) based on indium gallium nitride (InGaN) Micro-LED arrays. \r\n \r\nThe breakthrough leverages the intrinsic quantum randomness of spontaneous emission in Micro-LEDs, offering a compact and energy-efficient solution for next-generation secure communications and photonic systems. The findings have been published in the IEEE Photonics Journal. \r\n \r\nBreaking Through Conventional Limits with Record Data Rates \r\n \r\nTraditional QRNG systems have long been constrained by low data rates and limited integration capabilities. By harnessing the quantum entropy generated from Micro-LED spontaneous emission, the research team successfully overcame these bottlenecks. \r\n \r\nThe newly developed system achieves data transmission speeds of up to 12.5 Gb/s, marking a significant advancement over existing technologies and setting a new benchmark for high-speed quantum random number generation. \r\n \r\nFrom Quantum Encryption to Next-Generation Optical Interconnects \r\n \r\nMicro-LED technology offers key advantages including high bandwidth, low power consumption, and compact size. Unlike conventional laser-based systems that rely on bulky external optical components, Micro-LEDs are highly compatible with chip-scale integration. \r\n \r\nThese properties unlock a wide range of cross-disciplinary applications: \r\n \r\n• Secure communications for 6G and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites \r\nMicro-LED devices can simultaneously transmit data and generate true random numbers, enabling “encrypt-as-you-transmit” architectures. This integrated approach is expected to play a critical role in future 6G networks, satellite communications, and fintech security systems. \r\n \r\n• Next-generation active optical cables (AOC) for AI data centers \r\nAs AI-driven workloads continue to surge, data centers face increasing demands for high-speed, energy-efficient interconnects. Micro-LED arrays enable parallel data transmission through hundreds of microchannels, significantly reducing power consumption compared to traditional laser-based optical modules. At the same time, they offer high reliability comparable to copper cables while supporting longer transmission distances—meeting the needs of future gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nGlobal Collaboration Driving Photonic Innovation \r\n \r\nThe research was led by Professor Hao-Chung Kuo, Director of the Semiconductor Research Institute at HHRI and Chair Professor at NYCU, alongside Dr. Yu-Heng Hong and researcher Yun-Han Chang. The NYCU team included Professor Chun-Liang Lin and Distinguished Professor Chi-Wai Chow, working in collaboration with Chair Professor Boon S. Ooi from RPI. \r\n \r\nThe project also received strong support from Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). \r\n \r\nAdvancing Taiwan’s Leadership in Quantum and Photonic Technologies \r\n \r\nThis achievement highlights Taiwan’s growing leadership in quantum information science and optical communications. By combining low cost, low power consumption, and miniaturized design, Micro-LED-based QRNG technology lays the groundwork for future single-chip, multi-channel quantum random number generation systems. \r\n \r\nBeyond secure communications, the technology is expected to accelerate advancements in quantum encryption, probabilistic AI models, and high-performance secure networks—pushing forward the global adoption of next-generation digital infrastructure. \r\n \r\n \r\nSchematic diagram of the QRNG experimental setup, featuring a Micro-LED as the quantum entropy source, a focusing lens, and an avalanche photodiode.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1486363902047424512&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Study Reveals Hidden Liver Cancer Risk in Non-Hepatitis Patients","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-24","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Many people in Taiwan are aware that hepatitis B and C viruses are major risk factors for liver cancer. However, new research shows that even individuals without these infections may still face a significantly increased risk—driven by genetic variation. \r\n \r\nA research team led by Professor Mei-Hsuan Lee at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), has uncovered critical genetic factors linked to liver cancer risk in non-viral populations. By integrating data from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI), Taiwan Biobank, and the Taiwan Liver Cancer Network (TLCN), the team analyzed genomic, clinical, and longitudinal health data from more than 70,000 Taiwanese adults. The study was published in the international journal JHEP Reports. \r\n \r\nGenetic variants linked to up to a threefold increase in risk \r\n \r\nThe study identified variants in the PNPLA3 and SAMM50 genes as significant contributors to liver cancer susceptibility. Individuals carrying multiple risk variants were found to have a 2.6 to 3.4 times higher likelihood of developing liver cancer over time. \r\n \r\nImportantly, the findings challenge long-standing assumptions about liver cancer risk. Even in the absence of fatty liver disease—a condition often associated with metabolic dysfunction—these genetic variants independently elevated cancer risk. \r\n \r\n“Liver cancer is no longer just a viral disease,” said Prof. Lee. “Our findings highlight that genetic and metabolic pathways play equally critical roles. In the future, genetic risk profiling could be incorporated into public health strategies for early identification and prevention.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nOne of Asia’s largest studies on non-viral liver cancer \r\n \r\nThe study is among the few globally—and one of the largest in Asia—to specifically examine liver cancer risk in individuals without hepatitis B or C infection. By excluding viral cases and focusing on so-called “non-viral liver cancer,” the researchers were able to establish a clearer understanding of genetic susceptibility. \r\n \r\nWith nearly a decade of follow-up data, the study provides robust longitudinal evidence with both clinical and public health relevance, laying the groundwork for more precise risk prediction models. \r\n \r\nCross-institutional collaboration showcases Taiwan’s precision medicine strength \r\n \r\nThe research was led by NYCU’s Institute of Clinical Medicine, in collaboration with Academia Sinica, the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative, the Taiwan Biobank, the Taiwan Liver Cancer Network, and multiple medical centers. \r\n \r\nThe study highlights Taiwan’s global competitiveness in integrating large-scale biobank resources, data science, and precision medicine.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1486208593383395328&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Honors Six Distinguished Alumni in Student-Led Ceremony Showcasing Cross-Sector Innovation","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-21","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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At the ceremony, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (center) raises a symbolic oar, with a backdrop of flying fish evoking the six awardees (from left: Shwu-Jing Chang, Chen-Chang Yang, Guo-Xian Lin, Ryan Lee, Kee Ong, and Vintz Huang). Comparing them to flying fish that rise above the surface at defining moments, Lin noted that while their paths differ, “they share the same point of departure—NYCU.”
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) on March 20 announced its 2026 Distinguished Alumni, honoring six individuals whose achievements span business, public service, maritime technology, music, and public health. \r\n \r\nThe honorees—Kee Ong (王其勳), Ryan Lee (李俊廣), Guo-Xian Lin (林國顯), Shwu-Jing Chang (張淑淨), Vintz Huang (黃國倫), and Chen-Chang Yang (楊振昌)—represent a diverse spectrum of leadership and innovation, reflecting NYCU’s long-standing commitment to interdisciplinary education and societal impact. \r\n \r\nFrom Enterprise Leadership to Public Service \r\n \r\nKee Ong, CEO of Synnex Technology International Corporation, has spent more than two decades expanding the company’s footprint in Australia and New Zealand, strengthening its position in the Asia-Pacific ICT and semiconductor distribution market. \r\n \r\nGuo-Xian Lin, Taiwan’s Vice Minister of Transportation and Communications, has dedicated over 30 years to public service. His leadership has been central to major infrastructure developments, including advancing the long-delayed Terminal 3 project at Taoyuan International Airport. \r\n \r\nInnovation Across Industries and Disciplines \r\n \r\nRyan Lee, founder of Taiwan’s largest pet retail chain, “Pet Park,” has built a career spanning music production, digital platforms, and retail entrepreneurship, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary thinking. \r\n \r\nProfessor Shwu-Jing Chang of National Taiwan Ocean University has led key advancements in maritime safety and digital navigation, including Taiwan’s Electronic Navigational Chart system and satellite-based rescue technologies. \r\n \r\nCultural Influence and Public Health Advocacy \r\n \r\nRenowned Mandopop producer and songwriter Vintz Huang has created widely recognized works for artists including Faye Wong and Jacky Cheung, and has also composed "Beyond," a commemorative song marking NYCU’s merger. \r\n \r\nChen-Chang Yang, a leading toxicology expert at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, has played a key role in public health communication during major food safety incidents and poisonings, helping shape national crisis response. \r\n \r\nReimagining the Ceremony Through Technology and Co-Creation \r\n \r\nBeyond honoring distinguished individuals, this year’s ceremony served as a showcase of NYCU’s evolving innovation ecosystem—where academia, industry, and media converge to create new forms of storytelling.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nHeld in a virtual production studio powered by advanced LED technology, the event was co-developed by NYCU’s College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences in collaboration with industry partners Cyans LED Virtual Studio and Formosa TV. The ceremony was designed and executed by a student-led team, integrating artificial intelligence with virtual production technologies to transform the venue into a symbolic ocean of exploration. \r\n \r\nThis cross-sector collaboration reflects NYCU’s “NYCU 2.0” vision—bridging engineering, humanities, and real-world applications to create immersive, future-ready experiences. \r\n \r\nUnder the theme “Youth × Time,” the ceremony framed youth not as an age, but as an enduring force—defined by resilience, curiosity, and the courage to navigate uncertainty. Visual elements such as flying fish and seafaring vessels illustrated movement, discovery, and the continuity of journeys across generations. \r\n \r\nA Legacy in Motion \r\n \r\nThe 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards highlight more than individual achievement—they represent a shared ethos of persistence, exploration, and societal contribution. \r\n \r\n“As we journey forward,” Lin said, “NYCU will continue to cultivate talents who are ready to set sail and take on new challenges.” \r\n \r\nIn a rapidly changing world, their stories serve as a reminder: youth is not fleeting—it is a mindset that endures and keeps moving forward. \r\n \r\nA student-led team from NYCU’s College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences poses at the ceremony, which was primarily planned and produced by faculty and students in collaboration with industry partners Cyans LED Virtual Studio and Formosa TV.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1485495392761024512&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1485495393037848576&init=Y","expFile":"Kee Ong, CEO of Synnex Technology International Corporation, graduated from the Department of Computer Science at National Chiao Tung University."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1485495393100763136&init=Y","expFile":"Ryan Lee, founder of Wonder Pet Co., Ltd., graduated from the Department and Institute of Computer Science at National Chiao Tung University."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1485495393180454912&init=Y","expFile":"Guo-Xian Lin, Vice Minister of Transportation and Communications, graduated from the Department of Transportation Engineering and Management and the Institute of Transportation at National Chiao Tung University."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1485495393339838464&init=Y","expFile":"Shwu-Jing Chang, Professor in the Department of Communications and Navigation Engineering at National Taiwan Ocean University, graduated from the Department of Electronics Engineering and the Institute of Electronics at National Chiao Tung University."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1485495393406947328&init=Y","expFile":"Vintz Huang, a renowned music producer and songwriter, graduated from the Department of Management Science at National Chiao Tung University."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1485495393457278976&init=Y","expFile":"Chen-Chang Yang, Director of the Division of Clinical Toxicology and Occupational Medicine at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, graduated from the School of Medicine at National Yang-Ming University."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Leads Smart City Innovation Hub, Advancing AI-Driven Urban Governance with Global Partners","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-18","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Taiwan Ocean University, National Chung Cheng University, and National Ilan University jointly exhibit at the 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo and Net-Zero City Expo.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is spearheading a new model for smart city development, bringing together universities, industry leaders, and government agencies to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence in urban governance. \r\n \r\nAt the 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo, NYCU joined forces with National Taiwan Ocean University, National Chung Cheng University, and National Ilan University to showcase more than 20 cutting-edge AI-powered technologies. The exhibition, curated by NYCU under the theme “Smart Convergence: Advancing Urban Evolution,” opened on March 17 and drew high-profile visitors, including Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and senior officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. \r\n \r\nThe joint exhibition spans smart healthcare, intelligent buildings, low-carbon ocean technology, and smart manufacturing — demonstrating how universities are translating research into scalable, real-world applications. \r\n \r\nFrom Lab to City: Building an Innovation Ecosystem \r\n \r\nNYCU Senior Vice President Ta-Sung Lee said the exhibition goes beyond a display of technological achievements, positioning the university as a platform for industry–academia co-creation. \r\n \r\n“Our goal is to move innovation from laboratories into urban environments,” Lee said, pointing to the university’s Shilin building and its research commercialization platforms as key infrastructures. “By connecting enterprises, government agencies, and international partners, we are building a globally competitive ecosystem for smart city innovation.” \r\n
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\r\nVice President Bi-khim Hsiao visits the exhibition booth jointly presented by NYCU and its partner universities. \r\n \r\nNYCU has been actively fostering international collaboration, working closely with leading institutions in Japan, including Kyushu University, Tohoku University, and Hokkaido University. These partnerships aim to attract global capital, talent, and technology to Taiwan while accelerating the development and deployment of smart city solutions. \r\n \r\n“Competition in smart cities is no longer defined by technology alone,” said Hank Huang, NYCU Vice President for Industry–Academia Co-creation. “It is increasingly about the strength of integrated ecosystems shaped by cities, industries, and universities working together.” \r\n \r\nForum Highlights Path Toward AI-Driven Governance \r\n \r\nA key highlight of the opening day was the “AI Smart City Governance Forum,” organized by NYCU, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts. \r\n \r\nThe forum featured two panel discussions. The first focused on real-world industrial applications of AI in urban settings, with speakers including officials from Taiwan’s Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration and executives from leading technology companies. \r\n \r\nThe second panel explored how cities can leverage their unique characteristics through industry–academia collaboration, with participation from Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs and partner universities. \r\n \r\nDiscussions centered on how smart cities are evolving from isolated technological deployments to integrated, city-scale systems — and emphasized the critical role universities play in connecting policy, industry, and local innovation.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nShilin Building Debuts as Global Innovation Testbed \r\n \r\nNYCU also unveiled its Shilin building as an international innovation hub co-developed with leading enterprises. \r\n \r\nThe site integrates smart building technologies, data platforms, and co-creation mechanisms, serving as both a showcase for smart city solutions and a living laboratory for future urban applications. The initiative underscores the university’s emerging role as a key node in city-level innovation. \r\n \r\n \r\nGroup photo at the launch of the “AI Smart City Governance” forum, with industry, government, and academic leaders supporting university-driven smart city innovation. \r\n \r\nBreakthrough Technologies with Commercial Potential \r\n \r\nAmong NYCU’s featured innovations were seven technologies with strong commercialization potential. \r\n \r\nThese include an automated closed-system stem cell cultivation platform, jointly developed with Japan’s CiRA Foundation, a world-leading regenerative medicine institute, significantly improving efficiency in stem cell research. \r\n \r\nThe university also presented myPDA, a generative AI-powered digital agent developed by its AI Systems Center, designed to support smart manufacturing and enterprise governance. \r\n \r\nIn healthcare, NYCU teams showcased AI-enabled solutions, including XR-based digital dental training tools and a personalized rehabilitation platform developed by the InsightMed Diagnostics team, addressing clinical and health management needs. \r\n \r\nInternational collaborations were also highlighted. Startups, including B-Box and Quon Energy, are working with NYCU on geothermal and biomass technologies aligned with global net-zero goals. Meanwhile, Professor Mitsuru Tanaka of Kyushu University presented the next-generation mass spectrometry platform GRAMS, with applications ranging from non-invasive cancer detection to rapid food quality analysis. \r\n \r\nUniversities as Catalysts for Future Cities \r\n \r\nAs cities worldwide confront challenges from digital transformation to climate change, NYCU’s initiative reflects a broader shift: universities are no longer just centers of knowledge, but active drivers of urban innovation. \r\n \r\nBy integrating research, industry collaboration, and real-world experimentation, NYCU is positioning itself — and Taiwan — at the forefront of next-generation smart city development. \r\n \r\nDeputy Minister Sheng-Yuan Wu of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications listens as NYCU Vice President for OIAC Hank Huang presents key exhibition highlights.
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has launched its annual architecture exhibition, bringing together a year’s worth of student work to explore how design can respond to an increasingly complex and uncertain world. \r\n \r\nTitled “Before the Future: Generating Alternative Possibilities in the Present,” the 2026 NYCU Architecture Exhibition runs from March 2 to March 27 at the HaoRan Library B1 Art Space on the university’s Chiaotung campus. Curated under the guidance of Professor Shu-Chang Kung, the exhibition gathers projects from 16 design studios, presenting architecture not as a fixed outcome, but as an evolving inquiry into society, resilience, and the nature of space. \r\n
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\r\nFeaturing a wide range of themes, the exhibition opens with “Alternative Material Operations,” an installation that activates visitors’ senses at the entrance. \r\n \r\nArchitecture as a “Precursor Experiment” \r\n \r\nAt the heart of the exhibition lies a critical proposition: architecture is inherently shaped by time lag. From concept to construction, the world often changes before a building is realized. Rather than attempting to predict the future, the exhibition frames architecture as a “precursor experiment” — one that operates in the present, navigating constraints, differences, and uncertainties to propose more resilient ways of living. \r\n \r\nEach project becomes a speculative probe into what lies “before the future,” inviting viewers to reflect on possibilities that have yet to fully materialize. \r\n \r\nFive Thematic Fields Mapping Emerging Design Forces \r\nThe exhibition is structured around five interconnected thematic fields, transforming coursework into a dynamic landscape of ideas:
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Alternative Landscapes reexamines the boundary between nature and the built environment, positioning landscape as a social interface rather than a passive backdrop.
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Alternative Coexistence in Dwelling explores co-living, social housing, and urban regeneration, seeking new forms of intimacy and connection in collective living environments.
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Alternative Resonance of Time engages with historical sites and adaptive reuse, enabling dialogue between past and future through architectural intervention.
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Alternative Consciousness Expansion investigates sensory experience, interactive installations, and the relationship between body, perception, and space.
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Alternative Material Operations experiments with materials, sustainability, and construction logic, opening new possibilities for architectural language in a circular economy.
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Together, these themes reflect how emerging architects are pushing beyond disciplinary boundaries to respond to shifting societal conditions. \r\n \r\nFrom AI Fabrication to Co-Living Futures \r\n \r\nAmong the featured works, projects such as “AI + Robotic Construction” integrate data, geometry, and fabrication processes to explore architecture in the age of digital manufacturing. The “Morphology Workshop” reinterprets architectural ideas through geometric operations, transforming models into analytical tools rather than mere representations.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nOther projects take a more social turn. In the coexistence section, proposals for intergenerational housing and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) address aging populations and changing family structures, envisioning housing systems that support long-term care and community integration. \r\n \r\nA standout project, “DittoCrew,” by student Hu Yu-Hsiang, tackles Taipei’s housing affordability challenges by combining parametric design with public-private development strategies. The proposal earned third place in the 2025 International Student Tall Building Design Competition hosted by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). \r\n \r\nBridging Academia and Practice \r\n \r\nThe exhibition also features contributions from five leading architecture firms, including KHAA, Q-LAB, JJP Architects & Planners, Kris Yao Artech, and AxB Architecture Studio. Their participation creates a dialogue between academic experimentation and professional practice, allowing visitors to compare, contrast, and connect different visions of architecture’s role in shaping the future. \r\n \r\nThis collaboration underscores the exhibition’s broader ambition: to position architecture as a shared platform where education, industry, and society converge. \r\n \r\nRethinking Space in an Accelerated World \r\n \r\nOn the second floor, projects under themes such as landscape, time, and consciousness expand the conversation further. \r\n \r\nWorks like “New Taipei City Library Branch” redefine public libraries as active platforms for knowledge exchange, while “Hsinchu Park Museum/Library” reimagines cultural institutions as inclusive civic spaces. Other installations explore how digital technologies reshape perception, turning space into a medium for sensory and cognitive experience. \r\n \r\nMeanwhile, projects addressing energy and infrastructure examine architecture as part of broader global systems — from data centers to supply chain landscapes — prompting new ways of thinking about “non-human” architecture in an era of technological acceleration. \r\n \r\n \r\nA student introduces the project “Architecture Centered on Energy Thinking,” offering insights during a guided exhibition tour. \r\n \r\nRather than offering a fixed vision of what lies ahead, the exhibition presents architecture as an ongoing process of inquiry — one rooted in the present, yet constantly reaching toward what could be. In doing so, NYCU positions design not simply as a response to change, but as a way to navigate it — shaping how future cities, communities, and ways of living might emerge.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1483722476209836032&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and NTHU Share Overall Title at the 58th Mei-Chu Games","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-16","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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By Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) concluded the 58th Mei-Chu Games on March 15 with a dramatic baseball finale at NTHU’s baseball field. After days of intense competition, the two universities finished with an overall score of 5–5, sharing this year’s historic intercollegiate tournament championship. \r\n \r\nHeld from March 6 to 8, with the decisive baseball game on March 15, the Mei-Chu Games remain one of Taiwan’s most iconic university traditions, bringing together students from both campuses for friendly rivalry in athletics, intellectual competitions, and student activities. \r\n
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\r\nFollowing tradition, the Mei-Chu Games officially began with the ceremonial strike of the gong. \r\n \r\nA Long-Standing Rivalry Across Ten Official Events \r\n \r\nThis year’s official competitions included 10 events: table tennis, badminton, contract bridge, Chinese chess, tennis, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, and baseball. Each winning team earned one point toward the overall championship. \r\n \r\nIn addition to the official contests, the Games also featured a series of exhibition matches, including billiards, soccer, women’s table tennis, Go, women’s tennis, archery, and softball. These events highlighted the vibrant sports culture and student club activities at both universities. \r\n \r\nNYCU Takes Early Momentum \r\n \r\nDuring the first three days of competition, the two universities traded victories across multiple events. By the evening of March 7, NYCU had secured points in table tennis, Chinese chess, and men’s basketball, bringing the overall score to 3–3. \r\n \r\nMomentum continued on March 8 when NYCU claimed another point in contract bridge, briefly taking the lead. NTHU responded later that evening with a victory in men’s volleyball, tightening the race once again. \r\n \r\nLate that night, NYCU’s women’s volleyball team delivered a decisive performance, defeating NTHU in straight sets 25–18, 25–23, and 25–11. Riding the momentum from their championship run in the University Volleyball League Division II, the team secured a crucial fifth point for NYCU and kept the university ahead in the overall standings. \r\n \r\nAt the moment NYCU’s women’s volleyball team secured victory, the arena erupted in cheers as blue and purple streamers fell simultaneously, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two universities. \r\n \r\nBaseball Finale Ends in a Historic Tie \r\n \r\nOn March 15, the two universities met for the final baseball matchup at NTHU’s baseball field. After a hard-fought game, the overall results of the 58th Mei-Chu Games settled at 5–5, with NYCU and NTHU sharing the championship title. \r\n \r\nAcross the official events, NYCU claimed victories in badminton, Chinese chess, men’s basketball, contract bridge, and women’s volleyball. In the exhibition matches, NYCU teams also delivered strong performances in billiards, soccer, women’s table tennis, women’s tennis, archery, and softball.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nNotably, during the same period, NYCU’s baseball team also delivered impressive results in the University Baseball League, defeating NTHU with a walk-off walk to return to the Final Four for the first time in three years. The team later beat National Taiwan University 11–3 to advance to the championship game and ultimately finished the season as runner-up, demonstrating the program’s growing competitive strength. \r\n \r\n \r\nBefore the Mei-Chu baseball game, NYCU’s baseball team had already finished as runner-up in the University Baseball League. \r\n \r\nA Tradition That Unites Generations \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin expressed gratitude to all athletes who competed in the tournament. \r\n \r\n“Every athlete who stepped onto the field fought with determination and represented the university with pride,” Lin said. “Regardless of the final score, their dedication and sportsmanship brought honor to the school.” \r\n \r\nHe also thanked the many members of the NYCU community who made the event possible, including coaches, cheering squads, the Mei-Chu organizing committee, the university’s Physical Education Office, the Office of Student Affairs, and the students, faculty members, and alumni who came to support the teams. \r\n \r\n“The honor of the Mei-Chu Games belongs to every participant,” Lin added. \r\n \r\nHsinchu City Mayor Ann Kao also highlighted the broader significance of the event, noting that the Mei-Chu Games have become more than just a university competition. \r\n \r\n“The Mei-Chu Games are a long-standing tradition between two of Hsinchu’s most important universities and have become an important symbol of the city’s culture,” Kao said. “The city government will continue to support this historic intercollegiate event and encourage more residents to take part in cheering for both universities.” \r\n \r\nHsinchu City Mayor Ann Kao visited before the volleyball match to offer encouragement to the players and event staff. \r\n \r\nRivalry and Friendship Continue \r\n \r\nThe 58th Mei-Chu Games concluded amid a festive atmosphere, once again showcasing the passion, perseverance, and sportsmanship of students from both universities. \r\n \r\nFor generations, the Mei-Chu Games have represented more than competition—they embody a shared tradition of rivalry and friendship between NYCU and NTHU. As the two universities look ahead to future tournaments, this spirit will continue to inspire new chapters in one of Taiwan’s most enduring campus traditions.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1482995114920906752&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Chief Strategy Officer Haydn Chen: Navigating the AI Era with Soft Power","dataClassName":"Feature Column","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-11","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work and education, NYCU strategist Haydn Chen argues that the most important skills students need are those that machines cannot easily replicate. (Photo credit: Central News Agency)
Rethinking Education in the Age of AI \r\n \r\nOn the day of the interview, Haydn Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), walked briskly into a campus meeting room, greeting the interview team with energetic warmth. \r\n \r\nDressed sharply in a suit, Chen took out a document he had prepared for the reporters in advance. It contained outlines and charts generated after he asked a generative AI system to analyze ten of his past essays. \r\n \r\nA materials science Ph.D. who has worked at universities across Taiwan, the United States, Hong Kong, and Macau, Chen said with a smile that he now interacts with AI almost every day. \r\n \r\n“In the past, I might ask an English secretary to draft a letter,” he said. “It would take three days, and the result might not be exactly what I wanted. Now AI can generate it in two seconds—and I can keep revising it.” \r\n \r\nFor Chen, AI has become an indispensable assistant for improving productivity. \r\n \r\nYet the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has also raised profound uncertainties about the future. The technology is already reshaping labor markets and replacing certain types of work, prompting Chen—who has long advocated liberal arts education—to reconsider the role of universities in the AI era. \r\n \r\n“Four years ago, computer science was one of the hottest majors in the United States,” Chen said. “But four years later, some graduates can’t find jobs because of the AI wave. That was unimaginable—but it’s happening.” \r\n \r\nThe question, he said, is no longer simply what students should study, but what capabilities will remain valuable in an unpredictable future. \r\n \r\nHis answer: soft power—the human abilities that allow individuals to navigate the unknown. \r\n \r\nBeyond Technical Skills: Learning to Master AI \r\n \r\nBy “soft power,” Chen refers to a broad range of capabilities beyond disciplinary expertise. \r\n \r\nIn a rapidly evolving digital and AI-driven world, he believes human value increasingly lies in qualities that machines cannot easily replicate. \r\n \r\nHe jokingly described large language models as “polite parrots that can speak nonsense with great confidence.” While AI can produce fluent responses, it may simply repeat existing information—or even present outdated or inaccurate content. \r\n \r\nTo interact effectively with AI, Chen said, people must cultivate lifelong learning across disciplines and develop strong critical thinking skills. \r\n \r\n“Only then can you truly command AI, instead of being misled by it,” he said. \r\n \r\nDecision-making in AI-mediated environments also requires the ability to construct meaning from complex information and to understand broader social, political, and cultural contexts. Ethical judgment and social responsibility are equally essential for designing and deploying AI responsibly. \r\n \r\nCreativity and imagination, Chen added, allow humans to move beyond routine content generated by machines and highlight uniquely human contributions. \r\n \r\nEmpathy and emotional intelligence are perhaps the most irreplaceable of all. \r\n \r\n“Can AI help you fall in love?” Chen joked. “Probably never.” \r\n \r\nLiberal Education as a Way of Life \r\n \r\nFor Chen, cultivating soft power has long been at the core of liberal education. \r\n \r\nHe emphasized that liberal education is not simply a collection of courses but an entire way of structuring student life—one that includes interdisciplinary learning, close interactions between faculty and students, peer engagement, residential experiences, and small-class instruction. \r\n \r\n“In a general education model, the four years of university are not meant to make you an expert,” Chen said. “They are meant to expose you to many fields and help you develop the ability to learn independently.” \r\n \r\nIn Taiwan and across Asia, he noted, many people expect university graduates to emerge with a clearly defined specialization.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n“If someone graduates without a narrow professional focus, people may think the university failed to train them,” he said. “But comprehensive universities are not vocational schools. Our mission is to cultivate well-rounded students with strong soft power. If you truly want to become a specialist, you can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.” \r\n \r\nChen also encourages students to live on campus—or at least near it—because learning outside the classroom can be just as important as formal coursework. \r\n \r\nAfter accounting for classes, meals, and sleep, students still have roughly 60 hours of free time each week, he said. \r\n \r\n“How students use that time matters,” Chen said. “Strength is built through time and diverse participation.” \r\n \r\nUniversities, therefore, have a responsibility to create environments and opportunities that help students develop soft power. \r\n \r\nChen traces the origins of liberal education to Britain, where universities such as Oxford and Cambridge combine academic departments with residential colleges. While departments oversee disciplinary training, colleges bring together students from diverse fields and provide living spaces, mentorship, and community activities. \r\n \r\nDuring his tenure as president of Tunghai University from 2004 to 2012, Chen established a residential liberal arts college. Later, as vice rector of the University of Macau, he expanded the system with institutional support, placing more than 6,000 students into ten residential colleges as part of a campus-wide liberal education model. \r\n \r\nSoft Power as a GPS for Life \r\n \r\nToday’s younger generation often pursues speed and efficiency, and media consumption habits have become increasingly fast-paced. Some observers question whether liberal education—which requires long-term cultivation—can still appeal to students. \r\n \r\nChen believes the answer lies in embracing technology rather than resisting it. \r\n \r\nArtificial intelligence, he said, can serve as a powerful learning tool, enabling students to explore knowledge more quickly and broadly. \r\n \r\nFor example, many online platforms now offer virtual tools to help students practice speaking and communication skills. \r\n \r\nChen also encourages students to use generative AI for writing and research—but with an important condition: they must actively engage with the process. \r\n \r\nStarting with an initial prompt, students should repeatedly refine their instructions, add their own ideas, and engage in deeper dialogue with the system. Only through this iterative process can the final work truly reflect the creator’s own thinking. \r\n \r\nNew technologies, Chen emphasized, are like double-edged swords. \r\n \r\n“Information can be obtained quickly,” he said. “But information is not the same as knowledge.” \r\n \r\nKnowledge requires verification, the pursuit of truth, and the willingness to put belief into action. \r\n \r\nRather than rushing to provide answers for students facing an uncertain future, Chen hopes to equip them with the tools to chart their own paths. \r\n \r\nSoft power, he said, can serve as a kind of GPS for life, guiding students through an unknown world shaped by artificial intelligence. \r\n \r\nPlease refer to the original text (Mandarin) for details. \r\n \r\nNYCU Chief Strategy Officer Haydn Chen speaks in an interview about the importance of cultivating soft power in the AI era.(Photo credit: Central News Agency)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1481508477380595712&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Students Win Global Championship at JAXA’s Kibo-RPC Space Robotics Programming Challenge","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-09","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
Students from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have captured first place at the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC) global final, hosted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking the third time Taiwan has won the international competition. \r\n \r\nThe final round took place on Feb. 28 at the Tsukuba Space Center in Japan, where the Taiwanese representative team “iTron,” composed of NYCU Department of Mechanical Engineering students Lin Ying-Pei, Wu Dian-Mou, Zheng Li-Qi, and Chen Chang-Jun, outperformed teams from 13 countries and organizations to claim the championship. \r\n \r\nA Global Space Robotics Competition \r\n \r\nOrganized by JAXA and open to members of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), the Kibo-RPC is an international educational competition that engages students in real-world space robotics challenges. Participants develop programs for Astrobee, a free-flying robotic system aboard the International Space Station (ISS), helping astronauts complete tasks while sharpening their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). \r\n \r\nThe sixth Kibo-RPC competition began accepting registrations in early 2025 and attracted 738 teams worldwide. \r\n \r\nTaiwan’s preliminary round was organized by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University, drawing 307 students across 77 teams. After winning the national round, the NYCU team advanced to the global final in Japan, competing against champion teams from Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Vietnam, and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. \r\n \r\nProgramming Astrobee Inside the ISS \r\n \r\nAccording to TASA, this year’s competition featured significantly increased technical difficulty. \r\n \r\nIn the mission designed by JAXA, competitors were required to write Java programs enabling Astrobee to autonomously navigate confined spaces inside the ISS, identify objects, verify quantities, record locations, and report findings to astronauts. The robot also had to locate specific objects according to the astronaut's instructions. \r\n \r\nTo complete the task, teams applied supervised machine learning techniques, transforming data and training models capable of achieving over 95% recognition accuracy, while balancing system stability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
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\r\n \r\niTron Secures Double Championship \r\n \r\nIn addition to the traditional Final Round rankings based on live mission execution, this year’s competition introduced a Simulation Competition Award, in which teams’ programs were tested ten times in a simulator with cumulative scoring. \r\n \r\nThe NYCU team iTron also secured first place in this category, becoming the competition’s double champion. Team captain Lin Ying-Pei said the key to success was to continuously refine the system’s visual recognition models and movement strategies while maintaining a balance between stability and scoring performance. \r\n \r\n“During development, we encountered several technical challenges, including difficulties in object recognition under low-resolution and partially occluded conditions, as well as limitations in computing resources and long training times caused by large datasets,” Lin said. “One of our major breakthroughs was finding ways to significantly shorten the training cycle under constrained computing conditions.” \r\n \r\nYears of Investment in Space Education \r\n \r\nTASA noted that the iTron team demonstrated not only strong technical fundamentals but also creativity in problem-solving. In addition to optimizing their programming code, the students incorporated statistical approaches to refine algorithms and parameter settings, helping them achieve top performance. \r\n \r\nProfessor Chang I-Ling of National Cheng Kung University, which hosted Taiwan’s preliminary round, said the team’s achievement reflects years of investment in space education and hands-on programming training in Taiwan. \r\n \r\n“The outstanding performance of Taiwan’s students highlights the innovative strength of our young generation and allows the world to see Taiwan’s growing capabilities in space technology and engineering,” Chang said. \r\n \r\nMembers of the NYCU team iTron react with applause as the championship results are announced at the final round of the Kibo-RPC.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1481207960574103552&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and MUFG Convene Taiwan–Japan–India Semiconductor Conference to Strengthen Regional Value Chains","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-06","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) jointly hosted the “MUFG × NYCU Semiconductor Conference in Taiwan” on Feb. 24 in Hsinchu, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and academic experts from Japan, Taiwan, India, and across the Asia-Pacific region. \r\n \r\nThe hybrid event attracted more than 450 participants, both online and in person, focusing on how global semiconductor partners can build more interconnected, resilient regional value chains amid the ongoing restructuring of the global chip industry. \r\n \r\nTaiwan as an Ecosystem Integrator Connecting Cross-Border Collaboration \r\n \r\nA central theme of the forum was the emerging trilateral cooperation model among Japan, Taiwan, and India in the semiconductor sector. \r\n \r\nParticipants noted that Japan’s strengths lie in capital and advanced manufacturing equipment, while Taiwan serves as a key ecosystem integrator, connecting supply chains and innovation networks. India, meanwhile, offers rapidly expanding engineering talent and a workforce in motion, positioning the country as an important emerging partner in the global semiconductor landscape. \r\n \r\nSpeakers emphasized that supply-chain resilience must go beyond manufacturing capacity and investment. Sustainable competitiveness, they argued, will require closer collaboration in industry-linked education programs, hands-on training, and cross-border talent exchange, ensuring that human capital and innovation remain at the core of long-term growth. \r\n \r\nThe conference also highlighted the role of financial institutions and cross-border platforms as key catalysts for regional cooperation. MUFG shared its experience connecting investment resources and industrial partners across the Asia-Pacific region, including its support for major semiconductor investment projects in India, illustrating how financial institutions can accelerate supply-chain partnerships and the development of new production capacity.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nNYCU and MUFG Sign MOU to Advance Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability \r\n \r\nDuring the conference, NYCU and MUFG also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration between academia and the financial sector. \r\n \r\nThe partnership will focus on semiconductor talent development, industry–academia innovation, and sustainable development initiatives. By combining MUFG’s financial expertise and global investment networks with NYCU’s strengths in semiconductor research and education, the collaboration aims to further strengthen Taiwan–Japan strategic cooperation and expand engagement with partners across the broader Asia-Pacific region. \r\n \r\nTurning Trust into an Accelerator for Global Collaboration \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, NYCU aims to position itself as a global platform for cross-border industry–academia collaboration, enabling more efficient flows of capital, talent, and innovation. \r\n \r\nBuilding on Taiwan’s longstanding reputation for reliable partnerships and supply-chain integration, the university seeks to expand international collaboration and transform Taiwan’s semiconductor leadership into a scalable regional value network that benefits partners across the Indo-Pacific. \r\n \r\nRepresentatives from NYCU and MUFG sign an MOU on Feb. 24.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1480458128515403776&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU to Install Taiwan’s First Human 7-Tesla MRI, Opening a New Era for Brain Science Research","dataClassName":"Smart Healthcare","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-05","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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Edited by Chance Lai
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is set to install Taiwan’s first human 7-Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system at its Bo-Ai Campus, marking a major milestone for the country’s medical imaging capability and brain science research. \r\n \r\nThe cutting-edge facility is expected to significantly enhance Taiwan’s capacity in clinical medicine, neuroscience, and cognitive research, providing scientists with an unprecedented platform to explore the human brain with extraordinary precision. \r\n \r\nA Leap in Imaging Technology \r\n \r\nSince its introduction in the 1970s, MRI has become one of the most essential tools in modern medical diagnosis and research. Today, most hospitals rely on 1.5-Tesla MRI scanners for routine clinical imaging, while 3-Tesla systems are widely used in advanced research settings. \r\n \r\nThe 7T MRI system planned by NYCU offers a much stronger magnetic field, dramatically improving image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. This enables researchers to observe the body’s microstructures and pathological changes with far greater clarity than before. \r\n \r\nAs a result, subtle brain abnormalities that were previously difficult to detect—such as microbleeds, microvascular lesions, delicate neural structures, and fine-grained brain activity patterns—can be captured and analyzed with unprecedented detail. Researchers expect this capability to open new avenues for understanding neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric conditions, and the functional architecture of the brain. \r\n
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From 3T to 7T — More Than a Numerical Upgrade
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\r\nFor medical imaging scientists, increasing magnetic field strength represents more than a technological upgrade—it fundamentally expands research capability. \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin said the university’s earlier installation of a 3-Tesla MRI had already generated a significant impact across multiple research fields. The addition of a 7-Tesla system, he noted, will play an even more transformative role. \r\n \r\n“Because we have previously built and operated a 3-Tesla MRI system, we have seen how profoundly it can influence research across the university,” Lin said. “At this moment, investing in a 7-Tesla MRI is meant to serve as a locomotive—driving NYCU forward in brain science research, particularly in interdisciplinary work that connects neuroscience with the humanities and social sciences.” \r\n \r\nNYCU has long been known for integrating medicine, engineering, and advanced technology. The introduction of the 7T MRI is expected to further strengthen collaboration between clinicians and engineers, enabling cutting-edge imaging technologies to translate more rapidly into clinical insights and scientific discoveries. \r\n
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Seeing What Was Once Invisible \r\n
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According to Shuu-Jiun Wang, Dean of the NYCU College of Medicine, traditional imaging methods still have limitations in studying complex brain disorders. \r\n \r\n“From CT scans to 1.5-Tesla MRI and even 3-Tesla MRI, we have always been trying to understand what exactly is happening in the brain,” Wang said. “Many functional disorders may occur within extremely small nuclei or neural circuits, and current imaging technologies cannot always visualize them clearly enough.” \r\n \r\nRecent international studies suggest that ultra-high-field 7T MRI can reveal microscopic structures and pathological changes that were previously beyond the reach of conventional imaging techniques, offering researchers a powerful new window into brain function and disease. \r\n \r\nWang emphasized that the true value of the technology will ultimately depend on how researchers and clinicians use it. \r\n \r\n“Scientists around the world are exploring what this kind of machine can truly contribute to humanity,” he said. “If we do not have the opportunity to explore it ourselves, we will never know its value. And that value is something we create together.”
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Building Taiwan’s Next Brain Science Hub
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\r\nWith its strong foundation in clinical medicine, engineering, and interdisciplinary science, NYCU aims to turn the new 7T MRI facility into a major hub for brain science and precision medicine research in Taiwan. \r\n \r\nSupported by international collaborations and a new generation of emerging researchers, the facility is expected to become an important national research infrastructure. \r\n \r\nPresident Lin said the project represents not only a significant investment for the university but also a step toward strengthening Taiwan’s global scientific presence. \r\n \r\n“NYCU brings together outstanding teams in clinical medicine and engineering, world-class partners, and a new generation eager to engage with the world,” Lin said. “Now we must work together to bring Taiwan onto the global stage and light the way for the next generation.” \r\n \r\nFrom 1.5T to 3T and now to 7T, the advancement is not simply an increase in magnetic field strength. It represents a new bridge toward ultra-precise medicine and deeper exploration of the human brain. \r\n \r\nWith Taiwan’s first 7-Tesla MRI set to be installed at NYCU’s Bo-Ai Campus, the nation’s medical imaging and brain science research are poised to enter a new era.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1478675336655802368&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Team Develops High-Efficiency Distributed Propulsion VTOL UAV","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-03-04","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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From left: Professors Wen-Hsiao Peng, Teng-Hu Cheng, Lua Kim Boon, and Jen-Hui Chuang.
A cross-disciplinary research team led by Professor Jen-Hui Chuang of the Department of Computer Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), along with Professors Lua Kim Boon, Teng-Hu Cheng, and Wen-Hsiao Peng, won the 2025 "Future Tech Award" for their "High-Efficiency Distributed Electric Propulsion Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV Technology." \r\n \r\nThis technology is a core output of the Ministry of Science and Technology's "Resilient Homeland – Smart Safety Environment and Disaster Prevention System Constructed with Smart UAVs" project. It not only enhances the UAV's endurance and stability but also opens up new possibilities for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and disaster response applications. \r\n \r\nBreaking Traditional Design Frameworks: Innovative Propulsion Technology Enhances Flight Efficiency \r\n \r\nThe team broke through the design limitation of traditional Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAVs, which require two separate propulsion systems, by proposing a "Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP)" architecture. The system combines controllable pitch propeller modules with a servo control mechanism, enabling a single platform to perform multi-mode flight, including takeoff, hovering, transition, and high-speed cruising. This significantly reduces structural weight, lowers drag, and improves energy efficiency. This innovation demonstrates Taiwan's independent R&D capabilities in high-level aerodynamic control. \r\n \r\nIn wind tunnel experiments and numerical simulations, the wake generated by the distributed propellers guides the airflow to closely adhere to the main wing surface, delaying boundary layer separation and suppressing stall, resulting in a more than three-fold increase in the lift coefficient. The team further optimized propeller size and configuration to improve the lift-to-drag ratio and flow field uniformity. The counter-rotating wingtip design weakens vortices and reduces induced drag, making the overall flight more stable and energy-efficient. \r\n
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AI Smart Control: Making UAVs Smarter and Safer \r\n
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In addition to structural innovation, the team incorporated an AI sensing and decision-making system, enabling the UAV to possess real-time environmental awareness and autonomous flight capabilities. The system can dynamically adjust the thrust direction and rotational speed distribution based on airflow changes and mission requirements to maintain a stable flight attitude, making it particularly suitable for sudden weather changes or complex terrain. Intelligent control allows the UAV to perform high-risk tasks in disaster sites or low-altitude urban environments, balancing safety and efficiency. \r\n \r\nModular design is another key feature. Each propulsion module can be independently controlled and quickly maintained, allowing for flexible configuration adjustments based on mission payload, giving it high expandability and cross-platform integration potential. The all-electric drive structure also boasts advantages such as low noise, zero emissions, and simple maintenance, aligning with global net-zero and green aviation development trends.
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Multi-Domain Applications: From Smart Cities to Disaster Relief \r\n
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This technology, with its advantages of high endurance, high stability, and multi-mode control, can be widely applied in fields such as Urban Air Mobility, disaster relief, and energy inspection.
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Urban Air Mobility (UAM): It can serve as a core vehicle for short-range shuttle services, air taxis, and low-altitude logistics, offering both low noise and high safety features.
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Disaster Response: The system can autonomously identify mission requirements and quickly deploy to areas with disrupted traffic or difficult terrain to perform aerial photography, transportation, and communication tasks.
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Inspections and Monitoring: This technology can also support smart agriculture and energy facility inspection, carrying sensors and AI edge computing modules for farmland monitoring, crop analysis, wind farm, and power tower inspection. Furthermore, it can combine GPS and visual navigation for high-efficiency patrol and material transport in remote areas and national defense monitoring missions, showcasing the potential for Taiwan's independent disaster prevention technology applications.
This technology was granted an invention patent (Certificate No.: TWI890115B) by the Intellectual Property Office in July 2025, titled "Fixed-Wing UAV and its Propeller Assembly." The system uses a servo motor to drive a rod mechanism, axially rotating to adjust the propeller direction, automatically changing the thrust vector according to different flight modes. The propeller modules are distributed along the wing's leading edge and can instantaneously fine-tune their angle based on airflow conditions, providing both energy-saving and stability benefits. This innovative structure breaks the limitations of fixed-wing UAVs in VTOL and transition flight, laying the core foundation for the team's "Distributed Electric Propulsion" system \r\n
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Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Building a Next-Generation Smart Flight Platform \r\n \r\nThis team, integrating expertise from computer science, mechanical design, control systems, and artificial intelligence, showcases NYCU's R&D strength in cross-disciplinary innovation. The team's core philosophy is "to propel a green aviation future with intelligence," hoping to establish a practical technology platform for next-generation air mobility and disaster response applications through innovative distributed propulsion and AI decision-making systems. \r\n \r\nFrom Research to Practice: Opening a New Chapter in Green Aviation \r\n \r\nWinning the "Future Tech Award" not only affirms NYCU's R&D achievements in smart aviation and AI applications but also symbolizes the campus's research energy moving towards practical application and international alignment. The technology provides a critical solution for next-generation smart air transport, and is expected to have a far-reaching impact in diverse fields such as urban traffic, disaster relief, energy monitoring, and sustainable development.
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Students in the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering engage in hands-on coursework, analyzing real-time system data and simulation outputs in the laboratory at NYCU.
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Edited by Chance Lai
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As global competition for top technology talent intensifies, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is sending its electrical engineering students directly to the front lines of innovation. \r\n \r\nThrough a new overseas elite study scholarship program, the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering will lead students this summer to the heart of Silicon Valley—partnering with leading institutions including Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Davis. There, students will participate in advanced laboratory research and gain firsthand exposure to emerging trends in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and next-generation technologies. \r\n \r\nFrom Classroom to Innovation Frontier \r\n \r\nIn July and August, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering Chair Kai-Ten Feng will personally lead a delegation of students to conduct forward-looking research projects at partner laboratories and to visit major technology companies in Silicon Valley. \r\n \r\nThe initiative is supported by the department’s Elite Overseas Study Scholarship, which provides students with early access to global research ecosystems and industrial innovation networks. \r\n \r\n“Electrical engineering and computer science have become the critical foundations driving industrial transformation,” Fang said. “These fields now extend into intelligent chip design, humanoid robotics, and low-Earth orbit satellite communications. Through international research internships and academic exchange, we aim to position our students at the forefront of global innovation.” \r\n \r\nFang added that exposure to cutting-edge laboratories and industry environments enables students to develop advanced research capabilities and interdisciplinary integration skills—both essential in responding to rapid technological evolution.
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\r\nBuilding Global Competitiveness Early \r\n \r\nWith international competition for higher-education excellence and high-tech talent intensifying, NYCU is expanding its strategy to offer a more diverse range of global learning pathways. \r\n \r\nAssociate Chair Feng-Tsun Chien explained that the department integrates summer research internships, international exchange programs, and collaborative academic–industry partnerships into a cohesive talent development model. \r\n \r\n“Our goal is to ensure that students accumulate substantive international research and industry-aligned experience during their studies,” Chien said. “By doing so, they graduate not only with technical expertise, but with genuine global competitiveness.” \r\n \r\nConnecting Taiwan to the World’s Innovation Hubs \r\n \r\nThe initiative reflects NYCU’s broader commitment to bridging education, research, and industry across borders. By embedding students within leading research universities and global technology ecosystems, the university aims to cultivate a new generation of engineers capable of navigating—and shaping—the future of AI, semiconductor innovation, and advanced systems engineering. \r\n \r\nAs Silicon Valley continues to define the direction of global technology development, NYCU is ensuring its students are not merely observers but active participants in the next wave of transformation.
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By Chance Lai
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has once again demonstrated its academic strength across disciplines, with eight faculty members receiving the 2025 Outstanding Research Award from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), one of the nation’s highest honors recognizing sustained research impact and scholarly excellence. \r\n \r\nThe award recognizes researchers who have made long-term, original contributions that advance global knowledge frontiers. This year’s recipients represent a wide spectrum of fields, reflecting NYCU’s distinctive integration of engineering, medicine, the humanities, and social innovation. \r\n \r\nEight Scholars, Eight Long-Term Research Journeys \r\n \r\nThe 2025 NSTC Outstanding Research Award recipients from NYCU are:
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Prof. Chun-Cheng Lin, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
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Prof. Li-Wei Ko, Institute of Electrical and Control Engineering
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Prof. Chih-Yuan Sun, Institute of Education
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Prof. Chun-Cheng Hsu, Institute of Applied Arts
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Prof. Wen-Chih Peng, Department of Computer Science
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Prof. Hsin-Yuan Huang, Department of Applied Mathematics
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Prof. Shih-Pin Chen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
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Prof. Jin-Wu Tsai, Institute of Brain Science
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Together, their work spans industrial systems optimization, intelligent control technologies, educational innovation, artistic practice, computer science, mathematical theory, clinical medicine, and neuroscience. \r\n \r\nThe diversity of this year’s awardees highlights NYCU’s role as a research university where disciplinary boundaries increasingly intersect to address complex global challenges.
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\r\nAdvancing Knowledge Across Disciplines \r\n \r\nThe NSTC Outstanding Research Award honors not a single breakthrough, but years—often decades—of sustained scholarly dedication. Each recipient represents a distinct research path shaped by persistence, curiosity, and long-term academic investment. \r\n \r\nAt NYCU, such achievements are supported by an ecosystem that connects fundamental research with real-world impact. The university’s distributed multi-campus structure and strong collaboration between engineering, biomedical science, and human-centered disciplines continue to foster innovation across fields. \r\n \r\nUniversity leadership noted that the recognition reflects not only individual excellence but also Taiwan’s growing influence in global research networks. \r\n \r\nA Reflection of NYCU’s Interdisciplinary Strength \r\n \r\nSince the 2021 merger of National Chiao Tung University and National Yang-Ming University, NYCU has actively cultivated a cross-domain research culture that bridges technology, healthcare, society, and creativity. \r\n \r\nThis year’s award list serves as a microcosm of that vision: \r\nfrom algorithm design and smart systems to education research, artistic exploration, clinical science, and brain research. \r\n \r\nNYCU extends its congratulations to all award recipients and expresses deep appreciation for their continued efforts to expand the boundaries of knowledge and inspire future generations of scholars.
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Signing Ceremony for the HuaJen Hall Construction Project \r\n(Photo credit: Wistron Corporation)
A landmark gift from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) alumnus Simon Lin will establish HuaJen Hall as a new center for AI research, education, and industry collaboration. \r\n \r\nNYCU held a signing ceremony on November 28, 2025, for the donation of HuaJen Hall, the second building of the College of Computer Science. The ceremony was jointly presided over by the University President Chi-Hung Lin and alumnus Simon Lin, Chairman of Wistron Corporation, and was witnessed by three senior executives from Wistron, three vice presidents of NYCU, and representatives from the College of Computer Science. \r\n \r\nSimon Lin will personally and unconditionally fund the construction of the entire building, marking the first time in NYCU's history that a complete campus building has been independently financed by a single individual donor. \r\n \r\nGiving Back to Shape the Future of Computing \r\n \r\nHuaJen Hall is named in honor of Lin's parents, symbolizing his gratitude and commitment to giving back to his alma mater. Visibly moved during the ceremony, Lin marked the occasion as a significant milestone in the development of the College of Computer Science. \r\n \r\nThe project originated from the College of Computer Science's long-standing shortage of space. Under the leadership of former Dean Jyh-Cheng Chen, the college actively pursued fundraising efforts and received strong support from Lin. In response to public-sector regulations, the project adopted a build-first, donate-later model.
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\r\nThroughout the process, the University's administrative team provided full support. With leadership from the President and coordination among multiple vice presidents, Dean of General Affairs S.C.Huang, and administrative offices, an ideal site was secured at the heart of the campus, adjacent to existing department buildings. \r\n \r\nThe Wistron team also contributed professional expertise, offering strategic guidance on construction planning, technology integration, and architectural feasibility. The building is designed by renowned architect Sheng-Yuan Huang, who embraced a philosophy of coexistence with nature by preserving existing trees, framing natural views, and creating a learning environment that harmonizes with its surroundings. \r\n \r\nBuilding a New Hub for AI Innovation and Talent \r\n \r\nDean Shiuhpyng Shieh of the College of Computer Science expressed sincere gratitude to Simon Lin for his generous donation, as well as to the University's administrative team, the Wistron team, and all faculty and staff who contributed to the realization of this landmark project. He noted that, with the collective efforts of faculty and students, HuaJen Hall is expected to become an innovation cradle and talent hub—attracting outstanding students and drawing strong interest from industry partners—while further strengthening NYCU's role in cultivating future leaders in information and computing disciplines. \r\n \r\nUpon completion, HuaJen Hall will serve as a major center for teaching and research within the College of Information, fostering innovation, enhancing industry–academia collaboration, and supporting NYCU's continued pursuit of global academic excellence.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1476417002942763008&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Congratulates Prof. M.C. Frank Chang on Receiving the 2025 John Fritz Medal","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-02-23","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Professor Mau-Chung Frank Chang receives the 2025 John Fritz Medal, recognizing his pioneering contributions to high-speed semiconductor electronics.
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By Professor Haydn Chen \r\nEdited by Chance Lai
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) proudly congratulates Professor Mau-Chung Frank Chang, former President of National Chiao Tung University—now part of NYCU following its 2021 merger with National Yang-Ming University—and Distinguished Professor at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, on receiving the 2025 John Fritz Medal, widely regarded as one of the highest honors in the engineering profession. \r\n \r\nOften regarded as the “Nobel Prize of Engineering,” the John Fritz Medal recognizes individuals whose scientific and technological achievements have delivered profound and lasting global impact. Professor Chang was honored for his pioneering contributions to high-speed semiconductor electronics, particularly his leadership in developing AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) and related BiFET technologies—innovations that became foundational to modern wireless communications. \r\n \r\nToday, these technologies remain integral to radio-frequency power amplifiers used in billions of mobile devices worldwide, shaping the evolution of the global mobile communications era. \r\n \r\nTransforming Semiconductor Innovation into a Global Industry \r\n \r\nProfessor Chang currently serves as the Wintek Chair and Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering at UCLA and is a member of multiple prestigious academies, including the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. \r\n \r\nHis career bridges academia, industry, and institutional leadership, exemplifying how advanced scientific research can translate into transformative industrial applications. Prior to joining UCLA, Chang led integrated-circuit technology development at Rockwell International’s Science Center, where his breakthroughs in heterojunction technologies redefined high-frequency semiconductor performance. \r\n \r\nLeadership Legacy and the Formation of NYCU \r\n \r\nAs President of National Chiao Tung University (2015–2019), Professor Chang led significant institutional reforms and played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s long-term strategic vision. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the historic merger between National Chiao Tung University and National Yang-Ming University, which in 2021 formed NYCU.
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\r\n \r\nChang’s recognition carries particular significance for Taiwan’s academic community. As a Taiwan-trained Ph.D. scholar who rose to global prominence in semiconductor innovation, his career reflects the international influence of Taiwan’s engineering education and research ecosystem. \r\n \r\nEngineering Excellence with Global Impact \r\n \r\nEstablished in 1902, the John Fritz Medal honors outstanding achievement in pure or applied science and engineering. Past recipients include technological pioneers such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Orville Wright; semiconductor leaders Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore; and entrepreneur Elon Musk. \r\n \r\nProfessor Chang’s journey—from Taiwan to global leadership in semiconductor innovation—embodies a lifelong commitment to excellence, service, and advancing engineering for humanity. \r\n \r\nNYCU extends its deepest congratulations to Professor Chang on this extraordinary recognition. \r\n \r\nThe 2025 John Fritz Medal is awarded to Frank Chang (center), pictured with his wife, Shelly Chang, and 2025 IEEE-USA President Timothy Lee. (Photo credit: ISSCC)
\r\nIn 2025, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University’s (NYCU) English website featured 150 news articles spanning 12 main themes. This diverse coverage highlights the university’s dynamic growth and its leadership in academia, research, and global collaboration. \r\n \r\nThis year, NYCU focused on four key promotional areas: College Features, Academics/Research, Industry Cooperation, and International Affairs. To further engage readers and provide more personalized narratives, sections such as the President’s Letter, Feature Column, and Feature Story were refined. These enhancements offered valuable insights into NYCU’s core values and achievements through a more human-centered, storytelling approach. \r\n \r\nReflecting our ongoing commitment to quality and consistency, the website maintained a steady stream of high-quality articles, averaging 1,061 views per article—a 141% increase over 2024. Industry Cooperation and Smart Healthcare were the most popular topics, especially articles covering key semiconductor partnerships (e.g., Altera, Siemens) and innovative medical technologies (e.g., automated stem cell systems), underscoring NYCU’s rising prominence as a global leader in BioICT innovation. \r\n \r\n
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Key News Trends Shaping NYCU News in 2025
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Spotlight on Societal Impact
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In 2025, NYCU’s news coverage increasingly highlighted how research and innovation directly address urgent, real-world issues—such as aging populations, environmental sustainability, and public health. Articles moved beyond technical details, focusing on the tangible outcomes and benefits of academic breakthroughs for society.
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\r\nStrategic Global Collaboration
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NYCU strengthened its position as a global academic leader by deepening international partnerships. The university emphasized bilateral research projects, active participation in major international forums, and the establishment of long-term collaborations with top institutions in the United States, Japan, and Europe, reflecting a more systematic approach to global engagement.
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\r\nPersonalized Storytelling and Branding
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To make NYCU’s achievements more relatable, 2025 saw a continued move toward storytelling that centers on personal experiences and narratives. Features such as the President’s Letter and in-depth stories offered unique perspectives on leadership, research journeys, and student experiences, helping audiences connect with the university’s values and vision on a human level. \r\nThe following sections will highlight the top 10 trending NYCU news stories of 2025 and 10 editors’ picks—essential reading across the university’s diverse news categories.
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01. NYCU and TSMC, ITRI, Stanford Team Achieve Breakthrough in Next-Gen MRAM for AI and Low-Power Applications
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A cross-institutional research collaboration has achieved a major breakthrough in spin–orbit torque MRAM technology by stabilizing β-phase tungsten for high-temperature processing. This innovation resulted in a 64-kilobit, ultrafast, low-power, non-volatile memory compatible with CMOS, pushing forward next-generation AI, mobile, and data-center applications while bolstering Taiwan’s leadership in advanced semiconductor memory.
02. NYCU's Cross-Disciplinary Course “Things We Learned from Animals” Explores the Bond Between Humans and Animals
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A new cross-disciplinary course, “Things We Learned from Animals,” brought together NYCU, TNUA, and NCCU to blend life sciences, humanities, and the arts. The program uses animal-assisted therapy and ethical reflection to cultivate empathy and a deeper appreciation for human–animal bonds, presenting animals as companions in holistic education and self-awareness. (READ MORE)
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03. NYCU Rises in Global University Rankings but Eyes Deeper Global Collaboration
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For the first time, NYCU entered the QS Top 200 in 2026, securing the 199th global spot by making notable advances in research impact, sustainability, and graduate employability. With a 41st place in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, the university is sharpening its focus on international partnerships, academic distinction, and raising its global profile to continue this momentum. (READ MORE)
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04. NYCU and Kyushu University Unite Academia, Industry, and Government for Taiwan-Japan Semiconductor Co-Creation
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Semiconductor collaboration between Taiwan and Japan reached new heights as NYCU and Kyushu University co-hosted the 2nd Global Partnership Semiconductor Forum and signed a broader MOU. This initiative fosters synergy across academia, industry, and government, laying the groundwork for joint education, research, and startup incubation—and setting a model for talent cultivation and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.(READ MORE)
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05. NYCU Unveils Strange Metal Mechanism in Superconductors, Opening a Path to Energy-Efficient Technologies
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NYCU researchers have uncovered the formation mechanism of the “strange metal” quantum critical state in cuprate superconductors, resolving a decades-old physics puzzle. The findings reveal how quantum entanglement enables high-temperature superconductivity, advancing prospects for room-temperature, energy-efficient superconducting materials.(READ MORE)
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06. NYCU TCMGRC Unveils Anti-Cancer Potential of Polysaccharides in Poria and Antrodia Cinnamomea
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At the Traditional Chinese Medicine Glycomics Research Center, scientists have discovered strong anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in polysaccharides derived from Poria and Antrodia cinnamomea. Suc40 F3, a newly identified compound, inhibits cancer cell proliferation, and precision cultivation further boosts bioactivity—paving the way for the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine and new drug development.(READ MORE)
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07. NYCU, TSMC Charity Foundation, and 104 Job Bank Launch Taiwan’s First Humanities-Driven Semiconductor Program to Bridge the Gap for Non-STEM Students
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A unique, humanities-driven semiconductor education program—Taiwan’s first—has been launched through joint efforts by NYCU, the TSMC Charity Foundation, and 104 Job Bank. By fostering industry insight, narrative skills, and broader communication for non-STEM students, the initiative expands the talent pool and highlights the value of humanistic thinking in the high-tech sector. (READ MORE)
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08. NYCU Develops Smartphone-Based, Contactless System for Heart Rhythm Monitoring Without ECG
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A contactless heart rhythm monitoring system—operating via smartphone or laptop camera and powered by lightweight AI—now enables offline detection of atrial fibrillation. Clinically validated with over 450 subjects and published in IEEE JBHI, this solution makes telehealth and preventive cardiac care more accessible and resilient to motion or lighting challenges.(READ MORE)
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09. Everyday Actions, Deep Brain Connections: NYCU Study Uncovers How Chewing and Swallowing Engage the Human Mind
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A scientific team from NYCU used MRI to reveal that chewing and swallowing engage distinct brain networks. Chewing performance depends on cerebellar–sensorimotor and prefrontal connectivity, especially under difficulty, while swallowing relies on cerebellar–basal ganglia circuits. Oral function correlates with systemic muscle health, highlighting brain-dependent adaptation and implications for aging, dentistry, and geriatric care. (READ MORE)
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10. NYCU Researchers Develop Brain-Inspired Photonic Synaptic Transistor for Next-Gen AI Vision Systems
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NYCU researchers developed an all-metal-oxide heterojunction photonic synaptic transistor that emulates biological learning and memory. Utilizing WO₃/InWZnO, the device features multilevel synaptic plasticity, visible-light sensitivity, and nonvolatile visual memory. Integrated arrays achieve high accuracy in AI vision tasks, paving the way for next-generation neuromorphic sensing, autonomous systems, and medical imaging applications. (READ MORE)
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\r\n \r\nEditor’s Picks
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Two Centuries After Bifocals: NYCU Builds World’s First Electronically Adjustable Liquid Crystal Eyeglasses
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Researchers at NYCU have developed the world’s first battery-powered, electronically adjustable liquid crystal eyeglasses using gradient-index lenses. The system enables real-time, touch-controlled focal tuning with high image quality, overcoming limitations of traditional bifocals. Published in Physical Review Applied, the work demonstrates feasibility for mass production and broad applications in vision correction, AR/VR, and machine vision.(READ MORE)
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Rebooting Careers: NYCU’s 3-Month Semiconductor Training Program Opens Doors for Non-STEM Talent
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NYCU, in partnership with Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor, launched a fully subsidized three-month semiconductor training program enabling non-STEM talent to transition into high-tech careers. With intensive hands-on instruction, the initiative has trained over 1,100 participants and achieved a 70% job placement rate, expanding Taiwan’s semiconductor workforce and diversifying its talent pipeline. (READ MORE)
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NYCU Uses Fruit Fly Brain to Uncover Key Pathway That May Halt Parkinson’s Disease Progression
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A novel lysosomal pathway, discovered through studies in fruit fly and mouse models, has been shown to clear toxic α-synuclein via the GAK/aux gene. This mechanism, which regulates lysosomal acidification in glial cells, protects dopamine neurons and represents a promising therapeutic target for slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. (READ MORE)
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Tracing the Origin: NYCU Unveils a Living Archive of the Sixth Fuel Factory
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The Sixth Fuel Factory Documenta 2025 is an interdisciplinary initiative that merges history, ecology, and contemporary art. By drawing on archival materials, GIS-driven narratives, and site-specific artworks, the project revitalizes the WWII-era Sixth Fuel Factory as a living archive, weaving together memories from local to transnational scales along the Touqian River. (READ MORE)
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NYCU Asfaloth-2025 Rocket Launched: First Integration of TASA’s MLP Marks a Milestone in Academic Space Research
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NYCU successfully launched the Asfaloth-2025 sounding rocket, marking the first academic integration of TASA’s Mobile Launch Platform. The launch validated key systems—propulsion, avionics, communications, and vibration monitoring—while paving the way for future aerospace talent development and robust launch capabilities. (READ MORE)
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NYCU and Nobel Laureate Unveil Breakthrough Algorithm to Accelerate Protein Structure Search and Drug Discovery
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SARST2, a high-performance algorithm developed in collaboration with Nobel Laureate Arieh Warshel and Prof. Wei-Cheng Lo, enables ultra-fast protein structure comparisons across massive databases. This advancement, recently published in Nature Communications, tackles the challenges of AlphaFold-driven data surges and is set to accelerate drug discovery with remarkable speed and precision.(READ MORE)
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NYCU IAPS and Kyushu University OIP Sign MOU to Foster Taiwan-Japan Innovation Exchange
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NYCU IAPS and Kyushu University’s OIP signed an MoU to strengthen Taiwan–Japan innovation ecosystems. The partnership fosters startups, technology transfer, and academia-industry collaboration, including cross-border startup support and participation in events. It underscores a shared commitment to co-creating globally competitive, innovation-driven enterprises.(READ MORE)
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NYCU Virtual Idol Niku Shines in the Anime Scene, Drawing Crowds at Taiwan’s Largest Fan Event!
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Niku, a virtual idol co-created by NYCU and DreamCity Studio, made her debut at FF44—Taiwan’s prominent anime convention—entertaining audiences with live performances and interactive activities. Her rapid rise in popularity showcases the university’s pioneering approach to digital engagement and virtual influencer technology. (READ MORE)
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NYCU and HHRI Develop World’s Smallest Chip-Scale Projector, Spotlighted on Nano Letters Cover
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The world’s smallest chip-scale projector—measuring just 0.025 mm³—has emerged from a collaboration between NYCU and HHRI. This breakthrough monolithically integrated metasurface–photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (meta-PCSEL) is featured on the cover of Nano Letters for its potential in AR, VR, and wearable spatial computing. (READ MORE)
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NYCU Partners with IBM to Establish Enterprise-Grade AI Learning Environment, Boosting Students’ Career Competitiveness
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A strategic alliance with IBM brings the watsonx.ai platform and SkillsBuild digital resources into NYCU’s curriculum, equipping students with enterprise-level AI expertise, hands-on project experience, and industry insight. This initiative boosts practical skills, interdisciplinary learning, and career readiness for the AI-driven job market.(READ MORE)
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The 2025 NYCU News Annual Report captures a university in active transformation—combining research excellence with a strong sense of societal responsibility, expanding international partnerships, and prioritizing storytelling that puts people at the center. With ongoing advances in science, technology, medicine, humanities, and cross-sector collaboration, NYCU continues to deliver solutions to pressing global issues and nurture talent that bridges Taiwan and the world. Looking forward, NYCU stands dedicated to advancing knowledge, growing impactful collaborations, and making a lasting, positive difference for academia, industry, and society.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1471404804545712128&init=Y","expFile":"2025 News Highlight"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Expedition of the NYCU Mental Guts Service Team: Seeing Beyond Medical Records to See People","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-02-11","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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As the New Year’s celebrations fade, the NYCU Mental Guts Service Team sets off for its annual winter journey to Yuli, Hualien, continuing a two-decade commitment to compassionate, student-led mental health service and stigma reduction.
While the entire city still basked in the lazy afterglow of New Year celebrations, the Medical Building of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), nestled on the slopes of Beitou, was already ablaze with lights beneath the cold winter sun. From the classrooms came not the complex jargon of medicine, but the cheerful melodies of folk songs and the rhythmic laughter of rehearsals. On stage, members dressed as Emperor Qin Shi Huang and cavemen were making their final preparations for the “long-distance expedition” set to depart for Yuli in Hualien the following day. \r\n
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\r\nPutting their vacations on hold, the NYCU Mental Guts Service Team travels to psychiatric rehabilitation facilities across Taiwan to offer long-term, non-medical companionship and compassionate service, building genuine friendships with residents and working to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. \r\n \r\nThis group of young people, who mock themselves as having “a touch of foolishness,” are members of the NYCU Mental Guts Service Team (hereinafter referred to as the “Service Team”). Fresh off their intense final exams, they chose to put their winter vacation plans on hold, packing up and heading straight to Yuli in Hualien, to visit a group that they nicknamed “trainees”—residents living long-term in a mental health rehabilitation facility. \r\n \r\n“They are our ‘trainees,’ but more than that, they are our friends,” said current team leader Dao-Yi Wang. Each outreach service stems from the Yang Ming Crusaders’ mission legacy. According to statistics from the National Health Insurance Administration, over 2.9 million psychiatric visits were recorded across Taiwan in 2021. Yet despite growing mental health awareness, mental illnesses remain shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, exacerbated by urban-rural disparities. \r\n \r\nTherefore, as a leading academic institution in Taiwan’s medical and life sciences, the Yang Ming Crusaders established the NYCU Mental Guts Service Team during the summer vacation in 2004. This team stands as the sole student-led initiative within the Yang Ming Crusaders system, dedicated to long-term, in-depth engagement in psychiatric healthcare settings. For over two decades, the Service Team has chosen to step beyond campus boundaries, delving into psychiatric healthcare institutions such as Yuli Hospital and Jianan Psychiatric Center to provide non-medical compassionate services. In recent years, it has expanded its service base to Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, striving to respond to society’s diverse needs through practical action. \r\n \r\nFrom Institutions to National Palace Museum: Understanding to Tear Down Labels and Prejudice \r\n \r\nCurrently, the Service Team comprises approximately 30 students from the School of Medicine, the Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, etc. During winter and summer vacations, they launch a large-scale outreach service, designing “customized” static and dynamic rehabilitation activities for trainees across various institutions. Current president Min-Jhen Hong explained that trainees’ conditions vary significantly across institutions, necessitating highly customized activity designs. For instance, activities for trainees in chronic care wards and nursing homes, who still require daily assistance, are designed to be relatively simple and safe. Conversely, trainees at rehabilitation centers and community counseling centers, who mostly possess independent living and working abilities comparable to the general population, can engage in more challenging interactive activities. \r\n \r\nBy designing tailored rehabilitation activities and leading trainees beyond institutional walls to shared cultural experiences, the NYCU Mental Guts Service Team helps dismantle stigma and prejudice surrounding mental illness through genuine connection and understanding. \r\n \r\nThis year, the Service Team planned static activities like handicrafts alongside dynamic exchanges such as carnivals and barbecues, culminating in a 70-minute large-scale stage production. “We aim to offer not just an event, but an experience that truly stimulates the senses and enriches spiritual life,” said Min-Jhen Hong. \r\n \r\n“In the portrayal of mass media, mental illness is often linked to aggressive tendencies.” Dao-Yi Wang said frankly, “But after interacting with them, you realize they crave social connections and the outside world just as much as we do.” To break the confines of the ward, the Service Team began taking trainees beyond the institution—visiting the National Palace Museum, art galleries, and tourist factories. “You can clearly sense how their moods transform,” said current advisor Yu-Jie Lee. “These outings aren’t just about new experiences—they additionally show society that these individuals are just like us.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nCultivating Future Physicians Through Emotional Education with “Classic”
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During service, companionship isn’t always easy. Faced with trainees’ sudden emotional swings, members who engaged in first-time outreach service often felt overwhelmed. Thus, the Service Team developed a secret weapon passed down through generations—The Classic. This internal “notebook,” compiled since 2011, meticulously documents the practical experience of senior members over the years. From the characteristics of schizophrenia to standard operating procedures for interaction, and key considerations for each service location, every word and line embodies the wisdom accumulated through on-site service and helping others. \r\n \r\nYu-Jie Lee recalled an instance where a trainee broke down in tears at an event due to misunderstanding the reward rules. Drawing on experience and training techniques passed down by senior members, the team members gently redirected the trainee’s attention, successfully guiding them back to calmness. Beyond large-scale institutional services during winter and summer vacations, team members also participate in two regular service sessions each semester, including collaborating with different senior high schools to lead senior high students in serving nearby community organizations, extending the seeds of “de-stigmatization” into senior high school campuses. Yu-Jie Lee also shared, “During interactions, we inevitably encountered situations where senior high school students momentarily didn’t know how to respond, but we intervened and guided them appropriately. I believe this isn’t just a companionship experience for the trainees; it’s an important learning opportunity for both the senior high school students and us. It also helps the public gradually develop a deeper and more compassionate understanding of mental illness.” \r\n \r\nA Warmth Practice of “Seeing People” \r\n \r\n“This kind of learning is hard to come by in the classroom,” described Dao-Yi Wang. Through repeated interactions with trainees, these future doctors learned not only clinical skills but more crucial abilities: “emotional resilience” and “boundary awareness.” For them, this was not merely an outreach service but a profound lesson in the human “warmth” of medicine. It prepared them to see the whole person—not just the diagnosis on a medical record—when they don their white coats in the future. \r\n \r\n“After joining the Service Team, I feel like I’ve become a real ‘tough cookie’!” Dao-Yi Wang joked with a touch of humor. Yet behind the joke lies the resilience and responsibility honed by NYCU medical students as they balance demanding coursework with their passion for service. As a native of Hualien, he particularly appreciates that service isn’t just one-way giving, and it’s a two-way learning process: while accompanying the trainees, he also gained deeper insights into building relationships and “making friends.” \r\n \r\n \r\nThrough hands-on service, NYCU students learn emotional resilience, boundary awareness, and the true warmth of medicine—seeing people as whole individuals rather than diagnoses. \r\n \r\nYu-Jie Lee also shared emotionally that seeing these trainees, who are often overlooked by society, smile because of the Service Team’s companionship, and even having trainees recognize her at second glance during their second meeting, made her deeply moved by the feeling of being remembered and needed. This experience strengthened her resolve to continue pursuing a career in psychiatry. Min-Jhen Hong also observed: “When facing them (the trainees), what matters most isn’t how much professional knowledge we can demonstrate, but whether we can engage with them with an attitude of equality and respect. Especially when they experience emotional fluctuations, we should treat them like simple, sincere friends.” \r\n \r\nThis expedition marks the continuation of the Yang Ming Crusaders’ mission spanning over four decades and stands as the most precious record of growth in these medical students’ academic journey. Observing these groups of young students whose eyes still sparkle when discussing their trainees and service missions, even after days without sleep, we may foresee a future where cold diagnoses and medical jargon are transformed into warm conversations and genuine exchanges in clinics. And in the distant future, the prejudices and barriers surrounding mental illness will gradually dissolve through the compassion and understanding of this generation of doctors. \r\n \r\n \r\nRooted in NYCU’s core belief, the Mental Guts Service Team carries forward a legacy of warmth—stepping beyond campus to serve, connect, and ensure compassion continues to light the path of medicine and society.
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NYCU and AMD jointly announced the launch of the AMD Advanced Research Program on February 3.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) have announced the joint establishment of the AMD Advanced Research Program, marking a long-term strategic partnership focused on artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and next-generation semiconductor technologies — fields increasingly central to the global digital economy. \r\n \r\nThe initiative aims not only to accelerate frontier research but also to cultivate globally competitive talent capable of moving seamlessly between academia and industry, helping address urgent workforce demands in advanced computing. \r\n \r\nTackling the Limits of AI and High-Performance Systems \r\n \r\nAs AI and high-performance computing systems confront mounting challenges in data movement, bandwidth density, and energy efficiency, the AMD Advanced Research Program is designed to pursue breakthrough solutions at both the hardware and algorithmic levels. \r\n \r\nResearch priorities include:
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Energy-efficient AI accelerators and hardware architectures
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Efficiency-driven AI models and algorithms
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Edge–cloud collaborative AI systems
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Silicon photonics and optical I/O technologies
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Heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging
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Sensor–AI co-design for emerging applications in healthcare, 6G communications, and quantum technologies
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Together, these directions reflect a systems-level approach to computing — where architecture, software, and application design evolve in tandem to meet next-generation performance and sustainability demands. \r\n \r\nA Joint Platform for Global-Impact Research \r\n \r\nSupported by AMD and led by NYCU’s College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the program will select distinguished faculty members recognized for research excellence, teaching leadership, and international academic standing. These researchers will conduct frontier research through the AMD–NYCU Joint Laboratory for AI Computing and Communications, a platform for sustained collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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\r\n \r\nThe partnership is expected to produce high-impact research showcased at major international conferences and to strengthen strategic leadership in critical areas, including AI acceleration and silicon photonic computing systems. \r\n \r\nDeepening Industry–Academia Collaboration \r\n \r\nThe establishment of the AMD Advanced Research Program underscores NYCU’s long-standing commitment to close industry collaboration and its ambition to lead global innovation in AI and semiconductor research. \r\n \r\nBy partnering with AMD — one of the world’s leading technology companies — NYCU is expanding its research capacity in electrical and computer engineering, accelerating the deployment of forward-looking technologies, and reinforcing its role as a major international academic hub. \r\n \r\nThe program reflects a shared belief that future breakthroughs will emerge from the tight integration of academic inquiry and industrial application—a model increasingly essential for shaping the next era of intelligent computing. \r\n \r\nThe AMD Advanced Research Program focuses on developing breakthrough solutions for next-generation computing challenges.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1470664704811601920&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Hosts Japan–Taiwan Forum on Disaster Lessons and the Future of Resilient Cities","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-02-09","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n
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By Office of International Promotion and Outreach \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association’s Kaohsiung Office convened the Japan–Taiwan Disaster Prevention Forum in Kaohsiung 2026 on January 30 at NYCU’s Kaohsiung campus, bringing together central and local government leaders, city governance teams, and industry and academic experts to confront a shared challenge: how societies prepare for an era of compound disasters. \r\n \r\nCentered on the theme of cross-regional and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the forum focused on resilience strategies under extreme weather, seismic risk, and cascading hazards — conditions increasingly shaped by climate change and geopolitical uncertainty. \r\n
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President Lai Ching-Te delivered remarks via video, calling Taiwan and Japan “family that stands together in times of hardship” and urging deeper disaster cooperation. \r\n \r\nFrom national leadership to city-level coordination \r\n \r\nThe forum opened with remarks by President Lai Ching-te (William Lai), Masafumi Oku, Chief Representative of the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association, Sendai Mayor Kazuko Kori, Kumamoto Mayor Kazufumi Onishi, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai — underscoring a shared commitment by both Taiwan and Japan, from national leadership to city governments, to deepen cooperation in disaster preparedness. \r\n \r\nPresident Lai noted that Kaohsiung and Tainan have actively deployed smart technologies to strengthen responses to extreme weather, warning that future disasters are unlikely to remain isolated events. Instead, climate volatility and geopolitical risk may transform single hazards into compound crises that demand integrated preparedness. \r\n \r\nMayor Chen highlighted that typhoon impacts in Kaohsiung have grown more severe and complex in recent years, often overlapping with seismic risks. He emphasized that Taiwan and Japan’s long history of mutual learning in disaster governance and urban recovery offers a practical framework for strengthening resilient cities. \r\n \r\nExecutive Yuan Minister without Portfolio and Minister of the Public Construction Commission, Chen Chin-de, followed with a policy-focused keynote linking governance, infrastructure resilience, and cross-agency coordination. His presence — along with senior engineering officials — reflected the central government’s sustained commitment to disaster preparedness and institutional integration. \r\n \r\nExecutive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chen Chin-te (right) and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (second from right) attend an industry–academia exchange session during the forum.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nLearning across cities and governance systems \r\n \r\nThe forum advanced along two parallel tracks: governance exchange and technical alignment. \r\n \r\nOn one front, participants established a shared language of resilience governance through international policy dialogue. On the other hand, city representatives from Sendai, Kumamoto, Kaohsiung, and Tainan engaged in detailed discussions of disaster experience, institutional design, emergency response protocols, and post-disaster recovery models. The emphasis was on city-level systems that are measurable, transferable, and operational — not abstract frameworks, but governance tools that can be tested and replicated. \r\n \r\nSmart disaster technologies and energy resilience \r\n \r\nA major focus was on integrating scientific and technological innovation into disaster management. Sessions examined how data modeling, AI-driven forecasting, and multi-source sensing systems can strengthen early warning capacity and real-time response, supported by collaboration among universities, government agencies, and private industry. \r\n \r\nAs advanced manufacturing and renewable energy systems increasingly underpin national infrastructure, their resilience has direct consequences for urban stability and supply chains. Industry representatives — including Micron Taiwan, Delta Electronics, and clean-energy startups — shared insights into high-tech facility fire safety, energy storage solutions, and distributed power systems capable of sustaining operations during post-disaster recovery. \r\n \r\nThe discussion framed public safety and industrial resilience not as separate domains, but as interconnected pillars of modern urban survival. \r\n \r\n \r\nProfessor Chen Jyh-cheng of NYCU’s College of Computer Science presents 5G solutions for disaster prevention and smart urban governance during the forum. \r\n \r\nUniversities as platforms for integration \r\n \r\nThe forum emphasized that effective disaster governance begins long before emergencies occur. Public safety must be embedded in everyday governance, not activated only during crises. \r\n \r\nUniversities, organizers argued, serve as critical integration platforms — translating research, data tools, and technical expertise into operational policy and industry practice. The program highlighted evidence-based decision-making and cross-sector coordination, aiming to move beyond knowledge exchange toward field validation and sustained collaboration. \r\n \r\nAt its core, disaster preparedness remains about people. Stronger institutions, infrastructure, and technology ultimately exist to ensure that, when emergencies strike, information flows clearly, decisions move faster, and frontline responders are never left unsupported. Through continued Taiwan–Japan cooperation and industry–government–academic partnerships, each exchange becomes a step toward more actionable readiness — safeguarding the lives communities depend on.
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照片／撰稿：國際宣傳辦公室 \r\n \r\n國立陽明交通大學與日本台灣交流協會高雄事務所於1月30日在陽明交大高雄校區共同舉辦「日台防災論壇 in 台灣高雄 2026」。論壇以「跨地域、跨領域」為主軸，邀集臺日中央與地方政府代表、城市治理團隊，以及產業與學研領域專家齊聚交流，針對極端氣候、地震與複合式災害情境下的韌性治理策略與科技應用進行深度對話。 \r\n \r\n \r\n中央到城市層級的防災共識\r\n\r\n
","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1470329234097442816&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU study finds simple abdominal massage eases constipation","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-02-05","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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The study confirms that various forms of abdominal massage can help promote bowel movements. (Image: AI-generated)
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai
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After festive meals and long periods of sitting, many people experience an uncomfortable but common problem: constipation. New research from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), now published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, suggests that a simple daily habit—regular abdominal massage—may be an effective, low-risk way to improve bowel function and reduce bloating. \r\n \r\nConstipation as a widespread but overlooked health burden \r\n \r\nConstipation affects an estimated 15% to 25% of adults in Taiwan. Among people aged 65 and older, roughly 40% live with chronic constipation, a condition that can significantly diminish quality of life. \r\n \r\nA research team led by Li-Yin Chien, Dean of NYCU’s College of Nursing, working with doctoral researcher Shiou-Yun Huang, found that multiple forms of abdominal massage can help relieve symptoms. Whether performed by hand in a clockwise circular motion, through acupressure techniques, or using an electric massager, the interventions were associated with measurable improvement. \r\n \r\nTheir findings are based on a systematic review of international studies that compare massage approaches and evaluate outcomes such as bowel frequency, intestinal transit time, and symptom relief. The analysis concluded that abdominal massage can shorten the time food remains in the digestive tract and alleviate discomfort associated with bloating and difficult bowel movements. \r\n \r\nThe strongest effects were observed in functional constipation, followed by medication-induced constipation and constipation related to neurological bowel disorders. \r\n \r\nA low-risk alternative to medication \r\n \r\nUnlike laxatives or stool softeners, abdominal massage has no known adverse effects and can be safely performed at home. The researchers recommend approximately 15 minutes of daily massage for individuals with persistent constipation. For patients who rely heavily on medication, the technique offers a scientifically supported and accessible complementary option. \r\n \r\nThe study provides an evidence base for incorporating abdominal massage into both clinical care and home health routines. Chien said all three massage approaches demonstrated significant benefit, allowing individuals and caregivers to choose the most convenient method. For patients unable to take long-term medication, massage may serve as a safe and effective alternative.
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\r\n \r\nHuang, now a lecturer in nursing at Asia University, added that the research can be translated into educational materials to help healthcare professionals teach patients and families practical self-care strategies. However, the team cautions that people who have undergone abdominal surgery, are pregnant, or are experiencing acute abdominal pain should consult a medical professional before attempting massage. \r\n \r\nBringing massage into clinical and home care \r\n \r\nThe researchers report that their work supports the integration of abdominal massage into routine patient education and preventive care. Because the technique is simple and inexpensive, it can be adopted in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home settings alike. \r\n \r\nBy equipping patients and families with non-drug self-care tools, healthcare systems may reduce dependence on medication while improving daily comfort — an especially meaningful shift for aging populations managing multiple chronic conditions. \r\n \r\nAging societies and everyday solutions \r\n \r\nAs Taiwan’s population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases increases, identifying natural and safe approaches to support digestive health is an increasingly important public health priority. \r\n \r\nThe researchers report that their findings transform a simple, everyday action into an evidence-based tool for improving comfort and quality of life, illustrating how small, practical interventions can play a powerful role in modern healthcare. \r\n \r\nThe study was conducted by Li-Yin Chien (right), Dean of the College of Nursing, and Shiou-Yun Huang (left), a doctoral researcher who is now a lecturer in nursing at Asia University.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1468833945595416576&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU professor Ao-Lin Hsu invited as keynote speaker at Dubai’s Global Longevity Symposium","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-02-05","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Professor Ao-Lin Hsu of NYCU delivers his keynote address at the 2026 GCLS Semester Symposium in Dubai.
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\r\nBy Chance Lai
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Taiwan’s research strength in anti-aging and longevity science continues to draw international attention. Professor Ao-Lin Hsu, director of the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), was invited to serve as a keynote speaker at the 2026 GCLS Semester Symposium in Dubai — a high-level global forum organized by the Geneva College of Longevity Science (GCLS), widely regarded as a nexus for frontier dialogue on aging science, preventive medicine and translational healthcare. \r\n \r\nHis presence signals growing recognition of Taiwan’s role in shaping the scientific conversation around longevity, a field increasingly seen as central to the future of global health systems. \r\n \r\nA global stage for the science of aging \r\n \r\nHeld February 2–3 at Dubai Science Park, the symposium brought together scientists, health regulators, and industry leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia under the theme “The New Era of Longevity.” Sessions explored topics ranging from molecular mechanisms of aging to AI-driven preventive medicine and governance frameworks for next-generation healthcare. \r\n \r\nThe forum is designed to close the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical implementation—a transition many experts view as the defining challenge in modern longevity science. By placing basic research alongside policy and industry discussion, organizers framed longevity not as a niche discipline, but as an emerging pillar of global health strategy. \r\n \r\nHsu joined a speaker lineup that included senior officials from Abu Dhabi and Dubai health authorities as well as leading European longevity researchers, positioning Taiwan directly within a high-level exchange shaping how societies prepare for rapidly aging populations. \r\n \r\nFrom microscopic biology to global health strategy \r\n \r\nAn internationally recognized aging biologist, Hsu has built his career studying the molecular architecture of lifespan. His laboratory at NYCU uses the microscopic worm Caenorhabditis elegans to map genetic pathways that regulate longevity and cellular stress responses — research that has helped clarify how diet, metabolism, and stress signaling influence aging. \r\n \r\nHis team’s work identifying the HSF1/HSB1 protein network as a key regulator of aging has appeared in top-tier journals, offering new insight into how organisms maintain resilience under biological stress. At the Dubai forum, Hsu focused on translating these discoveries into preventive frameworks, arguing that longevity science must move from laboratory knowledge to practical health strategies. \r\n \r\nAs populations age faster than any generation in recorded history, scientists increasingly warn that extending lifespan without extending healthspan will strain healthcare systems worldwide. Hsu’s keynote addressed how molecular biology can inform early intervention and long-term preventive care.
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\r\n \r\nTaiwan enters the longevity conversation \r\n \r\nHsu also serves as vice chair of the Asia-Pacific Association for Precision Anti-Aging Medicine (APPAM), a cross-disciplinary organization that promotes integration among biomedical research, clinical practice, and preventive medicine. Through international collaborations and academic partnerships, the association has become a conduit linking Taiwanese researchers to global longevity networks. \r\n \r\nHsu’s invitation is more than an individual milestone. It reflects the maturation of Taiwan’s biomedical ecosystem and its growing ability to contribute original frameworks to a field historically dominated by Western research institutions. \r\n \r\nLongevity as the next global frontier \r\n \r\nAging is rapidly becoming one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. By 2050, the global population over 60 is expected to double, reshaping healthcare systems, economies, and social policy. Longevity science — once a specialized academic pursuit — now intersects with biotechnology investment, public health planning, and national strategy. \r\n \r\nTaiwan’s advanced medical infrastructure and strong life science research base position it as an increasingly visible participant in this transformation. For NYCU, Hsu’s appearance on the Dubai stage underscores a broader institutional direction: linking molecular biology, engineering, and clinical science to address the future of human health. \r\n \r\nAs the symposium concluded, one message resonated across discussions: longevity is no longer a distant scientific ambition. It is an unfolding global project — and Taiwan is now firmly part of the conversation. \r\n \r\nNYCU Professor Ao-Lin Hsu (third from right) stands with global delegates at the 2026 GCLS Semester Symposium in Dubai, underscoring Taiwan’s presence in the international longevity research community.
The 2026 International Summit on Exosomes, Stem Cells, Regulatory Science and Innovative Therapies was held at NYCU on Jan 30 and at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital on Jan 31.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai
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Global leaders in regenerative medicine gathered on January 30 at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) for the 2026 International Summit on Exosomes, Stem Cells, Regulatory Science and Innovative Therapies, one of Asia’s most closely watched forums on next-generation biomedical science. Scientists from Europe, the United States, and Japan showcased advances ranging from iPSC-based cell therapies to engineered exosome delivery systems — technologies that could redefine the future of clinical medicine. \r\n \r\nOpening the NYCU session, Dean Chi-Ying Huang of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences described the field as moving beyond experimental promise toward scalable clinical reality, with Taiwan entering a pivotal moment in which regulatory frameworks and technological capacity are advancing in tandem. NYCU’s integration of medicine, pharmaceutical science, and engineering, he said, positions the university at the center of this transition.\r\n
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Dean Chi-Ying Huang of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences opens the NYCU session. \r\n \r\nJapan Pushes iPSC Science Toward Clinical Reality \r\n \r\nOne of the summit’s highlights came from Japan’s CiRA Foundation, which presented the world’s most advanced clinical translation pathway for iPSC technology. Two decades after Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka first demonstrated induced pluripotent stem cells, Japan has built a mature pipeline that bridges laboratory discovery and clinical-grade production. \r\n \r\nCiRA representatives described how integration-free reprogramming methods and an HLA-matched iPSC cell bank enable a small number of cell lines to serve a large population, thereby dramatically reducing the risk of rejection and cost barriers. \r\n \r\nA Parkinson’s disease therapy based on iPSC-derived neurons has now entered the regulatory approval stage and is expected to become the world’s first commercial iPSC-derived cell product. Researchers are also integrating AI-driven automated manufacturing systems to lower the cost of personalized cell therapy to accessible levels—a key step toward widespread adoption. \r\n \r\nNYCU’s long-term academic exchange with CiRA has enabled Taiwanese researchers to participate directly in Asia’s most advanced stem cell clinical ecosystem, strengthening a cross-border regenerative medicine network. \r\n \r\nEngineered Exosomes Redefine Gene Delivery \r\n \r\nNYCU Yushan Scholar and Chair Professor Ly James Lee presented breakthrough work in engineered exosomes, proposing them as a next-generation platform for gene delivery. \r\n \r\nCompared with viral vectors and synthetic nanoparticles, exosomes offer natural biocompatibility, low immune activation, and the ability to cross biological barriers such as the brain and tumor microenvironment — making them ideal precision delivery vehicles.
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\r\n \r\nLee’s team developed a nanochannel electroporation (NEP) system that dramatically increases nucleic acid loading efficiency without damaging vesicle structure, overcoming a long-standing bottleneck in exosome industrialization. Combined with immune-evasion engineering and dual-targeting strategies, the platform demonstrated strong tumor penetration and accumulation in brain and pancreatic cancer models. \r\n \r\nThe work highlights NYCU’s strength at the intersection of biomedical engineering and pharmaceutical science, positioning Taiwan as a serious contender in the global exosome race. \r\n \r\nNew Breakthroughs in Gene Therapy for Hearing Loss \r\n \r\nProfessor Yan-Fu Cheng of NYCU’s Institute of Neuroscience presented a key advance in genetic therapy for inherited hearing loss. Using next-generation AAV vectors and AI-assisted screening, his team successfully delivered genes to inner-ear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, thereby restoring hearing and balance in animal models. \r\n \r\nMore importantly, the group established a comprehensive platform for developing gene therapies for hearing loss, integrating iPSC disease models, synthetic vector libraries, and directed-evolution technologies to accelerate translation from the laboratory to the clinic. The platform targets genetic variants prevalent in Taiwan while retaining global clinical relevance. \r\n \r\nProfessor Yan-Fu Cheng of the Institute of Neuroscience presents a major breakthrough in therapies for inherited hearing loss. \r\n \r\nExosomes Move Toward Cell-Free Regeneration \r\n \r\nBeyond laboratory research, exosomes are emerging as a cornerstone of cell-free regenerative therapy. Clinical studies presented at the summit showed that stem cell–derived exosomes protect neurons, reduce oxidative stress, and promote tissue repair in models of dry eye disease and macular degeneration, suggesting advantages over conventional treatments. These findings indicate that exosomes are moving from experimental tools toward scalable clinical platforms. \r\n \r\nThe summit was more than an academic showcase. It marked NYCU’s growing role as a node in the global regenerative medicine network. From iPSC technologies to exosome engineering, from gene therapy to cell-free therapeutics, NYCU is building a rare end-to-end innovation chain that integrates engineering, medicine, and regulatory science. \r\n \r\nAs regenerative medicine enters a new era of clinical deployment, NYCU is positioning Taiwan at the forefront of next-generation healthcare, advancing local research on the world stage.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1468435577295605760&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Global Health Leaders Are Heading to NYCU for the GCIEM 2026 Global Summit","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-29","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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By Chance Lai \r\n______ \r\n
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As healthcare systems worldwide face aging populations, workforce shortages, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, a new model is emerging—one that brings medicine and engineering together to redefine how healthcare is designed, delivered, and taught. \r\n \r\nFrom April 10 to April 12, 2026, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University will host the Global Consortium of Innovation and Engineering in Medicine (GCIEM) 2026 Global Summit, placing Taipei at the center of a global conversation on the future of healthcare. \r\n \r\nWhy This Summit Matters Now \r\n \r\nGCIEM 2026 is built around a simple but urgent question: \r\nHow can engineering and AI help medicine respond to the world’s most pressing health challenges? \r\n \r\nThe summit brings together leaders from medicine, engineering, data science, and healthcare systems to explore practical answers—moving beyond theory toward solutions that can be applied in real clinical and societal settings. \r\n \r\nFor Taiwan, this marks the first time it has hosted the consortium’s flagship global summit, underscoring the island’s growing role as a bridge between advanced technology and modern healthcare. \r\n \r\nThree Reasons Global Leaders Are Coming to NYCU
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\r\n01. Direct Dialogue Across Disciplines \r\nParticipants will engage in face-to-face discussions with international experts and institutional leaders, exploring topics ranging from AI-enabled healthcare to new models of medical education. The summit is designed to encourage conversations that extend beyond research sharing to include joint programs, institutional partnerships, and long-term collaboration.
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\r\n02. Where Academia Meets Industry \r\nGCIEM 2026 is designed to connect academic insights with real-world innovation, leveraging Taiwan’s strategic role in the global technology and healthcare landscape.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nWith world-leading strengths in semiconductors, medical devices, and AI-driven systems, Taiwan offers an unparalleled setting for collaboration between medicine and engineering. By bringing together scholars, clinicians, and industry stakeholders, the summit highlights how Engineering Medicine can accelerate translation by bridging research, clinical needs, and scalable solutions within a globally relevant innovation ecosystem. \r\n \r\n03. Students as Global Problem-Solvers \r\nAt the heart of the summit is the Global Health Innovation Grand Challenge Competition, which brings together student teams from medicine, engineering, and biomedical sciences worldwide. Building on last year’s U.S. competition, which drew 56 teams, the 2026 edition is expected to draw more than 50 teams, with approximately 40 advancing to the semi-final round on April 11. Teams will present AI-enabled, engineering-driven solutions to real-world health challenges—showcasing how the next generation is shaping the future of healthcare. \r\n \r\nFrom the United States to Asia: A Growing Global Platform \r\n \r\nFollowing its inaugural summit in 2025 at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, GCIEM now brings its global network to Asia. Hosting the second edition, NYCU provides a uniquely integrated environment—combining advanced engineering research, clinical expertise, and AI innovation—to support meaningful international exchange. \r\n \r\nGlobal Voices, Shared Vision \r\n \r\nThe summit will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions by leaders from academia, healthcare, and industry, including representatives from institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Texas A&M University, Georgia Tech, Cornell University, Nanyang Technological University, and the University of Pretoria, as well as NYCU leadership and global healthcare innovators. \r\n \r\nTogether, these voices reflect a shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare through Engineering Medicine.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1466293825189187584&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[{"relateURL":"https://medicine.illinois.edu/about/global-consortium/global-summit","relateName":"Registration Link (Early-bird registration ends February 13, 2026; final deadline: April 2, 2026.)"}]},{"subject":"NYCU and University of Arizona Launch Talent and Innovation Hub to Advance Semiconductor and AI Collaboration","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-29","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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NYCU completed the first U.S. university agreement under its Talent and Innovation Hub (TIH) framework on January 28, marking the University of Arizona as the hub’s inaugural U.S. partner.
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\r\nBy Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and the University of Arizona (UA) have formally launched the Talent and Innovation Hub (TIH–NYCU–UA) following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on January 28, 2026. \r\n \r\nThe agreement marks the official start of a long-term, high-impact partnership focused on talent cultivation, collaborative applied research, and industry engagement, with semiconductors and artificial intelligence identified as initial priority domains. Both universities also signaled interest in expanding collaboration into emerging technology frontiers, including space-related engineering and advanced aerospace applications.\r\n
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The agreement establishing the TIH–NYCU–UA is signed by NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right) and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella.
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\r\nFrom Strategic Dialogue to Operational Platform \r\n \r\nThe Talent and Innovation Hub (TIH) is designed as a joint, scalable platform that integrates graduate-level education, professional workforce development, and application-oriented research. Rather than operating as a single fixed program, TIH adopts a phased and expandable implementation model, allowing initiatives to grow in scope and depth as institutional capacity and industry needs evolve. \r\n \r\n“This partnership reflects NYCU’s long-term commitment to connecting education, research, and industry through concrete, executable platforms,” said Chi-Hung Lin, President of NYCU. “By working closely with the University of Arizona, we are not only cultivating next-generation talent in semiconductors and AI, but also establishing a mechanism that enables people, knowledge, and innovation to move seamlessly between Taiwan and the United States.” \r\n \r\nThe launch event was attended by Professor Jong-Shinn Wu, Director General of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and a faculty member at NYCU, whose presence underscored Taiwan’s growing ambitions in space technology and the importance of linking semiconductor and AI capabilities with future aerospace systems. \r\n \r\nIn its initial phase, TIH will prioritize graduate and professional talent training, industry-aligned reskilling programs, collaborative applied research projects, and two-way exchanges of students, faculty, and research professionals. \r\n \r\nLeveraging Complementary Strengths in Taiwan and Arizona \r\n \r\nAs a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of Arizona brings internationally recognized strengths in engineering, materials science, photonics, semiconductor manufacturing, and applied technology innovation. UA plays a central role in Arizona’s research and workforce ecosystem, particularly as the state continues to expand its presence in the global semiconductor supply chain.
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\r\n \r\n“Addressing global challenges in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and next-generation aerospace systems requires partnerships that are both international and deeply collaborative,” said Suresh Garimella, President of the University of Arizona. “NYCU is a natural partner for the University of Arizona—not only because of its leadership in semiconductors and AI, but because of its ability to translate academic excellence into real-world impact. We see strong potential to extend this collaboration into space-related technologies as the partnership evolves.” \r\n \r\nBy aligning complementary strengths, NYCU and UA aim to deliver industry-facing outcomes that connect education and research with real workforce and innovation demands in both Taiwan and the United States. \r\n \r\nA Phased and Expandable Roadmap \r\n \r\nUnder the jointly endorsed operational framework, the Talent and Innovation Hub will progress through clearly defined phases, beginning with pilot talent programs and applied research initiatives, and culminating in deeper institutional integration and expanded international participation. \r\n \r\nThis phased approach emphasizes flexibility, scalability, and long-term sustainability, while maintaining semiconductors and AI as foundational focus areas during the initial stages of collaboration, with pathways open for future expansion into aerospace and space technology domains. \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella unveil the TIH–NYCU–UA, marking its official launch. \r\n \r\nStrengthening Taiwan–U.S. Talent and Innovation Linkages \r\n \r\nThe TIH-NYCU–UA represents more than a bilateral academic agreement. It serves as a strategic mechanism to strengthen Taiwan–U.S. collaboration in advanced technologies, workforce development, and applied research amid growing global demand for high-skilled talent. \r\n \r\nBy aligning leadership vision, faculty-level collaboration, and industry engagement on a shared platform, NYCU and the University of Arizona aim to establish a model that is locally grounded, globally connected, and capable of generating sustained impact across semiconductors, AI, and the emerging space economy.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1466337253474177024&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1466334108526317568&init=Y","expFile":"Group photo at the signing ceremony"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1466334461149843456&init=Y","expFile":"Group photo"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Connects the Next Generation Through Semiconductor Film Screening and Dialogue","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-26","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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(Photo credit: Hsinchu City Government)
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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To deepen high school students’ understanding of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) on January 23 hosted a nationwide film screening and dialogue event titled “Learning Semiconductors Through Cinema.” \r\n \r\nThe initiative connected nearly 3,000 students from 37 high schools across Taiwan, who participated in simultaneous on-campus screenings of the documentary A Chip Odyssey: The Gamble of a Century, followed by cross-generational exchanges with industry professionals. \r\n \r\nA nationwide classroom beyond school walls \r\n \r\nBy linking high schools across different regions, the event transformed the documentary into a shared learning experience that extended beyond individual classrooms. Students were introduced to the historical context, strategic choices, and human stories behind Taiwan’s semiconductor development—an industry that has become central to the global technology supply chain. \r\n \r\nThe synchronized screenings were designed to spark curiosity and encourage students to reflect on how science, policy, and long-term vision intersect in real-world industries. \r\n \r\nIndustry voices meet the next generation \r\n \r\nIn the afternoon, NYCU hosted an in-person forum at its Guangfu Campus in collaboration with the Hsinchu City Government, Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation (VIS), and the Taiwan IC Industry & Academia Research Alliance (TIARA). \r\n \r\nNearly 800 students, both on-site and online, joined the discussion, gaining insights into the industry’s evolution, personal career paths, decision-making under uncertainty, and the long-term commitment behind technological leadership. \r\n \r\n
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The forum brought together the film’s director, Chi-Jen Hsiao (center), the chief advisor, Chin-Tai Shih (second from left), and representatives from the semiconductor industry.
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\r\n \r\nUHCOOL: bringing semiconductor literacy into high schools \r\n \r\nThe event is part of NYCU’s broader University/High-school Collaboration On Online-learning (UHCOOL) initiative. Launched in the 2024 academic year, the program introduced a digital course titled Introduction to Semiconductor Principles and Manufacturing, designed for high school elective credit. \r\n \r\nTo date, the course has been adopted by more than 100 high schools, including those on offshore islands and in remote regions, and has reached over 4,000 students nationwide. The initiative is now regarded as one of Taiwan’s most successful models for university–high school collaboration in semiconductor education. \r\n \r\n“NYCU has long been part of Taiwan’s industrial ‘mountain-building’ journey,” said Jack Sun, NYCU vice president and former TSMC chief technology officer. \r\n \r\nJack Sun emphasized that NYCU’s mission now extends beyond industrial innovation to talent development. Through the UHCOOL program, students are introduced to real-world industry contexts at the high school level, strengthening their technological literacy and global outlook. \r\n \r\nFrom classrooms to future industries \r\n \r\nAs a global semiconductor hub, Hsinchu City sees education as a pathway to global readiness, with Mayor Ann Kao noting that local policy is guided by the principle of “raising local children to become global citizens.” \r\n“This collaboration allows knowledge to move beyond textbooks,” Kao said. “By standing on the shoulders of previous generations, we hope to inspire young people to help shape Taiwan’s next strategic pillar for the future.” \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, NYCU plans to further expand the UHCOOL program by integrating resources from higher education institutions, industry partners, and local governments. Through blended online and in-person learning models, the university aims to help more students overcome geographic and time constraints, gain timely access to critical technologies, and build the core competencies needed for the next generation of innovation.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1465594927793573888&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Taiwan’s Ministry of Sports and NYCU IAPS Launch Global Call for ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator Cohort 3","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-22","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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The ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator signs a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SPORTEC, Japan’s largest sports industry exhibition, to jointly build an Asia-Pacific resource network and support the global expansion of Taiwanese innovation teams.
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\r\nBy NYCU IAPS \r\n______
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As Taiwan’s newly established Ministry of Sports officially begins operations, the country’s sports policy and sports-industry development are entering a new phase. Supported by the Ministry of Sports and operated by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU)’s Center of Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy (IAPS), the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator announced on Wednesday the official launch of its third global cohort, inviting sports technology startups worldwide to apply. \r\n \r\nThe program seeks teams with strong international growth potential and aims to help position Taiwan as a gateway for sports technology innovation in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. \r\n \r\nA regional platform linking innovation, policy, and sports diplomacy \r\n \r\nASPN — short for the APEC Sport Policy Network — is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s key international platforms for sports policy exchange. Building on this foundation, the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator focuses on three pillars: international resource connectivity, real-world field validation, and sports diplomacy in practice. \r\n \r\nBy connecting startups with government agencies, industry partners, academic institutions, and major sporting events across borders, the program promotes regional collaboration while expanding Taiwan’s international visibility in sports technology and innovation. \r\n \r\nBuilding a globally competitive sports tech ecosystem \r\n \r\nSince its launch, ASPN has attracted more than 700 sports tech startups worldwide, ultimately selecting and supporting 130 teams from 25 countries. These startups span a wide range of fields, including AI-driven data analytics, wearable technologies, smart venues, event technologies, and mass-participation sports applications. \r\n \r\nTo date, ASPN-supported teams have generated over NT$1.2 billion (US$37 million) in investment and business-matching outcomes, underscoring the program’s growing impact on the global sports tech ecosystem. \r\n \r\nSeveral alumni teams have successfully entered international competitions and markets. Among them is StatsInsight, whose data analytics technology supported Taiwan’s national baseball team during its championship run at the 2024 WBSC Premier12, and IMOTEK, which has partnered with the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon to deploy its technology in large-scale international events. \r\n \r\nA launchpad for Asian startups going global \r\n \r\nThe third ASPN cohort further strengthens its “international linkage × field validation” model. Selected teams will receive one-on-one mentorship from an international advisory network spanning 13 countries, covering government, industry, academia, research institutions, and sporting organizations. \r\n \r\nParticipants will also gain opportunities to pilot and validate their technologies at major international sports and fitness exhibitions, sporting events, university campuses, and public venues — accelerating the transition from proof-of-concept to real-world deployment. \r\n \r\n“ASPN has spent years cultivating deep collaboration networks across the Asia-Pacific region,” said Professor Hank Huang, Director of NYCU IAPS. “By directly connecting startups with overseas governments, international sporting events, and corporate partners, we significantly lower the barriers to cross-border collaboration and market entry. This allows Taiwan’s sports technologies to expand internationally in a more systematic and sustainable way.”
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\r\n \r\nASPN leads Taiwanese startups into the Asian Road Race Forum, strengthening engagement with Southeast Asia’s public procurement systems and enabling Taiwan’s sports technologies to connect more precisely with Asia-Pacific market opportunities. \r\n \r\nExpanding across Europe, the Americas, and Asia \r\n \r\nASPN has also built a comprehensive international promotion and market-access mechanism to help startups establish visibility in key global markets. Domestically, the program maintains a strong presence at major innovation and sports events, including TaiSPO, InnoVEX (COMPUTEX), and Meet Taipei. \r\n \r\nInternationally, ASPN leads startup delegations to flagship exhibitions and platforms, including FIBO (Germany), SPORTEC (Japan), Plug and Play (United States), and Techsauce (Thailand). \r\n \r\nThrough partnerships with organizations such as Spain’s Global Sports Innovation Center (GSIC) and Australia’s Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), ASPN is gradually shaping a three-continent sports tech collaboration network, helping startups transform “R&D in Taiwan” into international partnerships and concrete commercial opportunities. \r\n \r\nAdvancing sports diplomacy through technology \r\n \r\nIn addition to mentorship and field trials, teams selected for ASPN Cohort 3 will have opportunities to connect directly with leading global industry partners, including Decathlon, NVIDIA, Chunghwa Telecom, Foxconn, Plug and Play (U.S.), and Mizuno (Japan). \r\n \r\nASPN has also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SPORTEC, Japan’s largest sports technology exhibition. Through cross-border resource matching and field collaboration, the partnership aims to reduce overseas expansion costs for Taiwanese startups while strengthening Taiwan’s role in regional sports innovation and cooperation. \r\n \r\nBy leveraging sports technology as a bridge, ASPN continues to demonstrate how innovation can serve as a practical and long-term instrument of sports diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region. \r\n
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ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator — Call for Applications
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Application period: Now through April 18, 2026
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Eligible teams: Sports technology startups, including wearables, AI data analytics, event technologies, venue operations, sports rehabilitation, esports, and related fields
","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1463757895265947648&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Self-Healing Functional Fabric to Weave an Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Future","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-21","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Dean Jiun-Tai Chen of the College of Science at NYCU presents self-healing functional fabrics that extend textile lifespan and offer a sustainable solution to fast fashion waste.
Recently, “fast fashion”—characterized by rapid production, shortened fashion cycles, and affordable consumption—has significantly reshaped the traditional textile and apparel industry ecosystem. The resulting controversies regarding manufacturing pollution, water resource depletion, and the massive recycling and disposal of waste have prompted global academia and industry to continually rethink how to strike a balance between commercial interests and environmental protection. \r\n \r\nAs a result, Professor Jiun-Tai Chen, Dean of the College of Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), and the research team from the “Optoelectronic Polymer Research Group” chose to leverage their expertise in polymer materials, and successfully developed functional fabrics capable of “self-healing” after damage, aiming to significantly reduce the environmental impact of discarded textiles by extending the lifespan of textiles. This innovative R&D achievement has secured multiple novel invention patents and has been recognized with the “Future Tech Award” and the “National Innovation Award”. \r\n \r\nJiun-Tai Chen frankly admits that self-healing functional fabrics, which carry relatively high material and R&D costs, are better suited for high-end functional textiles such as ski jackets, mountaineering apparel, wetsuits, and even camping tents. “One no longer has to discard the entire garment just because of a small tear, and that’s the essence of sustainability.” \r\n \r\nThis seemingly magical “self-healing” process begins by mixing polymer materials with varying degrees of crystallinity with ionic liquids to form ionic gels, then processing them into artificial fibers with approximately one micrometer in diameter. “Molecules can attract each other through hydrogen bonds, electrostatic charges, or dipole interactions. We deliberately enhanced these multiple interaction forces during the material design process. Simply overlapping two broken fiber segments and applying pressure, heat, or even light can reactivate these molecular interaction forces, causing them to mutually attract and firmly bond the damaged area,” Jiun-Tai Chen adds that the ionic gel can also be coated onto conventional fabric surfaces to achieve the same self-healing effect. \r\n
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\r\nDean Chen outlines the advanced material and structural challenges involved in developing self-healing fabrics for everyday apparel, emphasizing durability, functionality, and sustainability in next-generation textile design. \r\n \r\nFabric R&D Is as Challenging as Leveling Up in a Game \r\n \r\nHowever, the technical hurdles for creating an everyday garment far exceeded expectations. First, to balance waterproofing and breathability, the fabric structure must block liquid molecules from penetrating while allowing water vapor to escape freely. Jiun-Tai Chen explains, “To design this nano-level pore structure, commercially available materials often require the addition of fluorine-containing polymers. We must strive to find fluorine-free, eco-friendly alternatives and avoid overly expensive materials that inflate costs, while ensuring that the fabric retains its functionality, including skin-friendliness and comfort, and that the pores do not become blocked after fabric self-healing. It is truly challenging.” \r\n \r\nSecondly, everyday garments must withstand repeated washing cycles. Repeated pulling and friction during cleaning, or the addition of detergents and bleach, as well as hot-water washing and high-temperature drying, can cause the coating to peel off or the fabric structure to melt and deform, compromising the restoration effect or damaging the fabric structure. Jiun-Tai Chen particularly emphasizes that the activation conditions for healing must be precisely controlled: “The material shouldn’t heal itself upon any heat exposure, but rather activate healing in specific areas under defined temperature, pressure, or light conditions.” Additionally, enhancing the durability of the healed areas, enabling multiple healed areas on the same tear, and reducing healing time are key bottlenecks the research team is actively tackling. \r\n \r\n“The time required for healing has been reduced from several hours in the early stages to approximately one hour, with the healed strength now reaching about 70% of the original. By adjusting material ratios, we can now achieve at least ten or more cycles of repeated healing. More importantly, we continue to enhance functionalities beyond mere healing.” Jiun-Tai Chen further illustrates that after integrating weak conductivity, self-healing functional fabrics can be made into factory protective clothing. This effectively dissipates static electricity buildup, preventing sparks and significantly enhancing workplace safety. “Antimicrobial function is also a key future trend for garments!” he added. By incorporating materials like nano-gold, nano-silver, or zwitterionic compounds, etc., bacteria find it difficult to adhere and proliferate on the fabric. \r\n \r\nThe stretchable properties of clothing also inspired Jiun-Tai Chen’s R&D of “anti-counterfeiting” functions. “Common anti-counterfeiting labels only reveal their markings when exposed to polarized light, such as ultraviolet light. What we aim to achieve goes beyond labels that reveal anti-counterfeiting properties only under specific lighting angles. We want the labels to change as the label stretches, which involves extremely challenging material synthesis and structural design.” Faced with this challenge, Jiun-Tai Chen only grows more enthusiastic. \r\n \r\nDean Chen introduces sensing-enabled self-healing fabrics developed under “3S1A” framework, highlighting their potential applications in smart wearables, medical care, safety protection, and electronic skin technologies.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nIntelligent Sensing, Endless Extended Possibilities for Application \r\n \r\nThe R&D of self-healing functional fabrics aligns precisely with the “3S1A” research framework of the Optoelectronic Polymer Research Group at NYCU. "3S1A stands for Synthesis, Sustainable, Smart, and Application. We are committed to synthesizing various new materials with sustainability as our goal, integrating smart design concepts, and ultimately applying them to solve real-world problems." Jiun-Tai Chen believes that whether it's the waterproof and breathable nano-scale pore design, the mechanism that heals only specific areas, or shape memory, all are concrete manifestations of smart design. \r\n \r\n“In the field of self-healing fabrics, we're moving very quickly. In fact, the Group is more focused on developing wearable devices that combine functional fabrics with sensors.” Jiun-Tai Chen explains that the total surface area of all holes in self-healing fabrics is extremely large, making them highly sensitive to environmental changes. If blended with pH-responsive materials to create firefighting suits, the fabric can instantly change color when toxic gases like carbon monoxide are detected at a fire scene, alerting firefighters to evacuate. On battlefields, it can also detect colorless, odorless toxic gases. \r\n \r\nIn medical settings, gauze can be enhanced with pH-responsive color-changing properties. Should a wound's pH shift due to bacterial infection, the gauze will change color to alert caregivers to replacement. Future functions may include sweat-sensing capabilities in clothing, transmitting physiological data in real-time via Bluetooth for long-term health conditions monitoring of users. Jiun-Tai Chen believes that NYCU already possesses dual R&D strengths in smart electronics and healthcare, and sensing-enabled self-healing fabrics are expected to pioneer new high-value-added applications in sports health and medical care fields. \r\n \r\nTaking a broader view, Jiun-Tai Chen's R&D aims to integrate functional sensing fabrics with AI and robotics. For instance, by imparting conductive or piezoelectric properties to fibers, self-healing functional fabrics can transform into “electronic skin” capable of instantly sensing pressure, temperature, and touch. “Robotic fingers are typically made of metal, which feels cold and lacks tactile sensation. Covering them with electronic skin enables them to discern the hardness or softness of objects they touch and provide feedback when touched.” Jiun-Tai Chen analyzes that realistic sensing technology not only enhances the safety of human-machine interaction mechanisms but may also help burn patients who have lost their tactile sensation regain their sensory abilities in the future. \r\n \r\n \r\nNYCU advances sustainable textile innovation through Dean Chen’s leadership, building a global industry–academia R&D network to accelerate the industrialization of next-generation functional fabrics. \r\n \r\nIndustry-Academia Collaboration Builds Transnational R&D Network \r\n \r\nCurrently, Jiun-Tai Chen's research team is actively advancing toward practical applications and mass production through close collaboration with domestic and international research institutions and industry partners. For instance, the Group is working with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to transform recycled PET bottle materials into elastic and functional polymer fibers. It is also collaborating with the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) on testing and certifying functional fabrics. Furthermore, the team has initiated collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Limited (TSMC), the leading semiconductor company in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Jiun-Tai Chen indicates, “Although the industries and application fields differ, the underlying principles are interconnected. TSMC pursues nanoscale precision in structural design, while our expertise in polymer nanostructures and photoresist material properties aligns perfectly with their requirements.” \r\n \r\nIn the international connections, Jiun-Tai Chen has established close ties with Germany's premier research team specializing in “responsive smart polymers.” Through student exchange programs, the collaboration focuses on the synthetic design of environmentally friendly polymeric materials. Additionally, the Group maintains robust partnerships with prestigious institutions, including Princeton University in the United States, Tohoku University, and Hokkaido University in Japan, thereby progressively building a transnational materials R&D network. \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, Jiun-Tai Chen continues to seek collaboration opportunities with textile mills and contract manufacturers while encouraging his students in the Group to leverage the Ministry of Economic Affairs' entrepreneurial resources to establish startups and advance this technology toward industrialization. He outspokenly emphasizes that the key to successful industry-academia collaboration lies in introducing environmentally friendly, low-cost new materials and functionalities without significantly altering existing textile processes. This approach lowers the barrier to industrial transformation, paving the way for true mass production. \r\n \r\nTaiwan, hailed as the “Kingdom of Textiles,” faces an urgent need for transformation amid industrial relocation and environmental policies, such as the internationally levied carbon tax. The innovative research of Jiun-Tai Chen paves a sustainable path for the textile industry—one centered on materials science, integrated with smart sensing and eco-design, and poised to capture high-value-added blue ocean markets. \r\n \r\n“Adding functionality will certainly increase costs, but with today's strong public awareness of environmental protection, more and more consumers will recognize the sustainable value of self-healing functional fabrics,” Jiun-Tai Chen stated with confidence.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1463437633366528000&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Partners with Taipei and New Taipei Metro Systems to Advance AI-Driven Smart Transportation","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-16","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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A metro train speeds through a station in Taipei, symbolizing the growing demands on urban transit systems as the city advances toward AI-enabled and resilient smart transportation. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As Taipei’s metro network continues to expand with the expected opening of the Sanying Line and the eastern extension of the Tamsui-Xinyi Line later this year, transit operators across the Greater Taipei area are facing mounting challenges in capacity management, service reliability, and system resilience. In response, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has established strategic partnerships with Taipei Metro and New Taipei Metro to advance smart transportation solutions and next-generation metro operations jointly. \r\n \r\nThrough separate memoranda of understanding signed with the two metro operators, NYCU will bring together expertise from its College of Management and College of Electrical and Computer Engineering to support operational optimization, talent development, and the integration of artificial intelligence into metro systems. The collaborations aim to translate academic research into real-world applications, strengthening urban governance and meeting the growing demands of smart mobility. \r\n \r\nFrom academic research to real-world metro operations \r\n \r\nUnder the partnership with New Taipei Metro, NYCU will contribute its research strengths in data analytics, systems optimization, and management science to enhance operational efficiency and service innovation. The two sides will jointly develop applied research projects while translating research outcomes into operational practice. \r\n \r\n
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New Taipei Metro and NYCU signed a long-term industry–academia cooperation agreement on January 8, aiming to redefine metro operations for the age of AI. (Photo credit: New Taipei Metro) \r\n \r\nThe collaboration also emphasizes talent cultivation. NYCU and New Taipei Metro will co-design professional courses, provide student internships and capstone research opportunities, and plan a dedicated Metro Systems Academic Program. Through this industry–academia collaboration model, students will gain first-hand exposure to metro operations, intelligent transportation systems, and practical management challenges, preparing cross-disciplinary talent to support long-term industry upgrading.
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\r\n \r\nAI-enabled safety, monitoring, and predictive maintenance \r\n \r\nMeanwhile, NYCU’s collaboration with Taipei Metro will focus on the application and optimization of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things technologies within train monitoring and information systems. \r\n \r\nNYCU and Taipei Metro sign a memorandum of understanding on January 15, formalizing a partnership to advance AI-driven smart transportation, metro operations, and talent development. (Photo credit: Taipei Metro) \r\n \r\nKey initiatives include deploying AI-based image analysis and anomaly detection to identify abnormal conditions and potential risks in train and station environments in real time, enhancing operational safety and emergency response capabilities. By applying machine learning to operational and equipment data, the partnership will also develop predictive maintenance models and intelligent decision-support mechanisms, further improving service quality and system stability. \r\n \r\nBuilding future-ready talent for smart and sustainable cities \r\n \r\n“Metro systems are more than public transportation — they are an integral part of everyday urban life,” said NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin. “As global transportation rapidly moves toward artificial intelligence, IoT, automation, and sustainable management, future metro professionals must combine transportation expertise with technological capability and strategic management thinking.” \r\n \r\nLin added that NYCU’s collaboration with Taipei Metro and New Taipei Metro represents a concrete integration of strengths across smart transportation, artificial intelligence, and management science, contributing to more resilient, people-centered, and future-ready urban mobility systems. \r\n \r\nThe partnerships underscore NYCU’s growing role as a bridge between academia and public infrastructure, advancing smart city development while preparing the next generation of transportation and management leaders.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1462722040338321408&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Advances Taiwan–Japan Semiconductor Co-Creation at SEMICON Japan and Strategic Investment Forums","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-14","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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A high-level forum at SEMICON Japan in Tokyo convened global industry leaders to discuss a new formula for the semiconductor ecosystem, underscoring the growing emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and ecosystem-driven innovation.
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\r\nBy Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has taken a significant step toward building a Taiwan–Japan semiconductor co-creation ecosystem by concluding a four-day delegation visit to Tokyo from December 16 to 19, 2025. The mission focused on translating long-standing bilateral goodwill into concrete, project-driven collaboration across research, industry, talent, and investment. \r\n \r\nCentered on the concept that semiconductor competitiveness today depends on ecosystems rather than single technologies, the NYCU delegation engaged senior leaders from the Japanese government, industry, academia, and finance. The visit elevated Taiwan–Japan cooperation from informal exchanges to what participants described as “joint engineering” — a shared framework for turning scientific strength and industrial demand into deployable innovation.\r\n
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Prof. Yuan-Chieh Tseng, CEO of NYCU’s Semiconductor International Collaboration Office, presents NYCU’s strategic position within Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem. \r\n \r\nSemiconductor Ecosystems as a National Strategy \r\n \r\nA key highlight of the visit took place on December 19 at SEMICON Japan, where the delegation participated in a high-level symposium hosted by Tohoku University at Tokyo Big Sight. Unlike typical trade-show events, the forum framed semiconductors explicitly as a matter of economic security and national competitiveness, with senior officials from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) attending alongside industry leaders. \r\n \r\nFive major semiconductor companies sent top-tier executives — including chairpersons, presidents, and senior vice presidents — underscoring Japan’s renewed emphasis on rebuilding its semiconductor ecosystem at a systemic level. Participating firms included Rapidus, Kioxia, Tokyo Electron, SCREEN Holdings, and Micron Technology, representing advanced manufacturing, memory, equipment, and global supply-chain perspectives. \r\n \r\nAgainst this backdrop, NYCU representatives articulated Taiwan’s distinctive contributions: rapid mid-to-late-stage technology-readiness-level (TRL) engineering, strong fabless innovation, and the ability to bridge research outcomes and industrial deployment. Discussions converged on four scalable collaboration themes — translating basic science into competitiveness, rebuilding design-service ecosystems through demand pull, co-developing power semiconductors as a shared application focus, and establishing joint talent-development and mobility mechanisms. \r\n \r\nLinking Innovation and Investment \r\n \r\nOn December 18, NYCU hosted the Taiwan–Japan Semiconductor Innovation and Investment Forum at Startup Island Taiwan’s Tokyo Hub, positioning co-creation not only as a technical agenda but as an investable proposition. Designed as a working forum rather than a ceremonial event, the gathering brought together NYCU’s Taiwan–Japan Exchange Office (TJEO), its international semiconductor collaboration platform, and university-affiliated investment entities, along with industry leaders and former executives from Japan’s automotive and semiconductor sectors.
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\r\n \r\nForum discussions were structured around four pillars: More-than-Moore technology collaboration, fabless and IC design partnerships, energy-related and power semiconductor applications, and next-generation talent cultivation. By placing research, industrialization, talent, and strategic capital at the same table, the forum offered Japanese partners a clearer picture of how Taiwan–Japan cooperation could move from concept to executable projects. \r\n \r\nFormer INCJ Chairman and former Nissan COO Toshiyuki Shiga, who attended the forum, remarked on Japan’s need to overcome what he described as “illusory innovation,” expressed interest in learning from Taiwan’s faster, engineering-driven commercialization models, and indicated plans for a follow-up visit to Taiwan in early 2026. \r\n \r\nFrom Dialogue to Deployment: Toward a Sustainable Co-Creation Mechanism \r\n \r\nBeyond public forums, the delegation held a series of closed-door meetings with major Japanese financial institutions, including Daiwa Securities VC, 77 Bank, MUFG, and DBJ-affiliated investment partners. These discussions aimed to demonstrate the maturity and feasibility of the proposed Taiwan–Japan Semiconductor Impact Fund by presenting concrete pipeline cases rather than abstract strategies. \r\n \r\nOne such case featured a power semiconductor startup founded by NYCU alumni, showcasing a “virtual IDM” model that integrates design, manufacturing coordination, and application development. The example illustrated how Taiwan’s speed-driven innovation model could complement Japan’s manufacturing depth and talent base, particularly in power electronics — a field both sides identified as a promising area for joint growth. \r\n \r\nThe Tokyo visit marked a transition point in Taiwan–Japan semiconductor relations: from episodic exchanges to a sustained co-creation mechanism anchored by cross-border pilot projects and aligned investment strategies. By establishing shared language, trust, and operational frameworks among universities, corporations, and financial institutions, the university aims to turn strategic dialogue into long-term collaboration with global relevance. \r\n \r\nProf. Seiji Samukawa (right), Director of NYCU’s Taiwan–Japan Exchange Office (TJEO), engages in on-site discussions at Startup Island Taiwan’s Tokyo Hub.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1460893787046809600&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1460893787105529856&init=Y","expFile":"Group photo of the NYCU delegation during their visit to Japan."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Study Reveals How Cancer Cells Learn Under Pressure to Evade Immunotherapy","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-13","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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The findings show that prolonged targeted therapy in patients with head and neck cancer can heighten tumor alertness, reducing the effectiveness of subsequent immunotherapy. \r\n(Image: positron emission tomography scan of a patient with head and neck cancer.)
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Immunotherapy has been hailed as a breakthrough in cancer treatment, earning global recognition with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. But new research from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) reveals a sobering reality: under sustained treatment pressure, cancer cells do not simply weaken — they adapt, learn, and fight back. \r\n \r\nA research team from the Institute of Clinical Medicine at NYCU has found that cancer cells exposed to long-term targeted therapy can develop heightened “stress resilience,” enabling them to evade subsequent immunotherapy. The findings help explain why many patients with head and neck cancer fail to achieve the expected outcomes when immunotherapy is administered after prolonged targeted treatment. The study, titled “Therapeutic stress triggers tumor STAT1 acetylation to disarm immunotherapy,” was published in Cell Reports Medicine.\r\n\r\n
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Members of the research team (from left): Kuan-Chen Lai, a graduate student at the Institute of Clinical Medicine; Professor Muh-Hwa Yang; and Dr. Po-Hsien Chiu. \r\n \r\nHow treatment pressure reshapes the tumor microenvironment \r\n \r\nBy closely analyzing tumor behavior under extended targeted therapy, the researchers uncovered a critical mechanism behind immunotherapy resistance. Rather than remaining vulnerable, cancer cells respond to prolonged drug pressure by rapidly remodeling the tumor microenvironment. In some cases, they actively shut down signaling pathways that would normally activate immune cells, effectively rendering immunotherapy ineffective. \r\n \r\nAt the core of this adaptive response is the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). When targeted drugs chronically suppress tumors, they begin to secrete large amounts of TNF-α, which interferes with STAT1 — a key regulator that activates interferon-driven anti-tumor genes. This disruption leads to a phenomenon known as “interferon-gamma fatigue,” in which immune cells gradually lose their ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. \r\n \r\nA second escape route: silencing immune cells directly \r\n \r\nIn a separate but complementary study published in Advanced Science, the NYCU team collaborated with Academia Sinica Academician Mien-Chie Hung to uncover another immune-evasion strategy used by cancer cells. The researchers identified RNase1, an enzyme secreted by tumors, that directly suppresses the activity of T cells and other immune cells.
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\r\n \r\nThis mechanism was observed across multiple cancer types — including breast cancer, liver cancer, and head and neck cancer — suggesting that RNase1 is a cross-cancer immune escape factor with broad clinical significance. \r\n \r\nCancer cells that adapt, not surrender \r\n \r\nTaken together, the two studies paint a clear picture of cancer as a highly adaptive system. Under therapeutic pressure, cancer cells do not merely passively resist treatment. Instead, they actively reprogram immune signaling pathways, secrete proteins that weaken immune attacks, and learn how to survive in increasingly hostile environments. \r\n \r\n“Cancer cells grow under pressure,” the researchers noted, demonstrating an evolutionary resilience that challenges current treatment strategies. \r\n \r\nTurning resistance into clinical insight \r\n \r\nDespite the sobering findings, the research also offers a path forward. Understanding how tumors adapt under treatment pressure provides clinicians with valuable guidance for optimizing treatment sequencing, combination therapies, and biomarker-driven decision-making. \r\n \r\n“Immunotherapy represents a major milestone in cancer treatment, but overcoming resistance remains one of the greatest clinical challenges,” said Professor Muh-Hwa Yang of NYCU, a senior author of the studies. “By understanding how tumors adapt under therapeutic stress, we may be able to use biomarkers to guide treatment order and combination strategies — ultimately improving the success rate of immunotherapy.” \r\n \r\nThe findings underscore the importance of viewing cancer treatment not as a single intervention, but as a dynamic process — one in which timing, sequencing, and biological context may determine success or failure. \r\n \r\nSTAT1 plays a critical role in immunotherapy efficacy, and its acetylation status may serve as an important biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1460667992076455936&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU to Establish AB-BNCT Center to Expand Taiwan’s Cancer Precision Medicine Capacity","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-08","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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On January 7, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin, Heron Neutron Medical Corp. Chairman Chi-Rung Hsu, and Chuming Foundation CEO Tsai-Wu Liu signed a memorandum of intent for industry–academia–medical collaboration.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is advancing Taiwan's capacity for next-generation cancer treatment. NYCU has announced plans to introduce an Accelerator-Based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (AB-BNCT) system at the under-construction Chuming Hospital on the Boai Campus — expanding access to cutting-edge precision radiotherapy for patients across Taiwan. \r\n \r\nOn January 7, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin, Heron Neutron Medical Corp. Chairman Chi-Rung Hsu, and Chuming Foundation CEO Tsai-Wu Liu signed a memorandum of intent for industry–academia–medical collaboration. The partners will jointly establish the AB-BNCT Center, integrating critical resources across research, engineering, and clinical care to deliver high-quality, evidence-based cancer treatment and to build a globally competitive medical and research platform. \r\n \r\nA Next-Generation Platform Combining BNCT and Ultra-High-Field MRI \r\n \r\nThe Boai Campus AB-BNCT system will become NYCU's second such installation, following the university's first system currently operating at Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH). AB-BNCT works by administering boron-containing compounds that selectively accumulate in tumor cells; a precisely targeted neutron beam then triggers a reaction inside the cancer cells, destroying them while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The technology is recognized as one of today's most advanced forms of precision oncologic radiotherapy. \r\n \r\nThe planned center will integrate two key medical innovations — boron neutron capture therapy and ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By combining high-resolution diagnostic imaging, longitudinal treatment-tracking tools, and precision radiation delivery systems, the center aims to enhance treatment planning, response evaluation, and patient safety, offering more personalized, higher-quality cancer care.
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\r\n \r\nBuilding a Full Innovation Ecosystem From Research to Clinical Application \r\n \r\nThe collaboration leverages Heron Neutron Medical Corp.'s expertise in independently developed AB-BNCT accelerator systems and engineering integration, together with Chuming Hospital's future clinical applications. The three parties will co-create a comprehensive ecosystem spanning basic research, system and equipment development, clinical validation, and real-world medical services — fully realizing a patient-centered model of precision radiotherapy. \r\n \r\nOnce established, the AB-BNCT Center will serve simultaneously as a treatment hub, clinical development platform, and research base. By systematically advancing BNCT applications across multiple cancer types and strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, and healthcare partners, the center will shorten the translation pathway from innovation to clinical practice while ensuring treatment quality, safety, and therapeutic benefit. \r\n \r\nThe initiative marks a significant step in reinforcing Taiwan's leadership in precision radiotherapy and advanced medical technologies — and in delivering tangible benefits to cancer patients nationwide. \r\n
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Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a cell-level, targeted form of radiotherapy. It works by delivering boron compounds to tumor cells and then exposing them to a neutron beam, which triggers a reaction that releases energy to destroy the cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. (Photo credit: Heron Neutron Medical Corp.)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1458376622917816320&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"From Smart Navigation to Autonomous Maritime Defense: NYCU and NTOU forge a strategic alliance to strengthen Taiwan’s blue-technology resilience","dataClassName":"Academics","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-07","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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On January 5, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (front row, third from right) led a delegation to NTOU, where they were received by President Tai-Wen Hsu (front row, fourth from right) and key members of the university’s research leadership team. (Photo credit: NTOU)
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As climate change and geopolitical risks increasingly reshape the global landscape, the ocean has become more than a natural environment — it now stands at the front line of energy transition, national security, industrial upgrading, and sustainable development. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) have announced a new phase of deep collaboration that brings together NTOU’s longstanding strengths in marine science and engineering with NYCU’s core capabilities in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and information and communications technology. \r\n \r\nThe partnership will focus on sustainable ocean engineering and smart shipping, fostering a new wave of blue-technology innovation to accelerate the digital transformation of Taiwan’s maritime industries while strengthening resilience in energy infrastructure and coastal security. \r\n \r\n“This collaboration is more than an academic partnership — it is a pathway for taking engineering innovations from the laboratory to the ocean, and from research into industry and national application,” said President Lin. \r\n \r\nStrengthening Innovation Across Marine Energy, Smart Shipping, and Blue Biotechnology \r\n \r\nIn the areas of marine energy and coastal disaster resilience, the two universities will combine NYCU’s strengths in mechatronic control, communications, and AI-driven predictive modeling with NTOU’s engineering expertise and near-shore testing capabilities. The collaboration will support the development of smarter offshore wind and wave-energy systems, improving power-conversion efficiency and structural resilience under extreme weather conditions. By integrating real-time monitoring data with AI-based ocean modeling, the partners also plan to build forward-looking marine-environmental forecasting and disaster-warning systems to better protect harbors, coastal communities, and critical maritime infrastructure. \r\n \r\nThe collaboration also extends to smart shipping and autonomous maritime systems. NYCU has built a strong research foundation in AI-based collision avoidance, multi-vessel coordination, autonomous navigation control, and sensor-fusion technologies, supported by years of field validation and participation in international research competitions. This technological capacity endorses the development of autonomous surface vehicles and marine monitoring systems, while also forming an interdisciplinary innovation backbone that connects engineering, AI, and communications — a foundation that will further enable cross-institutional and industry collaboration.
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Beyond transportation and infrastructure, the partnership will advance applications in precision aquaculture and marine biotechnology. NYCU’s experience in biomedical data analysis and genomics will be integrated with NTOU’s strengths in aquaculture science to develop smarter monitoring, automated management, and data-driven decision-making systems. These efforts aim to bring AI, IoT, and biotechnology into practical use within livelihood industries, demonstrating the broader societal and economic value of marine-technology innovation. \r\n \r\nToward a Collaborative and Resilient Blue-Technology Future for Taiwan
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\r\n“Through interdisciplinary integration and field-based collaboration, Taiwan has the opportunity to create internationally relevant models for blue-economy development, smart shipping, and sustainable ocean governance,” President Lin said. “We look forward to working with more research partners and industry collaborators to transform technological innovation into long-term societal benefit and a resilient maritime ecosystem.” \r\n \r\nNYCU and NTOU emphasized that the partnership marks a significant step toward building a collaborative blue-technology community for Taiwan — one that strengthens national resilience while contributing to the global agenda for sustainable oceans. \r\n
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Both NTOU and NYCU expressed hope that the collaboration will spark new opportunities for cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration. (Photo credit: NTOU)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1458309005771280384&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU International Volunteer Programs Strengthen Community Engagement Across Asia Through Education and Health Services","dataClassName":"SDGs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2026-01-06","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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During the summer of 2025, the 15th Jullay Team — composed of eight students from different academic disciplines — traveled to Ladakh from June to July to carry out educational service activities.
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By the Service Learning Center \r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is deepening its global social impact through long-term international volunteer programs that integrate education, public health, and community partnership. Led by the NYCU’s Service Learning Center, these initiatives encourage students to apply academic knowledge in real-world contexts while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). \r\n \r\nNYCU’s two flagship volunteer programs — the India-based Jullay Team and the Southeast Asia-focused BAT Team — emphasize cross-cultural collaboration, local empowerment, and sustained engagement rather than short-term outreach. Through years of partnership with communities and schools, the programs have built trust-based networks that continue to expand in scope and social impact. \r\n \r\nResponding to Local Needs: BAT Team Advances Health Education in Cambodian Communities \r\n \r\nFounded in 2019, the BAT Team — named after the “Bridge of ASEAN and Taiwan” — symbolizes both connection and goodwill. In Southeast Asian cultures, bats are associated with good fortune, reflecting the team’s mission to bring constructive, community-centered change through collaborative service. \r\n
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\r\nMembers of the BAT Team conduct field visits in local communities to understand residents’ living environments and regional needs. \r\n \r\nSince 2024, the team has shifted its focus from architectural projects to physical and mental health education. In 2025, under the guidance of faculty with medical expertise, students delivered health-learning programs across three communities in Cambodia, reaching approximately 229 residents. The initiative received strong recognition from both community partners and external organizations, earning awards from the ASUS Foundation and Taiwan’s Ministry of Education Youth Overseas Volunteer Service Program for excellence in service outcomes and evaluation. \r\n \r\nCommunity participation continues to grow. Some residents shared that after joining last year’s courses, they were eager to return this year. Ann, a local university student who once attended the workshops, returned as a program facilitator and English–Khmer interpreter — hoping, she said, to become “someone who brings change.” Her story reflects the program’s expanding, locally rooted influence. \r\n \r\n \r\nAnn (Center), a Cambodian university student, returned to the program this year to assist as an interpreter. \r\n \r\nTo strengthen long-term impact, the BAT Team also used ten ASUS-donated laptops to support four Cambodian university students in developing community-tailored health posters and teaching materials. The effort not only builds sustainable educational resources but also equips local youth with digital skills to support public-health learning in their own communities. \r\n \r\nFifteen Years in Ladakh: Jullay Team Expands Educational Opportunities Through Long-Term Commitment \r\n \r\nNamed after the Ladakhi greeting “Jullay,” NYCU’s India-based volunteer team has been active in the Himalayan region since 2011 — marking its 15th year of continuous engagement. Centered on education, the program has cultivated enduring partnerships with local schools while supporting students in resource-limited environments. \r\n \r\nDuring the summer of 2025, the 15th Jullay Team — composed of eight students from diverse disciplines — conducted educational programs from June to July across three partner schools: Jamyang School, Rigjung Public School, and Likir Monastery School. Tailored course design and multi-site collaboration enabled the team to reach around 450 students and teachers. \r\n \r\nAt Jamyang School, courses integrated Python programming, Arduino-based hands-on learning, and sensor applications to strengthen computational thinking and problem-solving skills. Additional modules on local issues, media literacy, and mental health encouraged students to reflect on social change, information awareness, and emotional well-being.
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\r\nLocal students participate in hands-on programming exercises during the Python class. \r\n \r\nWith support from the ASUS Foundation, the team also enhanced access to digital learning by providing 50 new computers, six refurbished laptops, and 278 English-language books. The contributions enabled Rigjung Public School to establish a fully equipped computer classroom. They supported the first refurbished computer lab at Likir Monastery School — significantly expanding learning infrastructure in underserved areas. \r\n \r\nShared Learning and Growth: Reflections from Faculty and Schools \r\n \r\nDr. Da-De Ji, faculty advisor to the BAT Team, described the Cambodia service experience as “beginning with uncertainty and ending with gratitude.” Initial concerns centered on course design, alignment with local health needs, and student safety. Through the process, he said, he witnessed students’ determination to deliver accurate medical knowledge. He expressed deep appreciation for the support of local partners, NYCU, and sponsoring organizations. \r\n \r\n \r\nMembers of the BAT Team deliver health education programs in Cambodian communities. \r\n \r\nProfessor Mei-Ling Pan of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, advisor to the Jullay Team, noted that while multi-site service increases logistical challenges, it also deepens students’ adaptability and cultural awareness. Service-learning, she emphasized, not only meets local educational needs but strengthens students’ sense of civic responsibility and social engagement — outcomes made possible through long-term trust and collaboration. \r\n \r\nPartner schools also reported meaningful progress. Rigjung Public School saw increased student motivation for computer learning. At the same time, Jamyang School praised the team’s sustained commitment and innovative, issue-based curriculum that broadened students’ perspectives on learning and future opportunities. \r\n \r\n \r\nStudents from the Jullay Team share introductory Python programming lessons with students at Rigjung Public School. \r\n \r\nService as Accompaniment: Building Sustainable International Engagement \r\n \r\nFor many student volunteers, international service becomes an experience of reciprocal growth. One BAT Team member reflected that while communities benefit from the programs, volunteers also gain new understanding: “Compared to what we give, we receive even more.” Through dialogue and shared experience, students learned that connection — not intervention — lies at the heart of meaningful service. \r\n \r\nA Jullay Team student shared a similar insight: “I moved between the roles of lecturer and learner — slowing down and discovering meaning in ordinary moments.” Such reflections reveal how service evolves from a temporary activity into a journey of empathy, responsibility, and mutual learning. \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, NYCU plans to deepen local partnerships, strengthen course follow-up mechanisms, empower youth leaders, and expand the development of teaching resources. By integrating digital tools and broader institutional support, the university aims to extend the reach of education and health initiatives — accompanying more communities toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1457960755776196608&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1457961694738255872&init=Y","expFile":"In addition to receiving strong recognition from local communities, the program was also awarded an Honorable Mention at the ASUS Foundation International Volunteer Service Presentation."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1457961695015079936&init=Y","expFile":"In collaboration with the ASUS Foundation, the team helped equip local schools with new computers to establish computer classrooms and took part in a formal donation ceremony."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU GIA Student to Represent Taiwan at AYDA Awards Global Finals","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-31","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Ping-Kuan Chen (right), a graduate student at NYCU’s Graduate Institute of Architecture, receives the Gold Award at the 2025 AYDA Awards and poses for a photo with Jury Chair, architect Yu-Chang Liang. (Photo credit: AYDA Awards)
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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A graduate student from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University’s Graduate Institute of Architecture (NYCU GIA), Ping-Kuan Chen, has earned the Gold Award at the AYDA Awards — one of Asia’s most influential international design competitions for emerging designers. With this honor, Chen will represent Taiwan in 2026 at the global finals, competing against top young designers from 20 cities worldwide for the competition’s highest distinction, the Platinum Award.
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\r\nOrganized by Nippon Paint, the AYDA Awards aim to inspire innovation and social awareness among students in architecture, interior design, and spatial design programs across Asia. Each year, the competition centers on a unifying theme, encouraging participants to respond to cultural, environmental, and human-centered challenges through design, while providing opportunities to connect with the global design community and pursue international learning pathways. \r\n
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Designing Cultural Continuity through Place-Based Architecture \r\n \r\nUnder the 2025 theme “CONVERGE: Crafting Cultural Legacies,” Chen’s project, “Re-Constructing Dwelling — A Cyclical Building System for the Island of Faith,” draws on in-depth observations of local culture and environmental conditions in Penghu, an island region of Taiwan. \r\n \r\nThe project addresses the gradual decline of traditional coral-stone construction techniques, a culturally significant craft once deeply tied to community identity and everyday life. Through a site-sensitive architectural strategy that re-integrates local materials and emphasizes harmony between people and their environment, Chen proposes a regenerative spatial system that preserves cultural memory while enabling sustainable adaptation. \r\n \r\nThe jury commended the work for its conceptual depth, strategic coherence, and strong sensitivity to place, awarding it the Taiwan Gold Award and advancing it to the 2026 international competition.
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From Taiwan to the World: A Platform for Emerging Design Leaders
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\r\nAccording to the organizers, the AYDA Awards are more than a design competition — they serve as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and global exposure. Taiwan’s Gold Award winner will not only take part in the 2026 Platinum Award global finals held overseas, but finalists who excel at the international stage may also have the opportunity to join the three-week “Design Discovery” summer program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (Harvard GSD), gaining world-class training and academic enrichment. \r\n \r\nNYCU GIA emphasizes a people-centered approach to design education, encouraging students to integrate social inquiry, cross-disciplinary thinking, and real-world engagement into their creative practice. Chen’s achievement reflects this educational philosophy and underscores the growing global visibility of Taiwan’s next-generation design talent. \r\n \r\nThis recognition demonstrates not only the creativity and professional strength of NYCU students but also the meaningful role that design can play in sustaining culture and community. \r\n
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Gold Award winner Ping-Kuan Chen draws on his experience living in Penghu to transform locally discarded materials into modular units that echo traditional coral-stone houses and revive the connection between people and place.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1455819807696883712&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU unveils new academic regalia designed by Paris Olympics fashion creator Justin Chou","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-30","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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\r\nBy JUST IN XX \r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has introduced a newly designed set of academic regalia, created by internationally acclaimed fashion designer Justin Chou (Just In XX) — the creative force behind the apparel of Taiwan’s national team for the Paris Olympics. Blending classical academic heritage with contemporary aesthetics, the refreshed regalia for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees brings modern design language and elegant visual symbolism into one of the university’s most meaningful traditions. \r\n \r\nInstead of treating the campus as merely a backdrop for graduation photography, NYCU turned it into a full-scale fashion set. Current students modeled the new regalia in a series of editorial-style images, transforming the gown from a ceremonial garment into a refined expression of identity, confidence, and university spirit in the public eye. \r\n \r\nA new symbol for a new era after the university merger \r\n \r\nFollowing NYCU’s 2021 merger, the university has renewed key elements of its institutional identity — including its emblem, visual system, and school anthem. The debut of the new academic regalia on Christmas Eve 2025 marks another milestone in this evolution. Beginning in 2026, graduating students will celebrate life’s significant milestones wearing the newly designed gowns, preserving memories that are both ceremonial and contemporary. \r\n \r\nThe design draws inspiration from the merged university emblem and its guiding values — compassionate practice, truth in action, innovation, and forward-looking vision. Justin Chou combined the balanced proportions of classical academic attire with sleek modern lines, ensuring that the regalia remains dignified while expressing NYCU’s forward-thinking character. The color palette evokes blue skies and white clouds, symbolizing students freely exploring and soaring across the vast sky of knowledge. \r\n \r\n
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The gear motif from the NYCU emblem is extended into the design as subtle accents along the stole and sleeve edges. \r\n \r\nDesign Details: Innovation, Heritage, and Movement \r\n \r\nChou translated the gear motif from the university emblem into subtle accents along the stole and sleeve edges, weaving the spirit of technological innovation and continuous exploration into the garment in a refined and understated way. The gear represents connection and momentum — honoring past achievements while pointing toward future breakthroughs. At the same time, the integrated motif of flight symbolizes graduates taking wing as they step forward with confidence into the next chapter of their lives.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nThe regalia is crafted from high-quality velvet and satin, creating layered visual depth and ceremonial presence. The soft yet weighty velvet reflects the warmth and legacy of academic heritage, while the satin’s luminous sheen represents the brilliance of knowledge and the bright futures ahead. Whether on stage or before the camera, the gown carries the pride of the institution and its hopes for every graduate. \r\n \r\nIn addition to creating Olympic-grade embroidered emblem patches, the team also developed a commemorative graduation stole. \r\n \r\nA design shaped through dialogue with students \r\n \r\nTo realize the design, NYCU worked with a world-class manufacturing team that includes the Paris Olympics apparel producer and leading ESG textile innovator Jenmei Woven Label. Together, they created Olympic-grade embroidered emblem patches and a commemorative graduation stole. \r\n \r\nProduction was carried out in partnership with the Ruentex Group, using sustainable, functional fabrics featuring antibacterial and odor-resistant properties, UV protection, moisture-wicking performance, and easy-clean durability. All bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral gowns are individually handcrafted, balancing ceremonial gravitas with long-term commemorative value. \r\n \r\nChou emphasized that the design process — from conceptual development to refinement — included extensive conversations and interviews with NYCU students. Their expectations, lived experiences, and emotional connection to graduation were incorporated into key design decisions. “For many students, the moment they put on the gown is more than a celebration of academic achievement,” Chou reflected. “It feels like wearing a blessing — carrying the spirit of NYCU with them as they move forward into the next stage of their journey.”
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1455784453061218304&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1455784962287472640&init=Y","expFile":"Promotional portrait of the new academic regalia."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"From the Tribe to the World: NYCU’s Holistic Health Partnership in Nan’ao","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-29","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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At Nan’ao’s Culture and Health Station, NYCU team led by Professor Yiing-Mei Liou observes the elders’ morning routine—an embodiment of the iHEART model that merges Atayal culture with community-centered healthcare.
In the early morning mist of Nan’ao, the local Culture and Health Station is already alive with energy. One by one, community elders gather, accompanied by a familiar melody—the "Medication Song." Hummed in Atayal, the tune gently reminds them of their daily medical routines. This scene is the fruit of a deep collaboration between Professor Yiing-Mei Liou (Institute of Community Health Care, NYCU) and the Nan’ao community. What began as a health initiative has evolved into an integral part of the elders' daily lives. \r\n \r\nIn recent years, NYCU has woven Atayal language, culture, smart technology, and community care into a unique healthcare model known as iHEART (Tribal star incubation: Intelligent HEAlth for RemoTe areas). From translating medication instructions into Atayal and integrating them into music therapy to digitizing daily health records, the program helps indigenous communities build a compassionate, culturally grounded approach to wellness. While the project has earned prestigious accolades—including the Gold Award at the TSAA Taiwan Sustainable Action Awards and the Bronze Award at the APSAA Asia-Pacific Sustainable Action Awards (SDG3)—Professor Liou insists the true value lies elsewhere. \r\n \r\n"We are not here to help the community," Professor Liou emphasizes. "We are here to find solutions together with the community." \r\n
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\r\nElders use movement and the “Medication Song” to remember their daily medications—a practice now rooted in their morning routine. \r\n \r\nStarting with Understanding: Bridging the "Greek" Gap \r\n \r\nThe project began with a simple but critical realization: the need to truly see. Professor Liou recalls that upon arriving in Nan’ao, the team looked beyond statistics like gout prevalence or dialysis rates. Instead, they saw health challenges hidden within cultural nuances and linguistic gaps. \r\n \r\nFor many elders, medication bags were "all Greek to them"—unreadable and intimidating. Some elders would even pour colorful pills into glass jars for display simply because they looked "beautiful," unaware of their medical function. Moments like these revealed a profound insight: when health information cannot be understood, it cannot be used. Thus began a transformative cross-cultural translation effort. The team and the community worked together to translate medical terms into Atayal, turn shyly whispered reminders into songs, and encode health messages into dance. \r\n \r\nBeyond education, the NYCU team collaborates with the Culture and Health Station to provide holistic physical and emotional support. From morning mobility exercises to shared community meals, these activities have become cherished "homecoming moments." \r\n \r\n"Here, health education isn't about handouts; it is woven into daily life so elders can remember through movement," shares Ms. Lu Zifang, a care attendant at the station. She notes that the "Medication Song," which blends melody with simple choreography, aligns with the community’s oral traditions. "When the elders hear the song, they immediately know how to take their medicine for the day." \r\n \r\nWeaving Fear into Connection and Protection During the Pandemic \r\n \r\nRecent years have seen NYCU interns identifying deeper emotional needs, leading to the introduction of music-based therapy to help elders find balance through rhythm and breathing. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a more urgent challenge: a shortage of masks and a community in fear. \r\n \r\nNYCU and artisan Ms. Hu Su-Chiu at the Ina Weaving Workshop created culturally rooted “Nan’ao Masks,” blending ancestral motifs with modern public-health needs at the height of the pandemic. \r\n
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Nan’ao faced a series of challenges: an influx of young people returning home, elders worried about infection, and a severe shortage of masks. Recognizing the community’s urgent needs, the NYCU team partnered with the Ina Weaving Workshop to develop a solution grounded in local culture. "If there aren’t enough masks, we’ll make them ourselves," said Ms. Hu Su-Chiu, the weaving artisan, with gentle determination. \r\n \r\nThe resulting "Nan’ao Mask" combined NYCU’s medical expertise with Atayal identity. The woven bands carried deep symbolism: mountain motifs for the forests, plain-weave for the earth, and diamond shapes representing the "eyes of the ancestors." "If it is made by me, then it is part of Atayal tradition," Ms. Hu said with pride. Here, culture is more than aesthetic expression—it becomes a form of protection. At the height of the crisis, the NYCU team and the Ina Workshop demonstrated the community’s collective resilience, producing and distributing 300 masks to the township office and frontline medical staff, standing together to safeguard the well-being of the tribe. \r\n \r\n \r\nThe woven bands carried deep symbolism: mountain motifs for the forests, plain-weave for the earth, and diamond shapes representing the "eyes of the ancestors." \r\n \r\nThe Nan’ao Model: Innovation Through Mutual Trust and Cooperation \r\n \r\n"Nan’ao’s emergence as a hub for health innovation is no coincidence," says Professor Liou. Each year, NYCU students spend time stationed in the community, conducting health assessments, supporting older residents, and collaborating with the local health clinic. While their work may appear to be “service,” the students gain far more in return—learning about culture, building relationships, and experiencing the power of trust. Little by little, the community has opened its doors and allowed NYCU to become part of its everyday life. \r\n \r\nProfessor Liou shares a touching story of a student driven up the mountain by the Public Health Center director. Noticing the student hadn’t eaten, the director took a steamed bun, divided it by hand, and shared it, saying, "Family must share." For the student, it was a lesson that public health is built on relationships, not just professional guidance. As many interns reflect, "This was the most authentic public health class of my life." \r\n \r\nFrom Local Spirit to Global Impact: Addressing the Poverty of Dignity \r\n \r\nWhen asked whether the Nan’ao model could be replicated elsewhere, Professor Liou believes that while the “methods” may be difficult to copy, the “spirit” can be. She emphasizes that what Nan’ao has done right is not about technology, but about an attitude—willingness to listen, to wait, and to sit alongside the community, allowing it to set its own pace. \r\n \r\nWhat may seem like a local issue of rural health actually embodies the core of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Professor Liou explains, "The ultimate aim is to eliminate all forms of poverty." Liou explains. "Language barriers create knowledge poverty, while a lack of cultural understanding creates dignity poverty." By addressing both, NYCU and Nan’ao have built a model that is globally comprehensible yet locally actionable. "Giving is not losing; it is a path toward deeper understanding," Professor Liou concludes. "As long as you are willing, you will find more people willing to walk alongside you." \r\n \r\nThough Nan’ao is small, NYCU has invested time and humility to cultivate deep understanding—building trust through companionship and insight, and offering the world a model that is globally comprehensible yet locally actionable. “Giving is not losing; it is a path toward deeper understanding. As long as you are willing, you will find more people willing to walk alongside you,” says Professor Ying-Mei Liou. The story of Nan’ao continues, and the seeds sown by NYCU and the community are already taking root and growing, reaching ever farther.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1455554086739906560&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"AI and Semiconductor Boom Drives Record Competition for NYCU Graduate Programs","dataClassName":"Academics","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-25","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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NYCU students conduct semiconductor process training inside a cleanroom laboratory, gaining hands-on experience with chip fabrication and equipment operation.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has reported a sharp rise in applications to its master’s programs for Academic Year 2026 (115th academic year), with artificial intelligence, computer science, and semiconductor-related departments emerging as the most competitive fields. Several programs recorded admission rates below three percent, underscoring the surging demand for advanced talent in Taiwan’s high-tech industries. \r\n \r\nDespite the nationwide decline in student population, NYCU saw total applications for its master’s and executive master’s programs climb from 11,355 to 13,678 — an annual growth rate of 20.45 percent. The figures reflect strong labor-market demand for top-tier engineers and cross-disciplinary professionals in next-generation technologies. \r\n \r\nSemiconductor and AI Programs Lead a Highly Competitive Field \r\n \r\nPrograms in integrated circuit design, computer science, and intelligent systems remain the top choices for applicants. The ICS & EDA Group of NYCU’s Institute of Pioneer Semiconductor Innovation — dedicated to cultivating IC design specialists — recorded an acceptance rate of only 2.17 percent. \r\n \r\nThe Graduate Institute of Computer Science and Engineering attracted 2,167 applicants competing for just 56 seats, resulting in an admission rate of 2.58 percent. Meanwhile, the Intelligent Systems Graduate Program, which integrates AI, data science, broadband communications, and the Internet of Things, offered 10 seats but drew 391 applicants — an acceptance rate of 2.56 percent. \r\n \r\nData-Driven Decision-Making Fuels Growth in Business and Management Fields \r\n \r\nThe AI-driven talent wave is also reshaping business education. Applications to the Department of Management Science master’s program in Decision and Information Analytics surged by 115.72 percent year-on-year, reflecting industry demand for professionals capable of transforming data insights into strategic decision-making. \r\n \r\nA similar trend was seen in the Financial Decision-Making Track of the Finance Master’s Program under the Department of Information Management and Finance, which posted an acceptance rate of just 1.98 percent. The results highlight the growing prominence of FinTech-oriented talent who possess both analytical and financial competencies, attracting students from across science, engineering, and social science backgrounds.
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\r\n \r\n“Data-Driven Talent Has Become the New Strategic Advantage” \r\n \r\nNYCU Dean of Academic Affairs Professor Yong-Sheng Chen noted that the Graduate Institute of Computer Science and Engineering has long cultivated strengths across artificial intelligence, algorithms, software engineering, and system architecture. Its graduates frequently advance into leading global technology firms as algorithm engineers or software developers. \r\n \r\n“Competitive starting salaries and clear career pathways are major reasons why student interest remains consistently strong in these fields,” Chen said. \r\n \r\nHe added that enterprises across sectors — from marketing and finance to supply-chain management — increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making. \r\n \r\n“Industries today need professionals who can interpret complex datasets and translate them into actionable strategies. NYCU has progressively integrated data analytics and AI into its management and business curricula, making decision-analysis training more practical and future-oriented. This is why more students are choosing these programs.” \r\n \r\nAligning Graduate Education With Taiwan’s High-Tech Talent Pipeline \r\n \r\nNYCU’s surge in applications reflects years of sustained investment in ICT, semiconductor engineering, and advanced management education, forming a positive cycle between academic training and industrial needs. As the global AI wave accelerates, the university plans to further expand cross-disciplinary teaching and innovation-driven learning environments to support Taiwan’s next generation of research, engineering, and leadership talent. \r\n
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Graduate students attend a lecture at the Institute of Pioneer Semiconductor Innovation, delivered by a senior university vice president and former chief technology officer in the semiconductor industry.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1453600815326433280&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU 2025 ICT Open Labs Turn Student Innovation into Real-World Action","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-24","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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What does the future of technology look like when it steps out of the classroom and into society? \r\n \r\nAt National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), the answer is taking shape through code, carbon fiber, drones, and immersive digital worlds. From December 22 to 24, NYCU ICT Innovation Workshop hosted its interdisciplinary showcase, Create the Future, Let’s Go!, opening its laboratories to the public in an OPEN LABS format that showcased students’ creativity and engineering ingenuity. \r\n \r\nThe exhibition brought together student teams and faculty mentors across eight technology domains — including the Internet of Things, robotics, drones, new media, biomedical engineering and health sciences, VR/AR, digital manufacturing, and artificial intelligence — demonstrating how cross-disciplinary, hands-on learning can translate ideas into practical solutions. \r\n \r\n
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A student presenter introduces her interdisciplinary project at the NYCU 2025 ICT OPEN LABS exhibition, as faculty members and visitors observe demonstrations that showcase hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration. \r\n \r\nThree Zones, One Vision of the Future \r\n \r\nThe showcase was organized into three thematic zones: Smart Pulse, Virtual Artistry, and Aerial Life, each highlighting a different facet of future-oriented innovation. \r\n \r\nThe most eye-catching was Aerial Life, where engineering met human-centered design. Students from NYCU’s drone micro-program unveiled a multi-rotor system capable of coordinated object retrieval using multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. Powered by the ROS2 framework, the drones communicate in real time and operate collaboratively, integrating wearable gesture controls, autonomous visual obstacle avoidance, and magnetic grasping mechanisms — offering a glimpse into the future of automated logistics once confined to science fiction. \r\n \r\nAnother standout came from the university’s drone project competition team, where students undertook a complete Design-Build-Fly development cycle from scratch. Using carbon fiber, lightweight wood, and 3D printing, the team engineered a high-strength, lightweight airframe that integrates flight-control algorithms and embedded systems. This year’s projects pushed the limits further, validating drone performance in extreme environments — from high-altitude adaptive return systems and swarm communication to short-runway heavy-load takeoff and landing — underscoring the technology’s potential for logistics, disaster response, and search-and-rescue missions.
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\r\n \r\nTechnology as Daily Infrastructure — and as Art \r\n \r\nIn the Smart Pulse zone, teams working in IoT, robotics, and AI demonstrated how sensing, computation, and mobility converge to form the backbone of future smart societies, bringing advanced technology closer to everyday life and industrial applications. \r\n \r\nMeanwhile, Virtual Artistry transformed VR/AR and new media technologies into immersive creative experiences. Through interactive installations blending visuals, sound, and spatial design, students explored technology not just as a tool, but as an artistic medium — inviting visitors to experience how digital creativity reshapes perception in the virtual-physical age. \r\n \r\nEngineering from Concept to Competition \r\n \r\nThe exhibition also featured NYCU’s Formula Student electric racing team, NYCU Vulpes Racing, which showcased an electric formula race car built entirely from the ground up. By integrating CAD design, structural analysis, digital manufacturing, and carbon-fiber composites, the team executed a complete engineering workflow from concept to production. \r\n \r\nTheir latest model, the VR7.5, represented NYCU at FSAE Japan in 2025, completing its first overseas competition. This milestone highlighted students’ strength in system integration, real-world testing, and international-level engineering execution. \r\n \r\nLearning by Building the Future \r\n \r\nMore than a display of finished projects, the NYCU ICT Innovation Workshop exhibition reflected a mindset: learning by doing, collaborating across disciplines, and responding to real-world challenges through action. \r\n \r\nBy embracing OPEN LABs and interdisciplinary practice, NYCU continues to cultivate students who can turn imagination into reality — and carry their ideas beyond campus to shape the future they envision. \r\n \r\nThe exhibition also featured the VR7.5 electric formula car, built from the ground up by the NYCU Vulpes Racing team and selected to represent the university at FSAE Japan 2025.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1453242105223712768&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Study Reveals Real-Name Users May Be More Likely to Commit Online Exclusion","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-19","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Photo credit: Getty Images
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Is anonymous trolling really the main culprit of online bullying? New research from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) suggests the answer is more complicated. A research team at NYCU’s Institute of Education has found that exclusionary cyberbullying does not only occur in anonymous settings. In fact, individuals using their real names may be even more likely to exclude others in online interactions, overturning long-held public assumptions that anonymity is what “makes people cruel.” \r\n \r\nReal Names Don’t Stop Cyberbullying \r\n \r\nLed by Professor Yih-Lan Liu, the research team observed common exclusion-based forms of online aggression — such as removing members from group chats, blocking users, or deliberately ignoring others. These behaviors were especially prevalent among individuals exhibiting high levels of “Dark Triad” personality traits, which in psychology are associated with narcissism, manipulative tendencies, impulsivity, and low empathy. \r\n \r\n
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Professor Yih-Lan Liu of the Institute of Education presents research showing that online bullying can occur even without anonymity. \r\n \r\nThe study recruited 115 adult participants to join LINE discussion groups as part of a social interaction simulation. By introducing controlled conflicts into the discussions, the research team observed which participants were most likely to engage in exclusionary behavior during online interactions. \r\n \r\nStrikingly, the study revealed that individuals high in Dark Triad traits tended to avoid open verbal arguments and instead opted for “direct exclusion”—such as calling for votes to remove a member from the chat simply because of disagreement. Even more unexpected: these exclusion behaviors appeared more frequently under real-name conditions, demonstrating that online aggression does not require anonymity.
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\r\n \r\nDr. Cheng-Yan Wang presents findings on the developmental trajectories and psychological factors related to bullying and aggressive behaviors. \r\n \r\nBeyond Identity Checks: Designing Safer Online Platforms \r\n \r\nThe research team notes that some individuals continue to behave as if they are “unseen” online even when identified by real names, suggesting that the sense of anonymity can function as a psychological driver rather than being imposed solely by platform settings. \r\n \r\nThe findings demonstrate that online exclusion arises from an interaction between personality traits and situational factors, rather than anonymity alone. Professor Liu emphasized that real-name policies alone are insufficient to suppress cyberbullying, urging platforms to strengthen behavior-detection systems, establish transparent group-management rules, and promote user education to enhance online safety. \r\n \r\n“This research reminds us that ensuring respectful online interaction requires more than authentic identity verification,” Liu said. “Understanding individual differences — and designing systems that anticipate them — is key to building healthier digital communities.” \r\n \r\n
The research team behind the Cyto Chamber and QC Chip, developed to advance automated stem cell cultivation and quality control.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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A Taiwan-led research team has written a new chapter in regenerative medicine. After five years of close collaboration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and the CiRA Foundation at Kyoto University—founded by Nobel Laureate Shinya Yamanaka—have unveiled the world’s first fully automated system capable of cultivating and differentiating stem cells: the Cyto Chamber (Pioneer One). \r\n \r\nThe milestone marks a significant advance in stem cell manufacturing and highlights the growing impact of Taiwan–Japan scientific collaboration at the intersection of engineering and medicine. \r\n
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\r\nThe Cyto Chamber (Pioneer One), jointly developed by NYCU and the CiRA Foundation, is the world’s first automated system designed for stem cell cultivation and differentiation. \r\n \r\nTackling the Bottlenecks of Stem Cell Manufacturing \r\n \r\nStem cells possess the potential to differentiate into a wide range of tissue types, making them a cornerstone of regenerative medicine. However, their preparation has long been constrained by labor-intensive procedures, high costs, and inconsistent quality caused by heavy reliance on manual operations. \r\n \r\nTo overcome these challenges, Taiwanese and Japanese researchers launched a joint effort five years ago. NYCU became the only Taiwanese partner in the CiRA Foundation’s global “my iPS Project,” with a shared goal of overcoming the technical barriers to large-scale stem cell production and quality control. \r\n \r\nBeyond engineering, NYCU’s interdisciplinary strengths—spanning remote sensing, AI, earth sciences, electronics, and data analytics—position the university as a comprehensive ecosystem for future space talent. \r\n \r\nCyto Chamber: Automating a Once Labor-Intensive Process \r\n \r\nNYCU and the National Center for Instrumentation Research, under the National Applied Research Laboratories, jointly developed the Cyto Chamber (Pioneer One). The system fully automates stem cell cultivation and passaging, integrating temperature regulation, carbon dioxide control, culture medium supply and removal, and continuous microscopic imaging into a single platform. \r\n \r\n \r\nNYCU Vice President Tzu-Hao Cheng (front row, center) with the Cyto Chamber research team he leads. \r\n \r\nProcesses that previously required extensive human labor can now be executed with high efficiency and reproducibility. The system represents a critical step toward the industrialization of regenerative medicine and scalable cell manufacturing. \r\n \r\nQC Chip Enables Real-Time Quality Monitoring \r\n \r\nBeyond automation, NYCU’s semiconductor chip engineering team has developed an innovative QC Chip (Quality Control Chip) to address another long-standing challenge: stem cell quality assurance. \r\n \r\nUnlike conventional inspection methods that rely on antibody labeling, the QC Chip applies electronic engineering technologies to monitor stem cell quality in real time. This approach significantly shortens testing time while enhancing consistency and stability—key requirements for clinical and industrial applications.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nThe QC Chip, developed by NYCU’s semiconductor chip engineering team, enables real-time monitoring of stem cell quality using electronic engineering technologies. \r\n \r\nFrom International Debut to Industrial Impact \r\n \r\nThe Cyto Chamber and QC Chip were recently unveiled at the CiRA Foundation in Japan, immediately drawing strong interest from Japanese industry leaders and research institutions. The debut highlighted the success of Taiwan–Japan cross-border collaboration and showcased NYCU’s distinctive ability to integrate engineering innovation with biomedical research. \r\n \r\nDescribing the achievement as “a perfect convergence of engineering, medicine, and chip technology,” NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin said Taiwan’s combined strengths in biomedicine and semiconductor engineering were a key reason Japanese partners chose Taiwan as a collaborator. The system, independently developed by a Taiwanese team, not only validates the original vision behind NYCU’s university merger, Lin noted, but also demonstrates Taiwan’s scientific and technological capabilities on the global stage. \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, Lin emphasized that the maturation and future mass production of the Cyto Chamber and QC Chip will enable regenerative medicine to move beyond laboratory research and into industrial and clinical applications. “This cross-border scientific journey is laying the foundation for new medical possibilities in the decade ahead,” he said. \r\n \r\nProfessor Chen-Yi Lee (left) of NYCU’s Department of Electrical Engineering with the QC Chip research team he leads. \r\n \r\nLong-Term Commitment and National Support \r\n \r\nFive years ago, NYCU was entrusted by its Japanese partners with developing an automated stem cell platform. This effort led to the stationing of Japanese researchers in Taiwan for long-term collaboration. What once seemed an impossible mission has now been realized. \r\n \r\nThe achievement was made possible in part by support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education's Higher Education Sprout Project and the National Science and Technology Council’s research commercialization programs, opening new opportunities for the globalization and industrialization of stem cell manufacturing in Taiwan.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1450726383763329024&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Teams Up with U.S. Chipmaker Altera to Launch World’s Largest FPGAi Joint Lab","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-16","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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NYCU and Altera announced the launch of a joint laboratory on December 15, with Terasic Inc., representing Altera, contributing nearly NT$70 million in teaching boards and software to support semiconductor and AI talent development.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As global demand for semiconductor and AI talent accelerates, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has partnered with U.S. semiconductor company Altera to launch what the university says is the world’s largest Altera Joint FPGAi & Soc Laboratory, underscoring Taiwan’s push to strengthen chip design education and industry-ready training. \r\n \r\nThe new laboratory, established at NYCU’s Kaohsiung campus, is backed by a donation worth nearly NT$70 million (about US$2.2 million) in advanced teaching boards and software from Terasic Inc., Altera’s long-time partner. The facility will support hands-on instruction in digital circuit design, AI acceleration, and system-on-chip (SoC) development—skills increasingly seen as critical to the global semiconductor supply chain. \r\n \r\n
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Terasic Inc. Chairman Hsien-En Peng (left) and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right) sign the cooperation agreement. \r\n \r\nTraining Chip Talent with Industry-Grade Platforms \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin said the collaboration aims to narrow the gap between academic training and real-world engineering demands by embedding industry-standard tools directly into teaching and research. \r\n \r\n“Students will be able to learn and experiment using the same platforms adopted by leading semiconductor companies,” Lin said, adding that the laboratory will enable deeper exploration in AI, communications, and intelligent systems. \r\n \r\nHe noted that NYCU’s Kaohsiung campus is positioning itself as a focal point for semiconductor technology, AI-driven systems, applied sciences, and smart manufacturing, supported by industry partnerships and interdisciplinary education models. \r\n \r\nFrom the Classroom to the Chip Industry \r\n \r\nFor Hsien-En Peng, Chairman of Terasic Inc. and an NYCU alumnus, the initiative reflects a long-term investment in Taiwan’s economic future. \r\n \r\n“IC and SoC design talent is the lifeblood of Taiwan’s economy,” Peng said. “University programs—from digital logic to advanced chip design—are where this talent is forged.” \r\n \r\nThe Joint FPGAi & Soc Laboratory is equipped with Altera’s latest Agilex 5 FPGA, paired with the newly developed DE25-Standard board. Peng described the setup as a “supercar” for chip design education, capable of supporting both foundational coursework and advanced AI chip development.
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\r\n \r\nA Global Track Record in University Partnerships \r\n \r\nPeng also pointed to Terasic’s two-decade role as a hardware design partner in Altera’s global university program. During that time, the company has helped establish FPGA laboratories at more than 3,000 universities worldwide and delivered over 300,000 FPGA boards. \r\n \r\n“AI breakthroughs ultimately depend on hardware acceleration and chip design to reach society,” Peng said. “Developing talent that can combine AI with hardware—whether in biomedicine or other fields—is essential.” \r\n \r\nHe added that the Joint FPGAi & Soc Laboratory represents only the first phase of a broader, long-term collaboration with NYCU and Altera to support Taiwan’s next generation of engineers. \r\n \r\nHands-On Learning for AI and Advanced Systems \r\n \r\nNYCU Vice President Yung-Fu Chen said the joint laboratory will provide students with a complete FPGAi and SoC integration platform, designed to shorten the learning curve and emphasize practical application. \r\n \r\nThe platform will support projects in AI acceleration and edge computing, signal processing, SoC chip design, and advanced communication system prototyping, giving students hands-on experience in digital logic design and system integration. \r\n \r\nAnchoring Taiwan’s Role in the Global Semiconductor Pipeline \r\n \r\nWith the launch of the Joint FPGAi & Soc Laboratory, NYCU is reinforcing Taiwan’s position not only as a manufacturing powerhouse but also as a critical training ground for next-generation chip designers and system engineers. \r\n \r\nAt a time when countries and industries worldwide are racing to secure semiconductor talent, the NYCU–Altera collaboration highlights how university–industry partnerships are becoming a strategic pillar in sustaining innovation across AI, advanced computing, and intelligent systems. For Taiwan, the initiative signals a broader effort to ensure that breakthroughs in chip technology are matched by a steady pipeline of engineers capable of turning ideas into real-world impact. \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (second from left) and Vice President Yung-Fu Chen (right) thank alumni from the Department of Electrical Engineering at an alumni equipment donation ceremony.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1450381501404286976&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Hosts MEGA DAY as Startups Converge Across the Indo-Pacific","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-12","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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MEGA DAY, an official satellite event of the APICTA Awards, is supported by corporate sponsors such as China Airlines and BizLink, underscoring strong industry interest in digital innovation.
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\r\nBy NYCU OIAC \r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) hosted MEGA DAY, a flagship startup demo day and business pitch competition, in Kaohsiung on December 7, bringing together 17 promising startup teams from eight Indo-Pacific economies to showcase innovative technologies and business models. \r\n \r\nParticipating teams came from Taiwan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the growing dynamism of the Indo-Pacific innovation ecosystem. After a full day of rigorous pitching and evaluation, Taiwanese teams secured both the Gold and Bronze Awards, underscoring Taiwan’s growing momentum in technology-driven entrepreneurship. \r\n \r\nA Global Platform Backed by Public–Private Expertise \r\n \r\nMEGA DAY was guided by Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, Administration for Digital Industries, organized by NYCU, and co-executed with the Taipei Computer Association. The event brought together startups across semiconductors, satellite communications, infrastructure technologies, and digital solutions, positioning Kaohsiung as an emerging hub for cross-border innovation exchange in the Indo-Pacific region. \r\n \r\nThe competition was evaluated by a six-member international jury comprising experts from government, industry, and academia. Teams were assessed based on technological innovation, business models, execution capability, market potential, and social impact, ensuring a rigorous, multidimensional review. \r\n \r\nThe jury was chaired by Hank Huang, NYCU’s Vice President for the Office of Industry–Academia CoCreation (OIAC), and included Jiunn-Shiow Lin, Director General of the Administration for Digital Industries; Sylvia Sumarlin, CEO of Indonesia-based ICT solutions leaders Xirka and D-NET; Takeo Urakami, Head and Senior Manager of the Taiwan Office of Kyushu University’s Open Innovation Platform; Richan Shrestha, CEO of Nepal-based digital transformation consultancy Quickfox; and Amy Bae, Director of Singapore-based startup and market advisory firm KILSA Global. \r\n \r\n
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Hank Huang, Vice President for OIAC, said the NYCU has long focused on innovation-driven economic development, actively connecting startups across Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, and supporting more than 1,200 startups worldwide. \r\n \r\nWinning Teams Demonstrate Technology with Global Impact \r\n \r\nThe Gold Award, along with a US$10,000 cash prize, was awarded to Zhenxin Semiconductor, a Taiwan–Singapore team specializing in post-quantum secure chip technologies. \r\n \r\nThe Silver Award went to Bored Tunnelers from Bangladesh for its innovative micro-drilling solutions aimed at sustainable infrastructure. At the same time, the Bronze Award was claimed by StarVision Technology, a Taiwan-based startup advancing phased-array technologies for enhanced satellite communications. \r\n \r\nJudges unanimously praised the winning teams for their technological sophistication, scalable business strategies, and potential to deliver positive social and environmental impact.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nWinning teams at MEGA DAY receive awards for innovations in post-quantum security, sustainable infrastructure, and satellite communications. \r\n \r\nStrengthening Regional Networks Through APICTA \r\n \r\nJiunn-Shiow Lin, Director General of the Administration for Digital Industries, emphasized that through the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA Awards) and its satellite events such as MEGA DAY, startups across the Indo-Pacific can deepen exchanges, access international markets, and connect with industry resources. \r\n \r\nFounded in 2001, the APICTA Awards have become a key platform for fostering regional technology exchange and startup collaboration. This year marks the second time the awards series has been held in Taiwan, with related events taking place in Kaohsiung from December 5 to December 8, further enhancing Taiwan’s visibility and influence within the Indo-Pacific innovation landscape. Lin noted that such platforms play a critical role in advancing the internationalization of Taiwan’s digital industries and strengthening regional technology networks. \r\n \r\nInsights from Academia and Industry Leaders \r\n \r\nThe event also featured keynote remarks from Shinji Onishi, Director of the Office of Academic Research and Industry–Government Collaboration at Kyushu University, one of NYCU’s key international partners. Speaking on behalf of global academic collaborators, Onishi shared insights into Japan’s experience in industry–academia co-creation and international partnership building. \r\n \r\nIn addition, David Shen, Chief Technology Officer of Wistron Corporation, delivered a keynote address analyzing global technology trends and industrial transformation in the era of artificial intelligence. \r\n \r\nBy convening startups and experts from multiple countries in Kaohsiung, MEGA DAY highlights Taiwan’s role as a key hub in the Indo-Pacific technology ecosystem and lays the groundwork for future cross-border innovation partnerships, Huang said. \r\n \r\nLooking Ahead: Expanding NYCU’s Global Startup Network \r\n \r\nEstablished in 2024, NYCU OIAC is dedicated to supporting startups and research teams in expanding overseas. Working closely with partners such as the Taiwan–Japan Semiconductor Technology Promotion Association, the University–Industry Alliance for International Talent Development (UAiTED), and the Asia Accelerator Network (AAN), the office facilitates international exchanges and collaboration. \r\n \r\nEach year, NYCU leads Taiwanese and global startup teams to participate in more than 10 domestic and international exhibitions and pitch events, while hosting over 20 overseas startups in Taiwan for business development and mentorship. \r\n \r\nThrough the newly established NYCU Foundation, the university also aims to further connect its research and innovation strengths with global corporate and alumni networks, expanding industry–academia co-creation opportunities in the United States and beyond.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1448914496570527744&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"From Integration to Leadership: Notes from My Four-Year Journey of University Merger","dataClassName":"President's Letter","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-11","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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(Image credit: Kuan-Yun Chen)
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Narrated by NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin \r\nInterviewed by Yen-Shen Chen \r\nWritten by Yen-Chien Lai \r\nProofread by Yu-An Lu
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______ \r\n \r\nIn 2022, the Vice President of Tokyo Institute of Technology personally led a delegation to visit NYCU. As soon as we sat down, he got straight to the point: \r\n“We’re also considering a university merger. We’ve come to learn from your experience.” \r\n(Editor’s note: The Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Tokyo Medical and Dental University merged in October 2024 to form the Institute of Science Tokyo.) \r\n \r\nI smiled and replied, “Then you’ve come at the perfect time—because we’re still right in the middle of it.” \r\n \r\nWhen National Yang-Ming University and National Chiao Tung University officially merged in 2021, I also began my term as president. From that moment, I understood that this was not merely an administrative integration–it was a profound cultural fusion, an ongoing journey of reshaping our values and reimagining our future. \r\n \r\nPeople often ask me, “After four years, what’s your secret to a successful merger?” \r\nI don’t have a secret, only a conviction that has grown clearer with time: \r\nIntegration is not a simple combination—it is re-creation. \r\n \r\nLesson One: Not Dismantling Signs, but Building a New Stage \r\n \r\nIn the beginning, the question that drew the most attention was our name. \r\nSome wanted “Yang-Ming” to come first; others insisted on keeping “Chiao Tung” for its brand legacy. It reminded me of the martial-arts novels I read as a child—before a duel, the master always asked, “Which school are you from?” \r\n \r\nWe are so accustomed to defining one another by origin that we sometimes forget: we are now a new university. We are no longer “people from this side or that side,” but partners walking forward together. \r\n \r\nSo instead of tearing down old signboards, I chose to build a new stage—one where everyone could perform their best act. \r\n \r\nAs I wrote in the tenth letter, this is what I call “Staging the Stage.” \r\n \r\nLesson Two: Integration Is Not Averaging, but Value-Adding \r\n \r\nThe greatest pitfall in any merger is the pursuit of forced balance or mechanical symmetry—when resources are divided merely to appear fair. That approach breeds caution and closes hearts. \r\n \r\nMy philosophy of integration has always been simple: \r\n“Find the reasons why each side cannot live without the other.” \r\n \r\nAfter the merger, we launched Biomedical Engineering as an emerging interdisciplinary field, drawing on the combined strengths of medicine, life sciences, and engineering from both universities. This was not merely a reshuffling of departments, but a redesign of education itself. \r\n \r\nThrough this new platform, medical students began exploring life through the lens of simulation and modeling, while engineering students learned to appreciate the complexity and adaptability of living systems. Together, we aspired to cultivate a new generation of talent capable of bridging theory and reality, technology and humanity. \r\n \r\nThe key to successful integration lies not in A + B, but in creating C—something that exists only because A and B come together. \r\n \r\nLesson Three: Where There Is Tension, There Is Change \r\n \r\nDuring the first two years, conflicts and misunderstandings were inevitable. \r\nI still remember a faculty meeting where a professor, visibly upset, said, \r\n“This is no longer the Chiao Tung we knew!” \r\n \r\nI didn’t rush to argue. I replied, \r\n“You’re right. This is no longer the old Chiao Tung, nor the old Yang Ming. \r\nThis is the NYCU we are building together.” \r\n \r\nTrue integration doesn’t mean polishing away every edge. It means learning to live with differences. A university that still argues is, at the very least, one that still cares—one that still possesses the energy to change. The real danger lies in apathy, when silence replaces dialogue. \r\n \r\nSo I chose to both listen and lead. \r\nRather than fearing collisions, we sought to create a rhythm and safety mechanism for them—turning each moment of friction into sparks of progress, not cracks of divisions. \r\n
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nLesson Four: Transdisciplinarity Is Not Just Collaboration—It Is Co-Evolution \r\n \r\nAt NYCU, we have gone beyond simply combining medicine and engineering. We are striving to create new fields that emerge from their intersection. \r\n \r\nWe established the Digital Medicine and Smart Healthcare Research Center, bringing together medicine, biotechnology, and AI in truly transdisciplinary research. We launched the Industrial Doctorate Program in Smart Healthcare Management and Policy (SHMP) to cultivate professionals who understand both clinical needs and technological applications. We also opened the Bilingual Leadership Bachelor’s Program, accelerating internationalization and preparing students to thrive on the global stage. \r\n \r\nOver the past four years, we have expanded our international partnerships and academic alliances, extending cross-disciplinary collaboration beyond our campuses and into the world. \r\n \r\nOur goal is not to count research projects, but to ask whether they generate technologies and ideas that are genuinely meaningful to people and society. \r\n \r\nWhen students can grasp both algorithms and ethics—when they can find their place in both an operating room and a semiconductor fab—that is the kind of leader the future needs. \r\n \r\nI have seen more and more such students emerge: not physicians or engineers alone, but innovators who cross boundaries and unite human insight with scientific rigor. \r\n \r\nLesson Five: A University’s Purpose Is Not Growth in Scale, but Growth in Vision \r\n \r\nSome say the merger made NYCU bigger. That’s true. \r\nBut what matters more is this: as our perspectives expanded, did we also become more visionary? \r\n \r\nIn confronting global challenges—from aging societies and AI to sustainability, strategic technologies, and talent mobility—has NYCU moved ahead of the curve? Have we dared to serve as a “living laboratory” for Taiwan’s future? \r\n \r\nWe introduced USR courses that guide students not only to solve problems, but to ask the right questions. \r\nWe promoted cross-disciplinary learning to prepare for the unknown. \r\nWe launched “Real Talent Selection Experiments” to restore admissions to their human essence. \r\n \r\nWe are not merely following trends—we are participating in the act of inventing the future. \r\n \r\nI have always believed that a university’s highest value lies in its ability to ask the questions that society has not yet thought to ask—and to search for their answers. \r\n \r\nThis is not just our post-merger responsibility. It is our promise to the world as a new-generation university of Taiwan. \r\n \r\nIntegration Is Not an End—It Is the Beginning \r\n \r\nFour years have passed. I won’t claim that integration is complete. \r\nBut I can say this: we have transitioned from being two universities to sharing one common direction. \r\n \r\nWill there still be conflicts? Yes. \r\nWill cultural differences continue to surface? Of course. \r\nBut that is precisely where innovation begins. \r\n \r\nIntegration is not about closing the past—it is about opening the future. \r\nIt is not about becoming the same, but about helping one another become better versions of ourselves. \r\n \r\nThese are my reflections from four years at NYCU— \r\nnotes written for the present, and a message to the future. \r\n
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President of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University,
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1448472961219563520&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU College of Nursing Expands Global Footprint with High-Level Exchanges from the U.S., Australia, and the Philippines","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-10","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Mapúa University nursing students gather at the NYCU College of Nursing on November 20 during their campus tour, marking the start of a full day of simulation training and cross-cultural exchange.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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In a landmark series of international engagements this November, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) strengthened its role as a rising hub for global nursing education. Within just ten days, the College of Nursing welcomed delegations from the University of Washington (USA), Mapúa University (Philippines), and the University of Tasmania (Australia)—covering topics from DNP curriculum reform to immersive simulation training and health literacy innovation. \r\n \r\nUniversity of Washington Dean Presents DNP 3.0 Vision \r\n \r\nOn November 19, Professor Elizabeth Thompson, Dean of the University of Washington School of Nursing, delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Evolution: The University of Washington’s 3.0 Revision.” \r\n \r\n \r\nProfessor Elizabeth Thompson (left), Dean of the University of Washington School of Nursing, and Li-Yin Chien of the NYCU College of Nursing mark a milestone in academic exchange during Thompson’s visit to NYCU. \r\n \r\nThompson outlined UW’s newest redesign of its DNP program, emphasizing competency-based learning, stronger clinical–research integration, interprofessional training, and leadership preparation for increasingly complex global health systems. \r\n \r\nThe visit concluded with discussions on joint modules, student mobility, bilateral workshops, and future cross-national research collaboration, marking a strong beginning for deeper ties between UW and NYCU. \r\n \r\nMapúa University Experiences NYCU’s Immersive Simulation Teaching \r\n \r\nOn November 20, a 50-member delegation from the Mapúa University School of Nursing visited NYCU for hands-on simulation-based training. \r\n \r\n
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Mapúa University nursing students participate in NYCU’s virtual-reality ward assessment simulation during their immersive training visit.
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\r\n \r\nStudents rotated through four experiential learning stations—ambulance emergency care, IV cannulation, virtual reality ward assessment, and neonatal care—experiencing NYCU’s high-fidelity clinical training environment. Many noted that the immersive approach offered new perspectives on cross-cultural nursing education. \r\n \r\nBoth universities expressed interest in developing short-term exchanges, joint courses, shared teaching resources, and collaborative research, signaling strong momentum for continued partnership. \r\n \r\nUniversity of Tasmania Shares Innovations in Health Literacy and Equity \r\n \r\nOn November 28, NYCU co-hosted the seminar “Embedding Health Literacy in Practice” with the University of Tasmania, featuring Dr. Nash and Dr. Evans. \r\n \r\nThe speakers highlighted real-world work on Organisational Health Literacy Responsiveness (OrgHLR)—a model that enhances a health system’s capacity to communicate clearly, respond sensitively, and support diverse populations. They shared strategies such as co-design with communities, culturally sensitive communication, and empowering clinical staff to reduce health disparities. \r\n \r\nDr. Nash, Senior Lecturer in Public Health, and Dr. Evans, Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Tasmania, visit the NYCU College of Nursing for an academic exchange. \r\n \r\nActive exchanges followed the implementation of health literacy in clinical settings, cross-cultural communication, and community-based practices. Both universities plan to further collaborate in joint research, faculty exchange, and curriculum development. \r\n \r\nStrengthening NYCU’s Role as a Global Hub for Nursing Innovation \r\n \r\nTogether, these three international engagements underscore NYCU’s expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific nursing education landscape—from advanced practice training and simulation pedagogy to health literacy and community health innovation. \r\n \r\nThe College of Nursing reaffirmed its commitment to building global partnerships that cultivate nursing professionals with clinical excellence, research literacy, cultural sensitivity, and global vision.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1448229682024550400&init=Y","expFile":"On November 28, NYCU co-hosted the seminar “Embedding Health Literacy in Practice” with the University of Tasmania, featuring Dr. Nash and Dr. Evans."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Partners with Siemens Taiwan and Mega Flow to Build AI-Driven Engineering Simulation Platform","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-08","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has partnered with Siemens Digital Industries Software Taiwan and Mega Flow Technology Ltd. to establish a comprehensive digital engineering simulation ecosystem across mechanical, civil, and materials engineering—advancing students’ readiness for global industry demands. \r\n \r\nThrough this three-year collaboration, Siemens and Hydroinformatics will provide 480 licenses of advanced engineering software at no cost, enabling NYCU to build an “AI-driven Multiphysics Intelligent Simulation Platform.” The suite spans design, structural analysis, fluid dynamics, thermal management, and AI-based design optimization, forming a complete intelligent engineering toolchain. \r\n \r\nStrengthening NYCU’s Competition-Driven Engineering Culture \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin stated that the partnership will directly benefit the university’s high-performing student teams, including NYCU Vulpes Racing, Formosan Fox Rocketry, UAV fixed-wing aircraft, ORCA autonomous underwater vehicles, and the iTron robotics team. \r\n \r\n“These teams will now train with world-class engineering tools, sharpen their technical capabilities, broaden their interdisciplinary vision, and elevate their competitiveness on global stages,” President Lin said. \r\n \r\nIndustry Partners Strengthen NYCU’s Digital Engineering Ecosystem \r\n \r\nDr. Howard Chen, Chairman of Siemens Taiwan, emphasized that Siemens is committed not only to industrial digital transformation but also to advancing engineering education. “Our goal is to ensure students acquire industry-ready skills before they graduate,” he said. “This cooperation establishes a complete digital simulation chain at NYCU—spanning structures, fluids, thermal analysis, and AI optimization.” \r\n \r\nMr. Wei-Hua Lan, General Manager of Mega Flow, highlighted the company’s 15 years of experience promoting Siemens’ Simcenter™ STAR-CCM+™, Flotherm™, and FloEFD™ platforms in Taiwan. He noted that mastering international-grade simulation tools requires a deep understanding of their underlying theory. “This collaboration enables NYCU students to engage with world-leading CAE/CFD platforms early in their training,” Lan said. \r\n
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\r\n \r\nEmpowering Research and Student Innovation Through Advanced Simulation \r\n \r\nProfessor Chi-Chuan Wang and his mechanical engineering research team have long utilized Simcenter Flotherm for advanced thermal management studies. Their current work on immersion cooling and DLC cold plates demonstrates strong alignment between simulation and experimental results, enabling effective optimization for high-power applications. The team will also adopt Simcenter STAR-CCM+ to investigate more complex thermo-solid coupling systems. \r\n \r\nAt the student level, NYCU’s ORCA AUV, UAV fixed-wing, iTron robotics, NYCU Vulpes Racing, and Formosan Fox Rocketry teams will integrate CAE/CFD tools directly into their design projects, competitions, research, and coursework. This access allows students to operate within workflows that closely mirror real industrial engineering environments, significantly strengthening their technical capabilities and innovation potential. \r\n \r\nAdvancing Taiwan’s Smart Manufacturing Talent \r\n \r\nThrough this tripartite alliance, NYCU, Siemens Taiwan, and Mega Flow are building a robust simulation-driven engineering education platform that enhances teaching quality, accelerates innovation, and cultivates globally competitive engineering talent—injecting fresh momentum into Taiwan’s smart manufacturing and technology development. \r\n \r\nA member of NYCU Vulpes Racing uses engineering simulation tools to analyze vehicle dynamics and performance parameters.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1447850036166660096&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and TVGH Announce New Asian Guidelines Lowering Sarcopenia Screening Age to 50","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-04","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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NYCU and Taipei Veterans General Hospital co-hosted a press conference to announce updated Asian diagnostic guidelines—from “sarcopenia” to “muscle health”—that lower the recommended screening age to 50.
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\r\nBy Taipei Veterans General Hospital \r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Nearly 40% of older adults in Asia face compromised quality of life due to sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle strength and mass. Now, a landmark multi-nation study has revealed that muscle deterioration in Asian populations begins far earlier than previously believed—prompting experts to recommend moving routine screening from age 65 to 50. The new consensus, led by Professor Liang-Kung Chen, Superintendent of Taipei City Guandu Hospital and Director of the Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), was published this year in the prestigious journal Nature Aging. \r\n \r\n
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A clinician conducts a handgrip strength test, one of the key indicators used to assess muscle function in the updated Asian sarcopenia guidelines. \r\n \r\nAt a press briefing, Director Chen explained that the findings are based on eight large-scale cohort studies across Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and other regions, tracking nearly 35,000 individuals over many years. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia integrated these datasets to build a region-specific evidence base that reflects the unique body composition and aging patterns of Asian populations. \r\n \r\nEarlier, Faster, and Different: What the Data Shows \r\n \r\nSkeletal muscle loss has long been known as a hallmark of aging. Past global studies estimated that adults lose up to 40% of muscle mass between ages 20 and 70, with an annual decline of 1.4–2.5% after age 60. But the new Asia-focused analysis reveals significant differences:
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Muscle strength declines sharply beginning at age 45, with a second major dip around age 70.
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Muscle mass begins to decline significantly at age 55, about a decade earlier than Western-based assumptions suggest.
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Men experience a more pronounced midlife decline compared with men of African or European descent; women begin with lower muscle mass but experience a slower rate of decline.
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Stronger midlife muscle performance can delay deterioration by up to 10 years—for instance, men with handgrip strength of 55 kg or above at age 50 show substantially slower decline.
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These patterns confirm that Western diagnostic thresholds are poorly suited for Asian populations and that early detection is essential.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nA New Consensus for Asia—and a Call to Act Earlier \r\n \r\nDirector Chen emphasized that waiting for both muscle strength and mass to “fall off a cliff” before intervening leads to limited gains, greater frustration, and poorer patient outcomes. The updated Asian diagnostic consensus introduces several significant changes:
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Recommended screening age lowered from 65 to 50.
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Diagnosis now requires both low muscle mass and low muscle strength, replacing older criteria that relied heavily on physical performance tests.
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Simplified assessment procedures, reducing the need for walking-speed or repeated chair-stand tests.
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Integration with the WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, aligning Asia with global healthy-aging strategies.
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\r\nFrom Muscle Health to Whole-Body Health \r\n \r\nRecent scientific advances have shown that skeletal muscle functions as the body’s largest endocrine organ, influencing cardiovascular metabolism, brain function, bone health, adipose regulation, and immune responses. With these broader systemic links in mind, the new consensus emphasizes “muscle health enhancement” beginning in midlife—not only to prevent disability and frailty in later years but also to promote long-term healthy longevity. \r\n \r\nDirector Liang-Kung Chen emphasized that “this is not just about preventing falls in old age,” noting that muscle health in one’s 40s and 50s shapes metabolic well-being, cognitive function, and overall resilience for decades to come. \r\n \r\nAs Asia rapidly transitions into a super-aged society, the updated guidelines offer a unified scientific roadmap to help governments, hospitals, and communities strengthen early intervention, develop preventive programs, and support healthy aging from midlife onward.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1445978716185300992&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Professor Yu-Chung Tseng Wins First Prize at Musica Nova 2025","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-12-02","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) Professor Yu-Chung Tseng from the Institute of Music has won First Prize in the Instrument and Electronics category at the highly competitive Musica Nova 2025 International Electroacoustic Music Competition in Prague. His award-winning work, “Fantasy Journey of Time,” impressed judges with its fusion of Eastern aesthetics, advanced digital sound design, and cutting-edge AI-generated musical elements. \r\n \r\nMusica Nova—jointly organized by the Czech Electroacoustic Music Society, the Czech Music Council, the Arts and Theatre Institute, the Music Information Centre, and Czech Radio, with sponsorship from the Czech Ministry of Culture and the Czech Music Foundation—is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for contemporary electronic and electroacoustic music. The contest is divided into two categories: Electroacoustic Music and Instrument & Electronics. \r\n \r\nThis year’s competition drew 94 composers from 24 countries, making the selection process especially rigorous. Professor Tseng’s work stood out among the international submissions, securing the top honor in the Instrument and Electronics category. \r\n \r\nA Dialogue Between Flute, Electronics, and AI \r\n \r\n“Fantasy Journey of Time” is composed for solo flute and electronic soundscape. Professor Tseng explains that the work employs extensive DSP (digital signal processing) techniques, including granular synthesis, to transform sampled flute sounds into highly abstract timbral textures—often indistinguishable from their acoustic origin. This approach creates a sense of suspended expectation, drawing listeners into a constantly shifting sonic world. \r\nIncorporating the latest technological trends, Tseng also used artificial intelligence to generate part of the flute melodies. Throughout the piece, the human performer and AI-generated flute lines collide, intertwine, and merge—an evolving “co-creation” between musician and machine. \r\n \r\n“The acoustic flute and its AI-derived abstractions continuously collide and blend,” Tseng noted. “It becomes a dialogue between the performer and the algorithm, the human mind and computer intelligence.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nEastern Aesthetics Through Sound \r\n \r\nBeyond technological innovation, the composition reflects Professor Tseng’s long-standing artistic interest in Eastern philosophy, particularly the interplay of yin and yang, and the dialectics of presence and emptiness. \r\n \r\nIn the unfolding of musical time, Tseng hopes listeners feel as if they are “traveling aboard a temporal train or spacecraft—journeying freely through a galaxy of ever-changing sounds.” The work invites audiences to immerse themselves in a vivid spectrum of musical colors and sonic imagination. \r\n \r\n
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1445305926604034048&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Taiwan’s First Homegrown Satellite “FS-8A” Reaches Orbit — NYCU Highlights the Power of Talent Behind the Nation’s Space Ambitions","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-30","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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FORMOSAT-8’s first satellite, FS-8A, lifted off at 2:44 a.m. Taiwan time on November 29. (Image: x.com/SpaceX)
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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On November 29, after five launch delays and years of coordinated efforts across industry, government, and academia, Taiwan reached a historic milestone today as FORMOSAT-8’s first satellite, “FS-8A (齊柏林衛星)” successfully lifted off and entered orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. As the nation celebrates the start of its first domestically built optical remote-sensing satellite constellation, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) underscores a crucial message: the future of Taiwan’s space industry depends on building a robust talent pipeline—beginning on university campuses. \r\n \r\nA National Milestone, Backed by Homegrown Expertise \r\n \r\nThe FS-8A satellite is the first of eight spacecraft in the FORMOSAT-8 constellation, designed to deliver high-resolution, high-frequency Earth-observation imagery for land-use planning, disaster response, climate monitoring, and national security. \r\n \r\nMoments before liftoff, Dr. Jong-Shinn Wu, Director General of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and professor at NYCU’s Institute of Space Systems Engineering (iSSE), acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, noting, “Watching your own ‘baby’ prepare to leave Earth is nerve-racking. FS-8A represents countless hours of dedication from Taiwan’s space community, and today marks a critical step toward our nation’s independent satellite-building capability.” \r\n
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\r\nJong-Shinn Wu, Director General of the Taiwan Space Agency (Photo credit: TASA) \r\n \r\nWu emphasized that FS-8A’s development reflects Taiwan’s rapid maturation in satellite engineering. The spacecraft’s components reached an 84% domestic content rate, drawing on expertise from 33 Taiwanese industry, government, research, and university partners. Once all eight satellites are deployed by 2031, FORMOSAT-8 will form a global, high-revisit optical imaging network, capable of capturing the exact location up to three times per day—a dramatic upgrade from FORMOSAT-5’s 2-meter resolution. \r\n \r\nNYCU Building the Talent Behind Taiwan’s Space Industry \r\n \r\nAs Taiwan scales up its space ambitions, NYCU is playing a pivotal role in cultivating the country’s next generation of aerospace professionals. \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin stressed that the global race in space technology is ultimately a race for talent—and Taiwan must start preparing early: “The competition in the space industry is not only about rockets or satellites—it is about people. The foundation begins at universities, where students learn to dream boldly and engineer with rigor. Talent cultivation is where Taiwan’s long-term competitiveness truly lies.” \r\n \r\nTo address this need, NYCU founded the iSSE—one of Taiwan’s few academic programs dedicated to end-to-end space systems design, from spacecraft architecture to mission planning and operations. iSSE brings together faculty with direct experience in national satellite missions, including leadership roles on TASA. \r\n \r\nBeyond engineering, NYCU’s interdisciplinary strengths—spanning remote sensing, AI, earth sciences, electronics, and data analytics—position the university as a comprehensive ecosystem for future space talent.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nFrom Orbit to Classroom: NYCU’s Long-Term Contribution to Space Development \r\n \r\nNYCU faculty have contributed directly to the FORMOSAT-8 mission. Prof. Peter T.Y. Shih, a remote-sensing expert from the Department of Civil Engineering, served as a technical advisor throughout FS-8A’s development. With more than 30 years of collaboration with TASA, he provided critical input on imagery calibration and user-centric requirements. \r\n \r\n \r\nProf. Peter T. Y. Shih (third from left) visiting the satellite integration and testing facility. (Photo credit: Peter T. Y. Shih) \r\n \r\nShih noted that satellite image quality depends on two key processes: radiometric calibration, which ensures accurate spectral measurements, and geometric calibration, which aligns spatial coordinates after data retrieval. He emphasized that viewing an image alone is insufficient—engineers must understand how users apply the data and the precision required for real-world decisions to make satellite products truly valuable. Shih has also helped broaden space education by co-initiating Taiwan’s first high school “Remote Sensing Micro-Curriculum,” designed to strengthen scientific literacy for the space era. \r\n \r\nA Constellation for Taiwan’s Future \r\n \r\nFORMOSAT-8 consists of six 1-meter optical satellites and two sub-meter high-resolution satellites, to be launched gradually from 2025 to 2031. Compared with FORMOSAT-5, the new constellation delivers:
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Higher resolution
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Higher revisit times
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Global imaging coverage
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Faster response capability for national needs
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For Taiwan—which relies on satellite imagery for disaster assessment, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and homeland security—this capability represents strategic technological sovereignty. \r\n \r\nPresident Lin highlights the importance of space exploration for Taiwan’s technological future and NYCU’s commitment to cultivating talent for the nation’s space industry. \r\n \r\nAs FS-8A begins its journey in orbit, NYCU reaffirms its commitment to cultivating the engineers, scientists, and innovators who will drive Taiwan’s next chapter in space development, marking a confident step into a new era of national space capability—strengthened by the research excellence, technical expertise, and talent development efforts of universities like NYCU.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1444910569772552192&init=Y","expFile":"cover image (Image: x.com/SpaceX)"}],"videos":[{"videoURL":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z-skPnF4ryc","videoSource":"youtube"}],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Tech-Art Innovation “Echoes of the Land” Takes the Stage at Four International Arts Festivals","dataClassName":"Humanities & Arts","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-27","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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“Echoes of the Land,” an interactive kinetic installation by NYCU Assistant Professor Ivan Chen-Hsiu Liu, was featured at Spain’s renowned L.E.V. Digital Arts Festival. (Photo credit: the Ministry of Culture)
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) Assistant Professor and new media artist Ivan Chen-Hsiu Liu is turning the tremors of the Earth into a global artistic sensation. His latest interactive installation, Echoes of the Land, has been making waves across Europe and Asia—featured at Spain’s L.E.V. Festival, ISEA 2025 in Seoul, the Bauhaus Museum Weimar in Germany, and Austria’s iconic Ars Electronica Festival. \r\n \r\nThe work’s international run not only showcases Taiwan’s growing prominence in technological art but also signals NYCU’s expanding influence in cross-disciplinary creative research. \r\n \r\nTurning Earthquake Physics into Poetic Experience \r\n \r\nIn Echoes of the Land, seismic science becomes art. Inspired by the spring-block model used by seismologists to simulate tectonic stress release, Liu transforms a rigorous physics system into a living, breathing installation. Audience movements trigger “micro-quakes,” activating real-time sound synthesis and shifting visual motifs—inviting viewers to step into the tension between human activity and the planet’s geological rhythms. \r\n
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\r\nVisitors interact with Echoes of the Land at the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz. (Photo credit: Ivan Chen-Hsiu Liu) \r\n \r\nThe installation is equal parts scientific experiment and artistic meditation, crafted by Prof. Liu with NYCU graduate students Tsung-En Hao and Ching Shieh, who led interaction design, visual composition, and sensor integration. \r\n \r\nIt is research, creation, engineering, and storytelling—seamlessly fused. \r\n \r\nA Festival Circuit of Critical Acclaim \r\n \r\nAt Spain’s L.E.V. Festival, curators highlighted the work’s ability to “merge art and science to explore how humans perceive their interventions in nature,” immersing audiences in an environmental experience shaped by sound and light. \r\n \r\nIn Seoul, Echoes of the Land entered the global spotlight at ISEA 2025, where discussions centered on AI, ecological futures, and sustainability. The installation emerged as one of Asia’s standout contributions, resonating with researchers, artists, and technologists alike.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFrom left: Augusta Chang, Director of the Cultural Division at the Taipei Representative Office in Spain; NYCU Assistant Professor Ivan Chen-Hsiu Liu; Jesús Salvador, Deputy Mayor of Gijón; and L.E.V. Festival co-curators Nacho de la Vega and Cristina de Silva, photographed at the exhibition entrance. (Photo credit: the Ministry of Culture) \r\n \r\nThe momentum continued as the piece traveled to Germany’s Bauhaus Museum Weimar in summer 2025, where it was exhibited alongside landmark works that defined the evolution of design. There, Liu’s installation formed a striking dialogue between historic Bauhaus principles and today’s algorithmic, sensor-driven aesthetics. \r\n \r\nBut the capstone arrived in Austria. At the Ars Electronica Festival—often called the “Academy Awards of electronic art”—Echoes of the Land earned praise from both seasoned critics and curious visitors. Its fusion of environmental themes, audience participation, and scientific modeling positioned it as one of Taiwan’s strongest voices in experimental media art. \r\n \r\nTaiwan’s New Media Art Takes Center Stage \r\n \r\nReflecting on the installation’s global journey, Prof. Liu said he hopes the piece can “show the world the unique beauty that emerges when science and art come together, and demonstrate Taiwan’s imagination and creative power in experimental media art.” \r\n \r\nWith its successful multi-country tour, Echoes of the Land does more than showcase one artist’s creativity—it amplifies Taiwan’s cultural presence in the international conversation on ecology, technology, and the future of art. \r\n \r\n \r\nAssistant Professor Ivan Chen-Hsiu Liu (center) with team members Tsung-En Hao and Ching Shieh. (Photo credit: Ivan Chen-Hsiu Liu)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1443443077199958016&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and Nobel Laureate Unveil Breakthrough Algorithm to Accelerate Protein Structure Search and Drug Discovery","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-25","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Professor Wei-Cheng Lo (center) meets in person for the first time with 2013 Nobel Chemistry Laureate Professor Arieh Warshel (left) to discuss their collaboration.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Accurately predicting and comparing protein structures is one of the most critical challenges in modern biotechnology, shaping how scientists understand drug–target interactions and develop new therapeutics. Now, researchers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have achieved a breakthrough—one that addresses the exploding volume of global protein data and could transform next-generation drug discovery. \r\n \r\nAssociate Professor Wei-Cheng Lo from NYCU’s Department of Biological Science and Technology, in collaboration with Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Arieh Warshel, has developed SARST2, a high-performance algorithm capable of rapidly searching and comparing protein structures across databases containing hundreds of millions of entries. The study, titled “SARST2: High-throughput and resource-efficient protein structure alignment against massive databases,” was recently published in Nature Communications. \r\n \r\n
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Associate Professor Wei-Cheng Lo discusses SARST2 performance results with his students. \r\n \r\nA New Solution to the AlphaFold Data Explosion \r\n \r\n“The function of a protein is governed by its three-dimensional structure,” Lo explained. “Accurately predicting and comparing these structures has long been a central question in biological science.” \r\n \r\nWhen Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold2 revolutionized structure prediction in 2020, researchers finally had a powerful tool for estimating protein shapes from amino-acid sequences. But the breakthrough created an unexpected problem: \r\nAlphaFold’s large-scale predictions triggered a thousandfold surge in the availability of protein structures, placing unprecedented computational pressure on global bioinformatics research. \r\n \r\nThe scientific community urgently needed a next-generation algorithm—one capable of ultra-fast, large-scale structure comparison. \r\n \r\nSARST2 answers those needs. \r\n \r\nLo’s team combined artificial intelligence with structural computing techniques to build an algorithm that can scan and compare vast structural datasets hundreds to tens of thousands of times faster than previous tools, while using significantly less memory and disk space. Despite its efficiency, SARST2 performs on par with the latest international algorithms.
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\r\n \r\nA Unique Collaboration with a Nobel Laureate \r\n \r\nNobel Chemistry Prize winner Arieh Warshel, a pioneer of computational enzymology and mentor to NYCU’s former College of Engineering and Biotechnology dean, Professor Cheng-Gang Huang, played a direct role in the project. \r\n \r\nLo, who was introduced to computational biology through Huang, still refers to Warshel with respect as his academic “grand-mentor.” After sharing the early algorithm concept with Warshel in 2022, Lo received strong encouragement—and soon, the NYCU team began holding monthly online meetings with the Nobel Laureate. \r\n \r\nThe collaboration not only strengthened the research, Lo said, but also fulfilled a personal mission: \r\n“I have always hoped to train students who can become future leaders. Allowing them to learn directly from a Nobel Prize master dramatically widens their global perspective and academic sensitivity.” \r\n \r\nWorld-Class Output Built with Limited Resources \r\n \r\nDespite the global scale of the problem, Lo emphasized that his team worked under extremely modest conditions. \r\n \r\n“We’re like a group of people wearing straw sandals,” he joked. “We compete with international teams that have massive servers and high-end data centers—yet we do it using home-assembled desktop PCs and a local-brand cooling fan with a broken casing.” \r\n \r\nEven so, the team produced results strong enough for Nature Communications—a testament to Taiwan’s resilience and computational biology talent. \r\n \r\nThe achievement also caught the attention of industry partners. Altos Computing Inc., a subsidiary of Acer Group, stepped forward to provide high-performance Altos AI servers, helping the team establish a stable and efficient remote computing environment for future development. \r\n \r\nNYCU and Altos hope to accelerate collaborative innovation in quantum bioinformatics, biomedical big-data analytics, and protein-based drug discovery—strengthening Taiwan’s global competitiveness in information science, biotechnology, and medicine. \r\n \r\nGroup photo of the Engineering and Computational Biology Laboratory team.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1442760481176555520&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1442762338854768640&init=Y","expFile":"Despite limited resources, the team achieved global-level performance with “home-assembled desktop PCs,” attracting industry attention."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU College of Management Wins 2025 WRDS Innovation Award, Joining the Ranks of Global Business Education Leaders","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-21","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has been named the 2025 WRDS Innovation Award winner for the Asia Pacific region, marking a significant milestone for the university’s rising global influence in business and management research. \r\n \r\nThe award is presented annually by Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS)—a global research platform under the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania that supports more than 500 institutions across 38 countries by democratizing data access and empowering high-impact academic discovery. \r\n \r\nNYCU now stands alongside an elite roster of previous awardees—including the University of Manchester, National University of Singapore, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University—reflecting the university’s growing stature in the global business education landscape. \r\n \r\nA Milestone Announced at AACSB Elevate Asia Pacific \r\n \r\nWRDS Managing Director Robert Zarazowski announced the recognition at the AACSB Elevate: Asia Pacific conference in Hong Kong. \r\n \r\n“Congratulations to the College of Management at NYCU on this outstanding achievement,” Zarazowski said. “This award celebrates both their research excellence and their vision for the future of business education. WRDS is proud to recognize institutions driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to the global research community.” \r\n \r\nA Rising Force at the Intersection of Technology and Management \r\n \r\nLocated in Taiwan’s innovation hub of Hsinchu, NYCU’s College of Management has rapidly expanded its research influence in AI-driven analytics, semiconductor research, fintech innovation, sustainability strategy, transportation and logistics optimization, and technology management integration. \r\n \r\nThrough deep collaborations with international partners from academia, industry, and government, the College transforms technological breakthroughs into forward-looking business strategies and solutions that shape the future economy.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nDean Yu-Chiun Chiou emphasized the broader mission behind the achievement: \r\n“We are deeply honored to receive the WRDS Innovation Award. This recognition affirms our dedication to integrating technology and management to tackle real-world challenges. It also underscores our mission to pursue global excellence while creating meaningful local impact. The award will continue to inspire our faculty, students, and research teams to advance innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.” \r\n \r\nWRDS: Accelerating Global Research Excellence \r\n \r\nAs the world’s leading data research platform in business education, WRDS has provided advanced analytical tools, curated datasets, pedagogical resources, and research applications for more than 25 years. Its solutions support the full academic lifecycle—from teaching and learning to high-impact research and publication—aligning closely with global accreditation standards and strengthening institutions' international competitiveness. \r\n \r\nNYCU’s recognition reflects the university’s increasing momentum in data-driven, interdisciplinary business research and its contribution to the global academic community. \r\n \r\nLeft to right: Geoff Perry (AACSB), Yu-Chiun Chiou (NYCU), Robert Zarazowski (WRDS)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1441315892943130624&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Inside the Hippocampus’ Hidden Conversations: NYCU Discover How Interneurons Form Memory-Making Alliances","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-20","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Led by Associate Professors Tsai-Wen Chen and Bei-Jung Lin at NYCU, a groundbreaking study using advanced imaging revealed that inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus form selective “cell assemblies,” reshaping understanding of memory formation and offering new directions for treating neurological diseases.
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\r\nBy NYCU ELITE \r\n______
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The hippocampus is an important brain structure that affects spatial and directional perception, and closely relates to forming and consolidating memories. Abnormal functioning or damage to it can lead to various diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, depression, and Schizophrenia. Two associate professors, Tsai-Wen Chen and Bei-Jung Lin, from the Institute of Neuroscience of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), recently conducted research that reveals the relatively rare neurons in the hippocampus—the “interneurons”—have a special “cell assembly” behavior, which not only subverts the previous understanding of the mechanism of the hippocampus but also brings a brand-new inspiration for the treatment of related brain disorders. The results of this research have been published in Neuron, a leading international journal, marking a significant milestone in neuroscience. \r\n \r\nInhibitory interneurons, a few but crucial players \r\n \r\nProfessor Lin stated that about 90% of the neurons in the hippocampus are excitatory projection neurons, while the remaining 10% are inhibitory interneurons. When external information enters the hippocampus, these two types of neurons collaborate in processing it, and the excitatory neurons subsequently send the result to the downstream brain areas. Professor Chen explains that the functions of these two types of neurons are like the gas pedal and a car’s brake—if you only step on the gas pedal but not the brake, the car will easily go out of control. Similarly, if the excitement signals in the brain are too strong and there is not enough inhibition to counterbalance them, abnormal discharges like epilepsy may occur, highlighting the importance of the inhibitory neurons. \r\n \r\nIn addition, inhibitory interneurons play an essential role in producing brain waves, especially “ripple brain waves,” which are highly related to memory formation and consolidation. Professor Lin cited the example of mice performing a maze-like task. If the mice’s ripple brainwaves are damaged, their memory of the maze route is impaired. The neurotransmitters secreted by the inhibitory interneurons are also related to maintaining regular sleep. Some over-the-counter sleeping pills are designed to enhance the release of these neurotransmitters. “Diseases such as Schizophrenia and depression are often linked to the weakening or loss of functions in interneurons. Understanding how interneurons work will help develop better therapeutic drugs,” Professor Lin emphasized. Despite their small size, the functions of the interneurons are extremely important, making them a popular research topic in contemporary neuroscience. \r\n \r\n
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Professors Lin and Chen utilized advanced imaging techniques and voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins, achieving the simultaneous recording of up to 26 PV-positive interneurons and overcoming previous challenges in pinpointing specific cells for study. \r\n \r\nBreaking the technological bottleneck, no more needle in the haystack \r\n \r\nNeurons generate electrical signals, known as action potentials, through rapid potential changes inside and outside the cell membrane, which are then transmitted to the next neuron via synapses. The entire neurotransmission process is speedy, typically taking only a few milliseconds. Professor Chen pointed out that in past research, electrical signals were usually recorded by inserting electrodes thinner than a hair into the neurons. However, this approach made it difficult to pinpoint specific cells, and most could only be measured by “blind insertion,” namely, randomly inserting it into a cell. Moreover, there are not only a small number of interneurons but also more than two dozen different types of interneurons, making the likelihood of successfully targeting a specific cell extremely low. Pinpointing a particular kind of interneuron for the study was akin to “searching for a specific small mushroom in the mountains.” \r\n \r\nProfessor Lin said that the primary focus of this research is the PV-positive interneuron, which has the fastest and highest discharge frequency among neurons. Due to their scarcity, only sporadic single-cell records were available in the past, and it was impossible to understand the synchronization and communication between cells. To break through this limitation, the research team employed an advanced imaging technique to implant a new generation of “voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins” into the brains of mice by viral injection. When PV cells produce membrane potential changes, the brightness of the cellular fluorescence will change according to the level of the potential. To record the action potential signals, the research team set up an imaging system that can take more than 2,000 photos per second, achieving the world record of recording up to 26 PV cells simultaneously.
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\r\n \r\nProfessor Lin added that the intracellular electrophysiology method allowed only one electrode to be inserted into a mouse at a time. At the end of the experiment, apart from the sacrifice of the mouse, the right target cells might not be found. The new method is to surgically add a transparent experimental window on the mouse’s skull, dramatically increasing the number of PV cells that can be successfully observed and allowing the same mouse to be used for multiple experiments. This technique is a concrete implementation of the 3R principle—Replacement, Reduction, Refinement—in experimental animals. \r\n \r\nCells also make friends with a variety of making-friend patterns \r\n \r\nProfessor Lin pointed out that in the past when scientists studied the phenomenon of “cell assembly,” where neurons work together as a group (e.g., synchronized discharge), they largely believed it occurred only in excitatory projection neurons. However, the research team proved for the first time that the “cell assembly” phenomenon also occurs in intermediate neurons. \r\n \r\n“We were surprised to learn that it was previously believed all interneurons operated in synchronization within the network. Nonetheless, they are actually divided into groups, with each cell having its own ‘best friend.’ This group of cells will activate and act together, not just randomly pull a cell to work together. Professor Chen further cited ripple brain waves as an example, explaining that each cycle of ripple brain waves lasts only 6 or 7 milliseconds. During this brief period, interneurons connect with different “friends” to activate together with each cycle. This shows the diverse behavior of interneurons in “cell assemblies,” suggesting they may have a more active role in memory formation and consolidation. \r\n \r\nAs to how interneurons find their “best friends,” the research team suggested that there may be some strong “connection” between these cells, such as relying on the release and connection of neurotransmitters or connecting by “Gap Junction” to form a synchronized discharge network. Professor Chen mentioned that while current imaging techniques cannot directly observe these physical connections made by gap junctions, this area is one of the topics worth studying in the future. \r\n \r\nAll-optical + two-way communication design to deepen the understanding of the “cell assembly” behavior \r\n \r\n“Voltage-sensitive fluorescent protein” and “ultrafast photography” have brought breakthroughs in neuroscience research. Looking ahead, the research team aims to apply these two technologies further to study excitatory projection neurons. Professor Lin pointed out that a large number of excitatory projection neurons and their overlapping features may cause the images of these neurons to appear blurred when labeled with fluorescent proteins. The research team is focused on developing a new generation of imaging solutions, and the relevant results will be published in international journals recently. In addition, the research team will further investigate the interaction between excitatory projection neurons and interneurons, especially by examining their roles and functions in brainwave formation. \r\n \r\nThe team is also actively developing “all-optical electrophysiology” technology incorporating “voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins.” Their goal is to utilize light as a replacement for electrodes to stimulate neurons and record electrical signals through changes in cellular fluorescence. Professor Chen said that besides unidirectional reading and recording electrical signals from neurons, the team is also very interested in “inputting information” to measure cell connections. In the future, they will conduct the research in the direction of all-optical, two-way communication. The research team expects that by deepening the understanding of the behavior of neuronal grouping, more precise techniques for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases, as well as regulating brain function. This advancement is expected to be developed to move towards a new era of brain science. \r\n \r\nA groundbreaking study by NYCU’s Prof. Chen and Lin reveals that inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus exhibit “cell assembly” behavior, challenging previous brain function theories and opening new avenues for treating neurological diseases.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1467764697561305088&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"From Rising Rankings to Global Presence: NYCU’s First Showcase at the QS Asia-Pacific Summit Exhibition","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-19","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Representatives from the University System of Taiwan—including NYCU, National Chengchi University, National Tsing Hua University, and National Central University—are jointly showcasing Taiwan’s academic strengths at the QS Asia-Pacific Summit exhibition.
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\r\nBy Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) marked a new milestone in global engagement by participating in the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific Exhibition for the first time, held in Seoul, South Korea. The event brought together university leaders from across the region, reinforcing NYCU’s growing international presence at a time when its QS Asia University Rankings are steadily rising. \r\n \r\nThis year, only two major Taiwanese university alliances were invited to join the exhibition:\r\n
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University System of Taiwan (UST) — National Chengchi University, National Tsing Hua University, NYCU, National Central University
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Taiwan University System — National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, National Taiwan Normal University
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\r\nNYCU’s debut at the exhibition underscores its expanding recognition in Asia’s higher education landscape. \r\n \r\nStrong Momentum Reflected in QS Asia Rankings\r\n\r\n
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Since the merger of NYMU and NCTU, NYCU has maintained an upward trajectory across nearly all QS indicators, with student exchange mobility showing the most significant gains, followed by academic reputation. \r\n \r\nAccording to the 2026 QS Asia University Rankings announced on November 4, NYCU climbed to 41st in Asia and 3rd in Taiwan among 1,526 ranked universities, with 57 institutions from Taiwan listed. \r\n \r\nNYCU also improved significantly in the QS Asia Sustainability Rankings, advancing 45 places to 212th, among 41 Taiwanese universities included. \r\n \r\nThe QS Asia ranking evaluates 11 indicators covering academic reputation, employer reputation, international research collaboration, research impact, and student mobility. NYCU demonstrated notable progress across multiple areas:
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International Research Network: +12.3 points
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Papers per Faculty: +17.1 points
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Outbound Exchange Students: +40.1 points
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Inbound Exchange Students: +41.5 points
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\r\n \r\nNYCU President Invited as Featured QS Summit Speaker \r\n \r\nDuring the summit, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin was invited as a featured speaker, sharing perspectives on the evolving role of Asian universities in global talent cultivation and innovation-driven development. \r\n \r\nPresident Lin noted: \r\n“NYCU strives to connect Taiwan with the world through research excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and meaningful international collaboration. Our debut at the QS summit reflects our growing global impact and future ambitions.” \r\n \r\nShowcasing NYCU’s Interdisciplinary Strengths \r\n \r\nAt the exhibition, NYCU presented key research highlights spanning:
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Semiconductors and advanced chip processes
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AI and high-performance computing
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Biomedical engineering and translational medicine
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Neuroscience and imaging technology
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Sustainability, smart living, and circular design
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Rocket engineering and space technologies
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Visitors from universities and education agencies across Asia engaged with NYCU’s booth, expressing strong interest in its distinctive interdisciplinary ecosystem and international initiatives—such as the North American Talent & Innovation Hub (NATI-Hub) and various global dual-degree and research programs. \r\n \r\nExpanding International Collaboration \r\n \r\nThroughout the summit, NYCU strengthened ties with partner institutions while discussing future collaboration opportunities in joint research, student mobility, and innovation-driven education. Its presence at the QS exhibition further positions NYCU as a rising hub of global academic exchange. \r\n \r\n \r\nThe QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025 was hosted at Korea University, where NYCU made its first exhibition appearance.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1440541672730529792&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1440541917535277056&init=Y","expFile":"NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (left) with the President of Korea University, host of this year’s QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and NCSIST Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Taiwan’s Defense Technology Independence","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-18","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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NYCU and NCSIST join forces to advance high-tech defense research in secure data links, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, radar systems, and technology law.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) announced on November 14 a landmark partnership with National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), joining forces in key areas including secure data links, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, radar systems, and technology law. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening Taiwan’s defense technology autonomy and deepening the integration of industry, academia, and research. \r\n \r\nBuilding Taiwan’s Next-Generation Defense Talent and Technology \r\n \r\nFollowing its launch of the “Undergraduate Degree Program of Systems Engineering and Technology” with the National Defense University—designed to cultivate defense professionals with strong engineering literacy—NYCU is now expanding its commitment to national security by signing a memorandum of understanding with NCSIST, Taiwan’s leading defense R&D institution. \r\n \r\nThe partnership leverages NYCU’s academic and research strengths, together with NCSIST’s long-standing expertise in defense applications, to reinforce Taiwan’s indigenous defense R&D capabilities and accelerate innovation critical to national security. \r\n \r\n“A High-Tech Defense R&D Platform with Real-World Impact” \r\n \r\n“NYCU possesses strong research capabilities in cybersecurity and network defense, smart manufacturing and mechatronics, artificial intelligence and data science, and semiconductor and electronic engineering,” said NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin. \r\n \r\n“By integrating these strengths with NCSIST’s extensive experience in defense technology, we will build a high-tech R&D platform that combines academic foresight and real-world application—ensuring that innovation can be rapidly deployed in response to national development and security demands.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nRadar: The Core of Taiwan’s Future Defense Shield \r\n \r\nNCSIST President Shih-Chiang Li highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration: \r\n“It is an honor to deepen cooperation with NYCU. As Taiwan advances its ‘Taiwan Dome’ national defense strategy, radar technology is indispensable. We look forward to working with NYCU to make Taiwan’s radar systems see farther and more accurately—together building a stronger air defense network and writing a new chapter in Taiwan’s defense history.” \r\n \r\nNYCU and NCSIST will further strengthen joint research, talent cultivation, and academic–industrial exchange, establishing a long-term strategic partnership that supports both Taiwan’s defense technology development and its high-tech industry. The joint effort aims to inject sustained momentum into national defense innovation and accelerate the building of a resilient technological shield for Taiwan. \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right) and NCSIST President Shih-Chiang Li pose for a photo after signing the memorandum of understanding.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1440257271798960128&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and NUS Deepen Nursing Collaboration Through Academic Exchange","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-12","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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NUS representatives visit NYCU’s College of Nursing to share insights on global nursing research, community health, and clinical education.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) College of Nursing hosted the “Research and Education Activities in NUS Nursing” academic exchange on November 5, 2025, bringing together five distinguished scholars from the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (ALCNS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The event fostered meaningful dialogue on the future of nursing education and laid the groundwork for deeper international collaboration between the two leading institutions.\r\n\r\n
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A representative from the NUS introduces the ALCNS and Singapore’s healthcare system. \r\n \r\nAsia’s Top Nursing Institution Shares Best Practices \r\n \r\nRanked 8ᵗʰ in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025, NUS stands as one of Asia’s most prestigious universities. Its ALCNS is recognized as a regional leader in nursing research and education, integrating clinical practice, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to cultivate globally minded nursing professionals. \r\n \r\nNUS scholars’ work spans key areas including patient safety, chronic disease management, and community health promotion, influencing health-care systems well beyond Asia. The university’s robust exchange programs and global academic partnerships continue to attract top students and researchers from around the world. \r\n \r\nEngaging Dialogues on Research and Practice \r\n \r\nThe five NUS speakers brought a wealth of expertise across multiple domains:
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Assoc. Prof. Tam outlined NUS’s nursing research framework and future development directions.
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Research Fellow Khairul shared frontline experiences in home-based care and the evolving competencies required of community nurses.
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Asst. Prof. Ling emphasized that investing in nursing manpower is fundamental to patient safety.
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Assoc. Prof. Ying introduced technology-driven innovations in chronic-disease management and community health.
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Lecturer Lim discussed challenges and strategies in clinical education and experiential learning.
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\r\n \r\nThe session sparked a vibrant discussion among NYCU faculty and students, bridging the gap between theory and real-world nursing practice. These exchanges not only addressed global challenges in nursing education but also offered valuable insights for Taiwan’s health-care and academic communities. \r\n \r\nBuilding Momentum for Future Collaboration \r\n \r\nBeyond scholarly dialogue, the event opened new pathways for cooperation in research, teaching, and student mobility between NYCU and NUS. Both sides expressed strong mutual interest in pursuing joint initiatives that advance nursing science and promote high-quality health-care education across borders. \r\n \r\n“This exchange exemplifies our commitment to global engagement and knowledge sharing,” said NYCU’s College of Nursing representatives. “By learning from NUS’s exemplary practices, we strengthen our collective ability to respond to the evolving demands of health-care worldwide.” \r\n \r\nRepresentatives from the NUS and NYCU College of Nursing gather for a group photo after the academic exchange event
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1438160015566311424&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"All Ages, One Stage: NYCU’s “PULSE Generations” Concert Unites Three Generations in Rock","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-12","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Representing the senior generation, the alumni band “Somebody,” led by Liang-Yoo Lee (far right), opened the concert with classic rock anthems that set the tone for the cross-generational showcase.
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\r\nEdited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Taipei’s afternoon air crackled with electricity as three generations of musicians from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) took the stage, blending classic rock with new-age original songs. The “PULSE Generations: All Ages, One Stage” concert drew hundreds of fans and featured the legendary “godfather of Western music in Taiwan,” Yu Kuang (余光), founder of Yu Kuang Music Magazine, who appeared in person to cheer on the performers, joined by Acer founder Stan Shih (施振榮), who also came to show his support.\r\n\r\n
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From left to right: Yu Kuang Music founder Yu Kuang (second from left), NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (center), and Acer founder Stan Shih (second from right) enjoy the concert together, holding signs that read “Today I’m young again” and “I’m a rock star,” capturing the joyful spirit of the PULSE Generations event. \r\n \r\nLaunched by outstanding alumnus Liang-Yoo Lee (李良猷， Class of 1972), the event was held on November 8 at Hana Live House in Taipei, bringing together eleven bands that spanned over half a century of NYCU’s musical legacy. Supported by the NYCU, the Alumni Association, and the Spring Foundation of NCTU, the concert was a true intergenerational celebration of creativity and passion. \r\n \r\nReviving the Spirit of Youth \r\n \r\nLee, the former second president of the Star Voice Club at NCTU (which merged with NYMU in 2021 to form NYCU) and a guitarist for the Semiconductor Choir, led the opening act with his band, Somebody. The lineup featured longtime classmates and friends — including Pei-Xiang Hu (胡沛湘), now a real-estate magnate; San-Yuan Lin (林三元), a former Microsoft Taiwan executive turned cultural advocate; and Hu’s wife, who joined as the lead vocalist. Decades after their campus days, their performance still radiated youthful energy, proving that music never grows old. \r\n \r\nProfessors, Professionals, and Passion \r\n \r\nRepresenting the middle generation, Heavy Body, led by Prof. Yuan-Min Lin (林元敏), Chair of NYCU’s Department of Dentistry, set the stage ablaze with songs by Queen and iconic anime anthems. Other alum bands followed—architect Wei-Yang Hsu’s (許偉揚) crossover quartet, CK46 led by Huan-Yun Wei (魏煥雲， founder of L7 Networks), and Do You Have a Story?, fronted by Army Captain Hsiang-Tso Chen (陳相佐), an alumnus of NYCU’s Institute of Pharmacology.
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\r\n \r\nThe Next Wave of NYCU Sound \r\n \r\nThe youngest generation of campus musicians from NYCU’s Rock Club and Star Voice Club brought raw energy and fresh ideas to the stage. Bands like Shining Star Boys, Emo Shelter, 21 Grams, Chu’s Studio, and ㄍㄨㄟ ㄍㄤ Youth performed original songs alongside classics, channeling creativity and campus spirit. Among them, PiA Wu, a Golden Melody Award–nominated singer-songwriter and NYCU alumna from the Department of Management Science, delivered a captivating finale with her own compositions. \r\n \r\nA Musical Dialogue Across Generations \r\n \r\nAs Yu Kuang remarked during the show, “Music is the language that transcends time and age. This concert is not just a performance—it’s a dialogue across generations.” \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin echoed this sentiment: “‘PULSE Generations’ represents more than Music. It embodies NYCU’s cross-campus, cross-generational, and cross-disciplinary creativity—the true heartbeat of our university’s soft power.” \r\n \r\nFrom science and medicine to art and Music, NYCU’s students and alumni continue to shine on every Stage. The word PULSE stands for heartbeat and vitality, while All Ages, One Stage captures the harmony of generations united by sound. \r\n \r\nWhat began as a reunion concert is now poised to become an annual musical tradition, carrying forward NYCU’s rhythm of innovation, connection, and timeless passion. \r\n \r\nNYCU student bands bring youthful creativity and original music to the PULSE Generations concert.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1438084793429397504&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1438084793051910144&init=Y","expFile":"Yu Kuang (right) joins the audience, calling the concert “a dialogue across generations.”"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Wins World Award: Taiwan’s Computer Music Champion Returns","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-11","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Professor Yu-Chung Tseng at NYCU’s Institute of Music leads Taiwan’s only computer music program, recently earning the “Best Music Award” at the International Computer Music Conference for his groundbreaking composition, Soundscape beyond black and white.
Although National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is internationally recognized for its excellence in STEM disciplines such as electronics, electrical engineering, and information science, it has also demonstrated a strong and consistent presence in the humanities and arts, achieving equally remarkable accomplishments in both areas. For instance, as early as 1992, National Chiao Tung University established the Institute of Applied Arts, dedicated to teaching and research in design, communication, and music, among others. Its music program became an independent Institute of Music in 2000, featuring Taiwan’s only computer music major among all music departments in Taiwan. In recent years, the Institute of Music’s computer music program has achieved remarkable international recognition. Professor Yu-Chung Tseng, who leads this program, recently won the prestigious “Best Music Award” with his new composition, “Soundscape beyond black and white,” triumphing over more than 700 submissions from around the globe, at the “International Computer Music Conference (ICMC)”—the world’s premier event in the field this year. \r\n \r\nBeyond Memory, Exploring the Possibilities of Sound \r\n \r\n“Creators have always sought to discover entirely new sounds and explore the myriad possibilities of sound,” Professor Tseng indicated. The music produced by playing the black and white keys of a piano is already familiar and deeply ingrained in people’s memories. This composition employs over a dozen small tools—such as brushes and drumsticks—to interact with the piano’s internal strings through striking, rubbing, and sliding. The captured sound materials were then re-encoded, synthesized, and restructured via computer. This creates a contrast aesthetic between the traditional, tangible piano tones and the virtual sounds, constructing a unique sonic landscape that transcends the piano’s black and white keys.
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\r\nProfessor Tseng blends brushes, drumsticks, and over a dozen small tools on piano strings with computer synthesis, creating a transcendent soundscape that bridges traditional piano tones and virtual music, establishing NYCU and Taiwan as leaders in the global computer music scene. \r\n \r\nProfessor Tseng’s style of artistic creation integrates Western algorithmic composition with Eastern philosophical elements like yin-yang and the interplay of real and virtual, has long established him as a perennial winner in international computer music competitions. For example, his accolades include first prize at Italy’s Pierre Schaeffer International Computer Music Competition, first prize at the Czech Republic’s Musica Nova International Electronic Music Competition, second prize at France’s Klang International Electronic Music Competition, and three wins for Best Music Award in the ICMC Asia-Pacific region. The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of ICMC. Outstanding from all global submissions to claim the sole “Best Music Award” across all regions represents not only a significant milestone in Professor Tseng’s musical career but also signifies that NYCU and Taiwan have secured a pivotal position in the global computer music landscape, indicating that their strength is unshakable. \r\n
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“My introduction to computer music began when I worked as a research assistant at National Chiao Tung University,” Professor Tseng recalls. In the late 1980s, the university established the Applied Arts Laboratory and invited Professor Phil Winsor from the Department of Music at the University of North Texas to Taiwan to guide the research and promote computer music. The university subsequently hosted multiple national computer music workshops and concerts, solidifying its position as a leading stronghold for computer music development in Taiwan. Freshly graduated from the university’s music department, Professor Tseng served as a research assistant in the laboratory, witnessing this historic moment firsthand. From then on, he plunged headfirst into the world of computer music. After earning his doctorate in music in the United States, he followed in Professor Phil Winsor’s footsteps, joining the National Chiao Tung University’s Institute of Music to engage in teaching, research, and promotion of computer music. \r\n \r\nProfessor Tseng, merging Western algorithmic composition with Eastern philosophy, has earned top honors in international computer music competitions, cementing NYCU and Taiwan’s global leadership in the field. \r\n \r\nCross-Domain Integration Broadens the Path of Music \r\n \r\n“Majoring in computer music is no easy feat. Students must be able to compose music while also mastering programming—including cutting-edge AI programming and related technological applications. It seems those mastering computer music truly need to be well-rounded in both ‘arts and sciences’!” Through Professor Tseng’s step-by-step, “hands-on” teaching approach, students often quickly overcome technical obstacles in computing and programming. His advisees frequently receive recognition at international computer music major events. For instance, in 2024, three students had their works selected for performance in the ICMC concert; four students won awards in the Electronic Music Competition held in four countries—France, Taiwan, Canada, and Japan. In 2025, eight students had their works selected for the New York Electronic Music Festival. “When learning computer music, an international perspective is crucial—it’s not just about working in isolation. As an advisor, it’s vital to ensure students truly grasp global development trends and composition tendencies. This is why our students consistently gain international shortlisted and awards,” Professor Tseng added. \r\n \r\nCompared to art universities, Professor Tseng believes that NYCU is particularly suited for developing computer music due to its departments in computer science, electrical engineering, and other STEM fields. Following the merger with National Yang Ming University, it has also collaborated with its medical departments to explore brainwave-controlled music and music synthesis. Professor Tseng pointed out that computer music represents a cross-disciplinary integration of music and technology. Students in both the Musicology and Performance programs at the Graduate Institute of Music at NYCU have expanded opportunities to take interdisciplinary elective courses in computer music or contemporary music, enabling them to cultivate cross-disciplinary expertise such as computer music composition, digital editing, and design etc.
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Because of this, the career paths of graduates from the Institute of Music at NYCU are broader and more diverse than those of students from traditional music departments. “While some of our graduates teach at arts universities, several work as sound engineers and multichannel designers at CLAB_Taiwan Sound Lab, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Culture. Others have formed teams to create multichannel and immersive multimedia designs for events like lantern festivals and expositions. There are even graduates working as engineers on sound chips and sound synthesis for computer companies. Through computer music education, we cultivate cross-disciplinary talents who understand music, programming, and technology. I am honored that my expertise can contribute to Taiwan,” Professor Tseng humbly remarked. \r\n \r\n \r\nProfessor Tseng’s hands-on teaching equips NYCU students with both musical and technological expertise, enabling them to excel internationally in computer music and pursue diverse careers in composition, sound design, and immersive multimedia. \r\n \r\nFalling in Love with Creation and Exploding Appreciation \r\n \r\nHowever, Professor Tseng also frankly said that classical music can guide listeners through its notes, tonality, phrasing, and structural design; in contrast, computer music relies on sound, synthesized timbres, and novel concepts of tonal structure, making its acceptance and appreciation threshold higher for the general public. “Strictly speaking, even appreciating Beethoven or Mozart’s sonatas requires a process of learning, training, and understanding before one develops the ability to appreciate classical music. The same concept applies to computer music. However, I personally believe the best way to understand and appreciate any kind of music is to engage in ‘composition’ yourself—to experience the process of building music.” \r\n
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Professor Tseng recalled leading students on a computer music tour in France, where a local elementary school arranged for first and second graders to attend the performance. They even let the children operate the mixer to perform live multi-channel computer music playback. To everyone’s surprise, the children had a wonderful time. “That feeling was truly wonderful! The French example provided us with great inspiration and a fine model. I hope Taiwan’s music education can incorporate a bit more creativity, integrating computer music composition courses from elementary school through junior high and senior high school.” “In fact, computers are so advanced now that they’ve significantly lowered the barrier for creation. You don’t even need sheet music to compose. This allows interested teenagers to quickly dive into the world of computer music.” Additionally, Professor Tseng believes that sounds from many everyday objects can serve as musical materials. Therefore, he suggests that students of computer music courses start by recording the sounds of daily life, then use computer music composition to express their emotions and ideas. Professor Tseng optimistically anticipates that Taiwan’s computer music development and its adoption will accelerate in the coming years because of the increasing number of domestic computer music performances, the annual grand scale of the “C-LAB Sound Festival,” and the growing number of graduates from the Institute of Music at NYCU entering the industry and taking up teaching positions at various educational levels. \r\n \r\n \r\nProfessor Tseng encourages hands-on creation to truly appreciate computer music, inspiring students—and even young children in France—to explore everyday sounds, compose, and experience the joy of building music. \r\n \r\nAI Co-Creation and the New Future of Computer Music \r\n \r\nRegarding the explosive growth of AI today, Professor Tseng believes it holds the potential to bring new opportunities for development in computer music. “While ‘generative AI’ in the past could mimic the creation of a piece of modern computer music, it lacked the spirit of creativity and inspiration. In contrast, today’s ‘agent-based AI’ allows musicians to personally participate in the music generation process of AI machines, making the music sound warmer and more humanized. Because ‘agent-based AI’ functions as an additional performer-agent, when the musician plays their instrument, the AI responds and adjusts in real-time based on live musical input, commands, and rules. It interacts closely with the instrumental melody, fully showcasing a novel form of collaborative creation and dialogue between performers and AI. This brings a brand-new landscape to human-computer interaction (HCI) in computer music.” \r\n \r\nProfessor Tseng stated that AI music has been designated as the primary focus agenda for ICMC 2025, indicating that the development of AI music is imminent. AI music is undoubtedly the most significant trend worthy of development in the future of computer music art. Therefore, both individual creators or the university can seamlessly align with global trends. Now in his sixties, Professor Tseng remains passionately dedicated to computer music composition. His vision is to extensively collect Hakka soundscapes as creative material over the coming years, launching a computer music creative project that integrates AI technology with Hakka cultural elements to breathe new life into local culture. From the perspective of university development, he not only encourages students to learn AI programming but also hopes that faculty members with expertise in computer science will join the effort. He envisions establishing a university-level AI music research center, enabling NYCU to exert significant and multifaceted influence in the AI era. \r\n \r\nFinally, Professor Tseng hopes that computer music at NYCU will continue to grow sustainably and relentlessly pursue cutting-edge excellence upon the solid foundation laid by Professor Phil Winsor, leading Taiwan’s computer music development. Meanwhile, it will enrich the global computer music with Taiwan’s unique voice through diverse forms of international exchange.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1438015234651459584&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU GIA Professors Present Taiwan’s Innovative and Sustainable Spirit in Japan","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-06","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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A visitor at the Tokyo exhibition watches a video documenting the making of Bridge Cocoon, a bamboo structure designed by NYCU Professor NK Kuo.
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By Chance Lai \r\n______
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For the first time, the ADA Emerging Architect Award (ADA新銳建築獎) stepped beyond Taiwan’s borders, showcasing the creative energy of Taiwan’s new-generation architects in Tokyo. Among the ten teams featured in the exhibition “A Joint Future: TAIWAN ADA Awards in JAPAN”, held at Shibaura House — an iconic transparent building designed by Pritzker laureate Kazuyo Sejima — two distinguished works were created by Adjunct Assistant Professor NK Kuo and Associate Professor Ling-Li Tseng of the Graduate Institute of Architecture (GIA), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). \r\n \r\nFrom Campus to Tokyo: Architecture That Breathes with Nature \r\n \r\nBoth featured projects — Kuo’s award-winning “Bridge Cocoon” and Tseng’s “Rolling Pavilion” — originated on NYCU’s Guangfu campus. Using bamboo as their primary medium, the two architects explore how design can respond to the environment while inspiring public interaction. \r\n \r\n“Bridge Cocoon,” which earned the top ADA Award in 2024, draws inspiration from the natural form of a silkworm’s cocoon. Constructed from steam-bent bamboo, it gently arches over a small lakeside bridge on campus, providing a shaded resting place where visitors can feel the rhythm of nature. \r\n \r\nThe structure avoids the use of nails and screws, relying entirely on tension and binding, which allows the bamboo to remain recyclable and environmentally friendly. Its translucent double-layered skin—made from repurposed fishing floats and natural fabric—creates an ever-changing play of light and shadow that reflects the surrounding water. \r\n \r\nKuo describes the work as “a living structure that grows out of its environment,” merging digital precision and handcrafted craftsmanship to express how architecture can once again embrace natural materials and sustainable cycles. \r\n \r\n
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NYCU Prof. NK Kuo presents his award-winning bamboo installation, Bridge Cocoon, at the ADA exhibition in Tokyo. (Photo credit: NK Kuo)
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\r\nRolling Pavilion: A Gentle Space for Encounter \r\n \r\nNext to the university’s open courtyard, Tseng’s “Rolling Pavilion” reimagines a gathering space through digital design and innovative bamboo-slicing techniques. The pavilion forms a spiraling, semi-enclosed space that invites people to sit, rest, and converse under a soft, luminous canopy. By integrating nonlinear arches, truss systems, and LED lighting, Tseng creates a structure that is both technically precise and emotionally resonant — a blend of warmth, craft, and modernity.“ Architecture,” Tseng notes, “is not only about shaping space, but about shaping relationships — between materials, people, and the environment.” \r\n \r\nNYCU Prof. Ling-Li Tseng showcases her architectural models at the ADA exhibition in Tokyo. (Photo credit: NK Kuo) \r\n \r\nA Platform for Dialogue and Regeneration \r\n \r\nThe Tokyo forum accompanying the exhibition, titled “Experiment and Regeneration,” gathered architects and critics from Japan and Taiwan to discuss how architecture can respond to social and environmental change. Japanese architect Akihisa Hirata praised the Taiwanese projects for their “vital blurring of boundaries” and their capacity to connect art, ecology, and community. \r\n \r\nThrough their participation, NYCU’s professors exemplified the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration and experimentation that defines the ADA Awards’ mission — to give young architects a voice and connect design education to real-world challenges. \r\n \r\nBuilding Futures through Design \r\n \r\nBy bringing these works from Hsinchu to Tokyo, NYCU demonstrates how academic experimentation can extend beyond the campus to engage in global dialogue. The bamboo structures by Kuo and Tseng reflect NYCU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, material innovation, and design as social practice. As Taiwan’s architectural education continues to foster bold, interdisciplinary creators, NYCU stands at the forefront — nurturing architects who design not only for form, but for life itself.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1435885521384509440&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"How Cells “Talk” to Their Surroundings: NYCU Study Uncover Liquid Droplet Mechanism Behind Cilia Formation","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-05","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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TTBK2 and CEP164 form liquid-like condensates to promote cilia growth (schematic illustration).
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) researchers have unveiled how cells build their microscopic “antenna” — a slender, hair-like structure known as the primary cilium, which plays a crucial role in sensing the environment. The study reveals that two key proteins responsible for cilia formation can fuse, much like liquid droplets, through a process called liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), offering new insights into cellular communication and potential treatments for ciliopathies. The study, titled “Phase separation of TTBK2 and CEP164 is necessary for ciliogenesis,” was published in Cell Reports. \r\n \r\nA Microscopic Antenna That Senses the World \r\n \r\nThe primary cilium, hundreds of times thinner than a human hair, acts as a cell’s radar. When damaged, cells lose their ability to perceive external signals, leading to developmental disorders such as microcephaly and other genetic diseases. While scientists have long known that specific cellular structures and proteins are required for cilia assembly, the mechanism by which certain proteins interact to trigger the process has remained a mystery — until now. \r\n \r\nLed by Professor Won-Jing Wang and Jie-rong Huang from NYCU’s Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the research team used human retinal pigment epithelial cells to investigate how two cilia-associated proteins, TTBK2 and CEP164, interact. They discovered that these proteins do not bind like puzzle pieces or “lock and key” models, which are typical of structured proteins. Instead, they join through LLPS — a biochemical phenomenon where proteins with intrinsically disordered regions attract each other via electrostatic forces to form liquid-like condensates. \r\n \r\nLLPS: A Paradigm Shift in Molecular Biology \r\n \r\n“Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) has only recently gained widespread attention,” said Prof. Huang. “Scientists used to believe that only structured regions of proteins could interact. We now know that even disordered regions can combine through this liquid droplet behavior, redefining how we understand protein organization in cells.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nProf. Wang added, “Cilia are fascinating organelles. Some types, like the primary cilium, act as sensory antennas — such as those found on retinal cells — while others, like motile cilia, help move cells or fluids, as seen in sperm tails and respiratory tracts. Our discovery provides the first molecular evidence that protein phase separation drives cilia formation.” \r\n \r\nImplications for Neurological and Genetic Disorders \r\n \r\nMutations in the TTBK2 gene are known to cause neurodegenerative conditions such as spinocerebellar ataxia, a form of cerebellar degeneration. The NYCU team’s discovery sheds light on how abnormal phase separation may disrupt cilia assembly, opening a potential pathway toward developing therapeutic strategies for ciliopathies and related diseases. \r\n \r\nThis groundbreaking finding not only deepens our understanding of how cells construct their sensory machinery but also highlights the intricate beauty of biological self-organization — where even shapeless molecules can come together to build life’s most delicate structures. \r\n \r\nProfessors Jie-rong Huang (right) and Won-Jing Wang from the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at NYCU.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1435828710996447232&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1435832171389521920&init=Y","expFile":"Comparative imaging of CEP164 localization at the centriole. The left panel shows abundant CEP164 accumulation at the distal end of the centriole, promoting cilia formation."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Healthy Aging, Happy Living! NYCU Launches Training Program on Age-Friendly Housing","dataClassName":"College Features","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-11-03","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Photo credit: Getty Images
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As Taiwan transitions into a super-aged society, the challenge extends beyond healthcare and caregiving—housing design itself must evolve to meet the changing needs of older adults. Recognizing this, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has launched a “Training Program on Age-Friendly Housing Design” aimed at architects, interior designers, and professionals in the eldercare sector, emphasizing the integration of aging needs at the very foundation of residential planning. \r\n \r\nBuilding Homes for Longevity and Dignity \r\n \r\nThe program, organized by NYCU’s Center for Aging Industry and Development (CAID), focuses on three core areas: universal architectural design, barrier-free living environments, and smart care technologies. It combines lectures with hands-on field visits to help participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of age-friendly housing. The ultimate goal is to realize the vision of “Healthy Aging, Happy Living” by creating homes that are safe, comfortable, and dignified for older adults. \r\n \r\nProfessor I-Ju Chen, Executive Director of the CAID and Director of the Master’s Program in Transdisciplinary Long-Term Care and Management, noted that many elderly people in Taiwan wish to live independently rather than rely on their children. Still, their living conditions often make this difficult. “In Taipei, for example, many seniors still live in old apartment buildings without elevators. Simply going up and down the stairs becomes a challenge, making independent living increasingly difficult,” she said. \r\n \r\n“Design Should Reflect the Human Journey” \r\n \r\n“Allowing seniors to live safely in the homes they know should be part of the architectural mindset,” Prof. Chen emphasized. “From birth to adulthood to old age, people’s spatial needs change throughout life. This course isn’t just about design—it’s about understanding how living spaces respond to the human experience.” \r\n \r\nShe further explained that as society ages rapidly, adapting both new and existing housing into age-friendly spaces is an urgent priority. This process, she said, goes beyond aesthetics—it requires collaboration across architecture, healthcare, long-term care, and technology. “Aging-in-place design should evolve with people’s changing health and lifestyle, embodying a truly human-centered approach.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nA Cross-Sector Strategy for an Age-Friendly Future \r\n \r\nAging is not solely a medical issue; it is also a social and economic one. To address this, NYCU established the CAID in 2025, integrating resources from the Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, the Aging Accelerator, NYCU Hospital, the University Social Responsibility (USR) programs, and the Master’s Program in Transdisciplinary Long-Term Care and Management. \r\n \r\nThe Center serves as a collaborative hub connecting academia and industry through three strategies: technological empowerment, interdisciplinary integration, and social co-creation. By combining research strengths and industry expertise, it supports product innovation, field validation, and talent development, offering concrete solutions for aging-related industrial challenges and driving innovation across various sectors. \r\n \r\nFrom Design to Social Change \r\n \r\nThe Age-Friendly Housing Design Training Program represents a significant milestone in the Center’s mission to promote an inclusive, age-friendly society. Through industry collaboration and continuous education, NYCU aims to promote sustainable innovation in aging-related industries and create a living environment that is smart, healthy, and compassionate—one where all generations can coexist with dignity and wellbeing. \r\n \r\nAs society rapidly ages, transforming homes into age-friendly spaces has become an urgent priority. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1435174727961284608&init=Y","expFile":"Photo credit: Getty Images"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU ECE and IEEE Taipei Section Host 2025 AI Computing Workshop to Explore the Future of High-Performance AI Systems","dataClassName":"College Features","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-31","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Leaders and experts from NYCU’s College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the IEEE Taipei Section, and AMD gathered with faculty and students at the 2025 AI Computing Workshop, fostering dialogue between academia and industry on the future of high-performance AI systems.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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The College of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), in collaboration with the IEEE Taipei Section, hosted the 2025 AI Computing Workshop featuring AMD as the keynote industry partner. The workshop centered on the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and the latest breakthroughs in high-performance computing. \r\n \r\nA World-Class Lineup: Insights into AMD’s Cutting-Edge Technologies \r\n \r\nIn his opening remarks, Professor Li-Chun Wang, Dean of NYCU ECE College and Chair of the IEEE Taipei Section, highlighted the event as a milestone in deepening dialogue between Taiwan’s academic community and global technology leaders. He emphasized that the College is driven by its vision of CICS — Connect Intelligence in Chips and Systems, aiming to advance human civilization through research and education. \r\n \r\n“AI is not merely a tool—it is an enabler of dreams,” Wang said. “Through open architectures, we can create an awe-inspiring future and help humanity reclaim a civilization centered on human values.” \r\n \r\nNYCU continues to lead Taiwan’s innovation in electrical and computer engineering—founding the nation’s first Institute of Electronics and College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and more recently, establishing the Department of Semiconductor Engineering and two frontier programs: the Master’s Program in Quantum Science and Engineering and the Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Brain Technology and Engineering. \r\n \r\nThe NYCU also launched the Pervasive AI Computing and Communications (PACC) Lab, fostering pioneering research and co-creation between academia and industry. \r\n \r\nAMD’s Vision: Redefining System Architecture for the AI Era \r\n \r\nDelivering the keynote address, Dr. David Wang, Senior Vice President of GPU Engineering at AMD, shared his insights on the accelerating complexity of AI models and their transformative impact on computing architectures. He noted that as AI models grow in scale and sophistication, new demands emerge for computation, memory, and interconnect technologies. \r\n \r\nAccording to Wang, this moment marks a pivotal inflection point for the industry: “From 3D chiplet packaging to rack-scale integration built on open hardware and software ecosystems, AMD is rethinking system architecture to achieve the highest performance and energy efficiency. Collaboration between academia and industry will be key to sustaining this pace of innovation.”
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\r\n \r\n \r\nFollowing his talk, Ken Lin, Senior Director of Commercial Business at AMD Taiwan, underscored that AI is reshaping every industry—and that cross-regional collaboration is essential for building a resilient AI ecosystem. \r\n \r\n“AMD works closely with Taiwan’s semiconductor, computing, and software partners to co-develop practical AI solutions,” Lin said. “This workshop showcases how academic research and industrial expertise can accelerate innovation and strengthen the global AI landscape.” \r\n \r\nAcademia–Industry Synergy: Advancing Taiwan’s AI Research and Innovation \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, NYCU ECE College will continue collaborating with the IEEE Taipei Section and industry partners to host forward-looking forums and training programs. \r\n \r\nBy fostering interdisciplinary research and cultivating top AI talent, NYCU aims to expand Taiwan’s influence within the global AI technology ecosystem. \r\n \r\nFrom left to right: Li-Chun Wang, Dean of NYCU ECE College and Chair of the IEEE Taipei Section; David Wang (王啟尚), Senior Vice President of GPU Engineering at AMD; and Ken Lin (林建誠), Senior Director of Commercial Business at AMD Taiwan.
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) proudly announces that Professor Haydn Chen, the university’s Chief Strategy Officer and Honorary Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, has been awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s leading biographical publisher. \r\n \r\nThis prestigious recognition celebrates Professor Chen’s exceptional career of nearly five decades in academia, scientific research, and university leadership. The award affirms not only his scientific contributions and visionary leadership, but also his enduring influence on global higher education. \r\n \r\n“This award reflects not just personal achievement, but the collective growth of the institutions I’ve served,” said Prof. Chen. “At NYCU, we are shaping the future of research, innovation, and global collaboration.” \r\n \r\nA Global Leader in Materials Science and Higher Education \r\n \r\nProf. Chen began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from National Tsing Hua University, followed by a Master’s in Physics and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University. His groundbreaking research in time-resolved X-ray scattering and synchrotron instrumentation has significantly advanced the understanding of alloy phase transformations and oxide thin-film technologies.
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\r\n \r\nSince the 2021 merger that formed NYCU, Professor Chen has served as Chief Strategy Officer and North America Liaison, playing a vital role in advancing NYCU’s liberal arts education, digital transformation, faculty appointment evaluations, and international strategy across fields such as engineering, medicine, biotechnology, and AI in education. \r\n \r\nOver the course of his career, Prof. Chen has held prestigious academic appointments at leading institutions on both sides of the Pacific—across the United States, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan—where he has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and senior academic administration. This rare and possibly unique combination of experience for a scholar from Taiwan underscores his remarkable global perspective and cross-cultural leadership in higher education.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nA Legacy of Excellence and Global Recognition \r\n \r\nA Fellow of the American Society for Metals (ASM) since 1989, a Fellow of the Chinese Society of Materials Science (Taiwan), and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Prof. Chen has made substantial contributions to the global materials science community. He has served on the editorial boards of leading scientific journals, including as Chief Editor of the Journal of Materials Chemistry and Physics, an international journal based in Taiwan. \r\n \r\nHis many honors include:
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Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Senior Research Fellow Award – Japan, 1998
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Alexander von Humboldt Research Award – Germany, 2000
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Outstanding Scholar Award – Taiwan, 2005
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Lu Tze-Hung Memorial Award – Chinese Society of Materials Science, 2006
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This latest Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for individuals whose careers exemplify sustained excellence, prominence, international influence, and leadership in their fields. \r\n \r\nAccelerating NYCU’s Global Momentum \r\n \r\nProf. Chen’s recognition comes at a pivotal moment for NYCU, as the university accelerates its global strategy—advancing the frontiers of science, education, and innovation through international collaboration, leadership in semiconductors, engineering-medicine integration, and cross-disciplinary excellence. \r\n \r\nHe is actively engaged in establishing the Global Consortium for Engineering and Innovation in Medicine (GCIEM) and is leading the development of NYCU’s Talent & Innovation Hub in North America, which will be profiled in an upcoming article. \r\n \r\n“Professor Chen’s recognition is a testament to NYCU’s growing global stature,” said President Chi-Hung Lin. “We are proud to have leaders like him who embody the spirit of academic excellence and international impact.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1433335029525647360&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU CCS Hosts Two Premier International Cybersecurity Conferences — ACM CCS and IEEE DSC 2025 Grandly Held in Taipei","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-28","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Opening ceremony of ACM CCS 2025.
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By the College of Computer Science at NYCU \r\n______
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The College of Computer Science (CCS) at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) successfully hosted two of the world’s most prestigious international cybersecurity conferences in October 2025 — the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (ACM CCS 2025) and the IEEE Conference on Dependable and Secure Computing (IEEE DSC 2025). These back-to-back conferences attracted over one thousand leading scholars, researchers, and industry experts from around the world to gather in Taipei, where they shared and discussed the latest advances and challenges in information security, privacy protection, and dependable systems. \r\n \r\nACM CCS 2025 took place from October 13 to 17 at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), organized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and its Special Interest Group on Security, Audit, and Control (SIGSAC). \r\n \r\nSince its inception in 1993, ACM CCS has become one of the four major global cybersecurity conferences, alongside the USENIX Security Symposium, the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy, and the ISOC Network and Distributed System Security Symposium (NDSS). It is also the only one among the four held in a rotating global format. This year, NYCU successfully brought the event to Taiwan, marking the first time in nearly 25 years that ACM CCS was physically held in Asia. \r\n \r\nThe conference covered a broad range of frontier topics, including network and system security, applied cryptography, privacy protection, machine learning security, and blockchain security, attracting over 1,000 international participants and demonstrating Taiwan’s academic strength and growing influence in global cybersecurity research. \r\n \r\nProfessor Chun-Ying Huang, General Chair of ACM CCS 2025, remarked that hosting this top-tier conference in Taiwan represents a significant milestone for the nation’s cybersecurity research community: “ACM CCS is one of the most influential gatherings in the international academic cybersecurity community. We hope this event showcases Taiwan’s strong engagement with the global research network while giving local scholars the chance to interact directly with leading researchers worldwide. In addition to the main technical program, the conference also features a Young Scholars Development Forum, a Doctoral Symposium, and 21 specialized workshops — all designed to foster collaboration and international exchange.” \r\n \r\nImmediately following ACM CCS, the IEEE DSC 2025 conference was held from October 18 to 20 at the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel. Organized by the IEEE Reliability Society and hosted once again by NYCU’s Department of Computer Science, this year’s event built upon the success of NYCU’s previous hosting of the same series in 2017.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nIEEE DSC 2025 focused on hardware-software security integration, system dependability, and practical attack-defense techniques. The program included two tracks — a Main Conference Track and an Experience & Practice Track — encouraging experts from academia, industry, and the hacker community to share real-world case studies and practical insights, thereby promoting in-depth dialogue between research and practice. \r\n \r\nProfessor Chi-Yu Li, General Chair of IEEE DSC 2025, noted: “This emerging international cybersecurity conference emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration and practical, real-world research. The newly added ‘Experience and Practice’ track encourages participation from the hacker, industrial, and academic communities, fostering closer connections between theory and practice. Through this exchange, we hope to spark innovative ideas and further advance Taiwan’s cybersecurity research and industry development.” \r\n \r\nProfessor Shiuhpyng Shieh, Dean of NYCU CCS, added: “Hosting both ACM CCS and IEEE DSC in the same month represents strong international recognition of NYCU’s leadership in cybersecurity research. Through these two world-class conferences, we aim to strengthen connections among global academic, industrial, and research communities, inspire innovative thinking, and showcase Taiwan’s growing influence in cybersecurity research.” \r\n \r\nThese two major international events not only enhanced the visibility of Taiwan’s cybersecurity research but also established a robust platform for academic and industrial collaboration. By fostering dialogue with top researchers and global technology leaders, NYCU’s College of Information continues to pursue its vision of internationalization, forward-thinking, and cross-disciplinary innovation, nurturing new generations of cybersecurity experts who combine academic excellence with real-world insight — driving Taiwan’s cybersecurity technology and industry forward. \r\n \r\nIEEE DSC 2025 encouraged experts from academia, industry, and the hacker community to share real-world cases and research findings.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1432644394242019328&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1432636392332070912&init=Y","expFile":"ACM CCS 2025: From left — Prof. Jyh-Cheng Chen (NYCU), Prof. Shiuhpyng Shieh Hsieh (NYCU), Prof. Véronique Cortier (Loria), Prof. David Lie (U of T), and Prof. Chun-Ying Huang (NYCU)."},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1432636392646643712&init=Y","expFile":"IEEE DSC 2025: Prof. Chi-Yu Li (NYCU) (3rd from left), Prof. Songwu Lu (UCLA) (4th), Prof. Guan-Hua Tu (Michigan State University) (5th), and Prof. Tian Xie (Utah State University) (6th)."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU-Led Interdisciplinary Study Identifies Hesperetin as a Cardioprotective Agent That Preserves Doxorubicin’s Anti-Tumor Effect","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-27","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Group photo of the research team. Front row: Prof. Shu-Ling Fu (left) from the Institute of Traditional Medicine and Prof. Ting-Fen Tsai (right) from the DLSIGS.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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An estimated 300,000 to 1.2 million cancer survivors worldwide who were treated with the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin—nicknamed “Red Berry” for its deep red hue—experience varying degrees of chronic heart failure after overcoming cancer. In a groundbreaking interdisciplinary study, researchers from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), and Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital have identified a promising solution: hesperetin, a natural flavonoid extracted from citrus peel. \r\n \r\nTheir findings, published in the August 2025 issue of Redox Biology under the title “Activation of CISD2 as a Protective Strategy Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity,” suggest that hesperetin may counteract Doxorubicin’s cardiotoxic effects without compromising its anti-tumor potency. \r\n \r\nDoxorubicin has been a cornerstone in the treatment of breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and ovarian cancer for over five decades. However, its well-known cardiotoxicity presents a long-standing clinical dilemma. While one FDA-approved cardioprotective drug exists, it also reduces Doxorubicin’s cancer-killing efficacy, increasing the risk of recurrence. \r\n \r\nThe NYCU-led team discovered that Doxorubicin suppresses the expression of the longevity-associated gene CISD2 in cardiac cells. This suppression disrupts mitochondrial balance and calcium regulation, impairing heart rhythm and contraction. In contrast, hesperetin reactivates CISD2, protecting cardiac cells from damage. \r\n \r\nFrom Serendipity to Breakthrough: A Dual Benefit for the Heart and Tumor Control \r\n \r\nRemarkably, in animal models, hesperetin not only improved heart function in tumor-bearing mice treated with Doxorubicin but also reduced tumor size—highlighting that it does not blunt Doxorubicin’s anticancer efficacy. The cardioprotective effects of hesperetin were further validated using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes provided by Stanford University, reinforcing its potential for clinical application. \r\n \r\nThe idea for this study was sparked by a casual conversation between Prof. Shu-Ling Fu of NYCU’s Institute of Traditional Medicine and Distinguished Prof. Ting-Fen Tsai of the Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences (DLSIGS). \r\n \r\nProf. Fu, who had been searching for natural agents to mitigate chemotherapy-induced side effects, learned that Doxorubicin suppresses CISD2. Prof. Tsai’s team had already identified hesperetin as a CISD2 activator, leading to an interdisciplinary collaboration. \r\n \r\nProf. Tsai noted that CISD2 levels decline with age, and her earlier research had confirmed its vital role in maintaining heart function. She emphasized that hesperetin is not the same as hesperidin, a related compound found in citrus peels. Hesperidin has poor bioavailability and must be metabolized by gut probiotics to become hesperetin—the active form that promotes CISD2.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nSimply eating citrus peel, she cautioned, won’t provide sufficient hesperetin. She envisions future applications in which probiotics are used to produce hesperetin as a functional food to counteract chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity. \r\n \r\nSolving a Puzzle with Multidisciplinary Pieces \r\n \r\nCo-first authors of the study include Dr. Yi-Ju Chou from NHRI’s Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine and Dr. Chi-Hsiao Yeh, cardiovascular surgeon and vice superintendent of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. \r\n \r\nDr. Yeh explained that Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is one of the most challenging clinical side effects. Approximately 5–9% of patients develop significant heart failure or cardiomyopathy after treatment. Long-term follow-ups show that 4–10% of patients experience chronic heart failure within a decade of cancer remission. \r\n \r\n“While these survivors have conquered cancer,” said Dr. Yeh, “they may face progressive cardiac decline years later. If hesperetin can protect the heart without impairing Doxorubicin’s anti-cancer action, it could revolutionize how we approach chemotherapy—making it life-saving without being heartbreaking.” \r\n \r\nResearch Collaborators \r\n \r\nIn addition to NYCU, NHRI, and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, this research involved contributions from:
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Ministry of Health and Welfare’s National Institute of Chinese Medicine
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Chang Gung University
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National Cheng Kung University
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Academia Sinica’s Institute of Biomedical Sciences
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Left: Cardiac cells of a mouse treated with Doxorubicin, showing dark canyon-like damage areas. Right: After hesperetin treatment, the damaged regions begin to recover.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1433339253655343104&init=Y","expFile":"Illustration of Doxorubicin (“Red Berry”) generated by ChatGPT"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Achieves Global Leadership in Industry Collaboration in THE World University Rankings 2026","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-22","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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By Chance Lai \r\n______
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The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, released on October 9, evaluated 2,191 universities worldwide. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is ranked within the 401–500 band, maintaining its position from last year. In percentile terms, NYCU advanced slightly, moving from the top 20.3% to the top 19.9% of universities globally — reflecting steady overall progress and sustained academic strength. \r\n \r\nGlobal No. 1 in Industry Collaboration with a Perfect Score \r\n \r\nNYCU demonstrated outstanding performance in the Industry (Knowledge Transfer) pillar, earning a perfect score of 100 and ranking No. 1 globally. \r\n \r\nChief Secretary Jin-Wu Tsai added that NYCU has consistently ranked within the top 1% globally in the Industry pillar, with robust performance in the number of patents and the amount of industry-funded research per faculty member. \r\n \r\n“These achievements reflect NYCU’s deep integration with industry,” Tsai noted. \r\n \r\n“However, because the Industry category carries only a small weighting in the overall evaluation, universities with strong innovation capacity may not see their total ranking fully reflect this advantage.” \r\n \r\nResearch Impact and Global Recognition \r\n \r\nAccording to Prof. Kuancheng Huang, Director of NYCU’s Center for Institutional Research and Data Analytics, the THE rankings continue to place the most significant emphasis on Research Quality and Research Environment, which together account for nearly 60% of the total weighting.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n“NYCU’s research capacity and productivity remain among the strongest globally,” said Prof. Huang. “Our university provides substantial support for faculty in securing research funding, leading to consistently outstanding performance. While citation impact remains an area for further enhancement, we will continue refining our strategies, encouraging faculty to engage in contemporary research topics and to share research achievements with the global academic community.” \r\n \r\nBuilding Global Influence Through Innovation and Integration \r\n \r\nNYCU continues to strengthen its foundation as a cross-disciplinary, innovation-driven university, integrating engineering, medicine, and technology. The university actively advances research in semiconductors, biomedical engineering, AI, and sustainability, while deepening collaborations with international partners, including the University of Arizona, Kyushu University, and the University of Michigan. \r\n \r\nThrough initiatives such as the “NYCU Sustainable DNA” and the “BioICT Smart Healthcare Hub,” NYCU aims to expand its global visibility and social impact — staying true to its mission of “Driving human-centered innovation from Taiwan to the world.” \r\n \r\nTHE’s evaluation framework is built on five key pillars, subdivided into 18 performance indicators.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1430429779110137856&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Bridging the Pacific: Renewed Academic Collaboration Between NYCU and UC San Diego Marks a New Milestone in Interdisciplinary Research","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-21","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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President Chi-Hung Lin (front row, eighth from left) of NYCU joined distinguished guests and faculty members for a group photo.
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By Cancer and Immunology Research Center at NYCU \r\n______
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Co-hosted by NYCU’s Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices and Cancer and Immunology Research Center, the 2025 NYCU–UCSD Bilateral Symposium was successfully held on October 13–14, 2025, at the International Conference Hall, Xianqi Building, Boai Campus. Centered on the theme “AI Across Disciplines: Transforming Biomedical Research” the two-day symposium brought together leading scholars from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), who engaged with NYCU faculty and students through both in-person and online sessions. \r\n \r\nThe event attracted nearly 500 participants, reflecting strong interest in interdisciplinary biomedical innovation. A highlight of the symposium was the poster competition and exhibition, which drew 65 graduate students from across disciplines. The students showcased their research on cutting-edge topics such as AI-driven medical applications and biomedical image analysis, fostering vibrant discussion and academic exchange. Through these interactions, UCSD guests gained valuable insights into ongoing NYCU research and offered stimulating suggestions that may spark future international collaborations and innovative breakthroughs. \r\n \r\nThe symposium opened with a keynote address by Academician Shu Chien, former Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at UC San Diego and Member of Academia Sinica, whose remarks marked a symbolic and inspiring renewal of the long-standing academic partnership between the two universities. His words not only celebrated the resumption of collaboration after years of hiatus but also laid a strong foundation for deeper engagement and mutual advancement—signifying a new milestone in global cooperation between NYCU and UCSD. \r\n \r\nThe first NYCU–UCSD Bilateral Symposium was inaugurated in 2007, with both institutions alternating as hosts each year. This fruitful collaboration continued for 12 consecutive years until 2018, when it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent merger of National Yang Ming University and National Chiao Tung University into NYCU. Now, in October 2025, the partnership has been fully revived—rekindling more than a decade of strong academic ties. \r\n \r\nThis year’s symposium focused on artificial intelligence, multi-omics, precision medicine, and drug discovery—fields that represent the forefront of biomedical research and innovation. These topics also embody the shared values that have guided both universities since the beginning of their collaboration: the integration of science and engineering and the pursuit of research that serves humanity.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nBeyond research outcomes, the partnership continues to strengthen the friendship, trust, and shared vision between NYCU and UCSD. Both institutions hope that this renewed collaboration will inspire substantial joint research projects and student exchanges, advancing the core mission of “integrating science and engineering for the betterment of human life.” \r\n \r\nThe 2025 symposium proudly hosted four distinguished UCSD scholars:
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Prof. Massimiliano Di Ventra, who presented on MemComputing, a novel physics-based computing paradigm that enhances machine learning performance through innovative computational mechanisms and neural network training strategies.
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Prof. John Y-J. Shyy, who shared insights into the regulatory roles of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) in cardiovascular health and disease.
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Prof. Pradipta Ghosh, who introduced PICASSO (Phenotype-Informed Clinical Abstraction for Systematic Simulation and Outcomes)—a groundbreaking model redefining drug discovery and disease modeling through abstraction and mechanistic focus.
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Prof. Albert Hsiao, who discussed the translation of AI into clinical cardiovascular and thoracic imaging, demonstrating how AI technologies can transform diagnostic practice by addressing real-world clinical challenges.
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The symposium concluded successfully, symbolizing not only the reconnection of academic friendship across the Pacific but also the beginning of a new chapter in interdisciplinary biomedical collaboration between NYCU and UCSD. \r\n \r\nFour distinguished UC San Diego scholars at the 2025 symposium.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1430097636265824256&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"},{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1430097636479733760&init=Y","expFile":"Group Photo of Participants"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Asfaloth-2025 Rocket Launched: First Integration of TASA’s MLP Marks a Milestone in Academic Space Research","dataClassName":"Science & Technology","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-20","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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The successful launch of “Asfaloth-2025” marks a new milestone for academic sounding rocket research. (Photo credit: TASA)
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU)’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Institute of Space Systems Engineering (iSSE) successfully launched their scientific sounding rocket “Asfaloth-2025” at 6:32 a.m. on October 18 from the Xuhai Rocket Range in Pingtung County. The mission, known as Asfaloth Launch-2, marks the second flight test of the Asfaloth rocket series and the tenth scientific launch conducted at Xuhai since the facility’s inauguration in 2022. The project was carried out under the guidance of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA). \r\n \r\nCross-Lab Collaboration for Taiwan’s Next-Gen Space Research \r\n \r\nThe Asfaloth-2025 mission brought together four NYCU teams:
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ASARe (Prof. Zu Puayen Tan) – overall structure and system integration
TASA provided technical launch support and safety supervision. \r\n \r\nAccording to Prof. Zu Puayen Tan, the rocket’s chief advisor, Asfaloth-2025 is a single-stage rocket, measuring 6.2 meters in length, 26.5 centimeters in diameter, and weighing 198 kilograms. It is powered by NYCU’s indigenously developed hybrid “Falcon-Serpent” engine, producing a maximum thrust of 940 kg and a burn time of 12 seconds, with a total impulse of about 68,000 N·s. The rocket achieved an altitude of approximately 2.8 kilometers during a 26-second flight. \r\n \r\nTesting Systems from Simulation to Sky \r\n \r\nASARe noted that the mission’s key objectives included verifying simulation accuracy, testing the avionics and parachute deployment mechanisms, and validating the payload communication and data-downlink reliability. \r\n \r\nTo study in-flight dynamics, ACES Lab installed accelerometers at both the nose and mid-sections of the rocket to measure three-axis vibration. The data were transmitted to the scientific payload and relayed to the ground station. Prof. Chao-Hsiung Tseng, who led the payload development, explained that understanding vibration behavior is crucial because excessive resonance can jeopardize flight stability and structural integrity. To handle the large volume of vibration data, his team designed a custom hardware-software module capable of transmitting signals in four directions, paving the way for future modular payload architectures.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nIntegrating TASA’s Mobile Launch Platform to Inspire the Next Generation \r\n \r\nThe Asfaloth-2025 mission also marked the first use of TASA’s Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), designed to meet academic and research rocket requirements. The MLP enables flexible launch-angle adjustments, reduces pre-launch setup time, enhances operational safety, and lowers mission costs—providing a shared, standardized solution for Taiwan’s academic rocketry teams. \r\n \r\nIn a creative outreach effort, NYCU collaborated with Kuroro Studio to host the first “Xuhai Space Creativity Coloring Contest” for local students from Xuhai Elementary School and Mudán Elementary School in Pingtung. Eight children’s artworks were printed on the rocket’s tail fins and launched skyward along with Asfaloth-2025, symbolizing how Taiwan’s space dreams begin on the ground—with imagination. \r\n \r\nA Decade of Launches, a Future of Discovery \r\n \r\nWith the successful completion of this tenth mission, TASA affirmed that the Xuhai Rocket Range has become Taiwan’s primary scientific testing site, supporting academic teams nationwide. Previous missions include NYCU’s HTTP-3A S2, Asfaloth (Launch-1), SSTO, NCKU’s two-stage hybrid rocket, TKU’s “Tamkang I,” Jessie, Polaris, and FCU’s SHSR-Aero 1 and 2. \r\n \r\nAs Taiwan’s research community continues to refine sounding-rocket, payload, and launch-operation technologies, the accumulated experience is building a strong foundation for future small-launch-vehicle development, aerospace talent cultivation, and space education—fields where NYCU remains at the forefront. \r\n \r\nThe cross-laboratory team from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NYCU poses in front of the “Asfaloth-2025” scientific sounding rocket before launch at the Xuhai Rocket Range in Pingtung.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1429746193461678080&init=Y","expFile":"NYCU’s “Asfaloth-2025” rocket, launched from the Xuhai Rocket Range on October 18, utilized TASA’s Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) for the first time — enhancing launch safety, efficiency, and precision."}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Innovative Strategies in Response to a Super-Ageda Society: A Diverse and Practical Way of NYCU","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-16","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital (Operated by Taipei Veterans General Hospital, TVGH) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) jointly established Gandaulogy Academy Dao Xiang for cognitive board game courses to provide body-mind-spirit care for the elderly.
According to statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, the older population aged 65 and above in Taiwan reached 19.1% in 2024. As of today, Taiwan, in 2025, has reached the threshold of the “super-aged society” as defined by the World Health Organization at the fastest pace in the world. Consequently, this will need to increase health and social care resources and exert transition pressure on community resilience, family support, and the overall social structure. \r\n \r\nFacing this unprecedented demographic challenge, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has chosen to address it not only from a medical perspective but also through a multi-pronged approach encompassing education, design, technology, and community practice. NYCU has developed a response tailored to Taiwan’s context yet capable of being shared globally. Rather than merely proposing concepts, NYCU has translated these ideas into observable, replicable, and scalable models. \r\n \r\nGandaulogy Academy: Evidence-based community health paradigm \r\n \r\n“Rather than having doctors talk until they’re blue in the face in the clinic, it’s better to find a way to get John Doe next door to ‘casually’ join in the activities, which is the real way to promote healthy aging, to prevent disability, and dementia process in the community,” Liang-Kung Chen, Superintendent of Taipei Municipal Guan-Du Hospital and Director of the Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, succinctly identified the key to promote health for older people, which also became the founding principle of the “Gandaulogy Academy.” This “TIGER Project,” jointly promoted by TVGH and NYCU, was published in the prestigious journal Lancet Healthy Longevity in 2021 and has since evolved into a community health model with a strong diffusion capability. Gandaulogy Academy targets citizens aged 50 and above, offering free comprehensive courses including muscle strength training, aerobic exercise, nutrition, and cognitive training. Besides, through medical tracking methods, evidence shows that these programs help prevent dementia and disability, improve chronic disease management, and reduce depressive symptoms. \r\n
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\r\nThrough aerobic muscle strength exercise courses, one can start his/her journey to health from the details of daily life. \r\n \r\nTIGER originally stood for the initials of the name of the clinical trial “Taiwan Integrated GERiatric Care Study”. In the community, the five letters “TIGER” convey its philosophy: Training (enhancement), Intelligence (wisdom), Gathering (connection), Enjoyment (happiness), and Rejuvenation (revival)—encouraging healthy behaviors from details of daily life. Unlike traditional lectures or short-term interventions, TIGER transforms health education into daily actions and community interactions within the community, integrating digital tools and corporate resources to achieve deeper behavioral changes. This approach elevates health education to a lifestyle philosophy known as “Gandaulogy.” \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFrom Strongholds to Community Building: Model Diffusion and International Influence \r\n \r\nAs the model is getting matured, the strongholds of TIGER expanded beyond Taiwan to multiple locations. Starting in 2024, the TSMC Charity Foundation facilitated the localization and promotion of Gandaulogy in Kumamoto. With 20% of the local population requiring long-term care, the challenges faced there are similar to those in Taiwan. Professor Kazuya Yamagata at Kumamoto University stated frankly, “We need community models like TIGER to help people shorten their unhealthy life expectancy.” \r\n \r\nKyushu University plans to apply the Gandau experience to the “University Social Responsibility” project in Itoshima City, combining medicine, engineering, and urban planning to create a vision for the super-aged. At the end of the same year, NYCU and institutes such as National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology in Japan and National University of Singapore, etc. jointly launched the “Western Pacific Rim Consortium of Healthy Longevity,” bringing together regions with similar cultures and aging challenges to develop solutions and transform Taiwan’s experience into an international asset. \r\n \r\nLiang-Kung Chen said, “The healthy cities of the future will not merely be extensions of hospitals, but rather communities where healthy living is the norm.” This is also the key value of “Gandaulogy,” which starts from the community and influences policy and social design. \r\n \r\n \r\nLiang-Kung Chen stated that through the TIGER program, a health promotion model of evidence-based community will be developed and gradually expanded to Taiwan and Japan, becoming an important reference for international healthy city development. \r\n \r\nBuilding the World’s First Knowledge-based Learning Environment for Seniors \r\n \r\nIn 2024, NYCU, in collaboration with TSMC and Academia-Industry Consortium for Science Parks in Central Taiwan, launched the “Gong Academy”—the world’s first knowledge-based learning environment for seniors. Unlike typical senior courses that focus on leisure activities, Gong Academy targets “adults who don’t want to retire”—senior populations who were once professionals, corporate executives, or academic leaders. \r\n \r\nThe name of “Gong Academy” is derived from the “Gong Examination” in the imperial examination system of the Ming Dynasty, symbolizing the spirit of learning and self-improvement. Unlike typical senior courses that focus on leisure and entertainment, the students of Gong Academy are mostly dissatisfied with the traditional pursuit of a “luxury cruise vacation” in retirement; instead, they aspire to pursue knowledge exploration and self-realization in their second life.
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\r\nGong Academy provides an environment for seniors to explore knowledge and achieve self-realization. \r\n \r\nIntergenerational Learning: Cross-Generational Challenge on Interdisciplinary Innovation \r\n \r\nKuei-Ann Wen, the Executive Director of NYCU Social Responsibility Development Office, observed: “This group of students is inquisitive about new technologies, such as AI and other technology, and they are also very concerned about healthcare.” This proactive learning attitude is the key driving force behind Gong Academy to offer intensive, in-depth learning courses. Therefore, the course design centers on “intergenerational learning” and “flexible adjustments curriculum design,” combining the two strengths of National Chiao Tung University and National Yang Ming University—technology and healthcare—to enable younger and senior generations to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas in the same classroom. The course content is diverse and practical. “Senior” students can not only take elective courses such as applied technology, sensor technology, healthcare, language, and financial planning, but also tackle assignments and exams, earning certificates awarded by the Social Responsibility Development Office of NYCU, thereby enhancing their sense of learning achievement and motivation to participate. \r\n \r\n“These senior students were all top students in their youth, and during the initial planning phase, they were concerned that they might not adapt well to a ‘mixed-age’ environment. However, they were pleasantly surprised to find that both the faculty and students at NYCU were quite open-minded, leading to a diverse and positive learning model.” In the general education course, it is common to see younger students enthusiastically assisting senior students in operating technological devices. In turn, the senior students generously share their workplace experience, professional knowledge, and life wisdom with their “junior” classmates, fostering a cross-generational collaborative learning environment. \r\n \r\nCreating a Second Life Proving Ground for Senior Learning \r\n \r\nGong Academy provides theoretical learning and emphasizes practical experience and technological applications. For example, VR devices simulate the perspective of dementia patients, helping students develop empathy and understanding. Some courses also collaborate with the College of Nursing, Department of Pharmacy, and Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology to introduce smart sensors, wearable devices, and health assessment technologies, enabling students to understand their health status and prevent physical deterioration and disability. For instance, the motion analysis tools introduced can detect gait length, assist in early identification of Parkinson’s and dementia risks, and delay deterioration through simple training and health recommendations. \r\n \r\n \r\nSpecial thanks to NVR team instructor, Assistant Professor Shih-Sin Wei from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NYCU, and all the crew members who participated in the video shoot. \r\n \r\nAlthough Gong Although Gong Academy is currently still in its experimental phase, admitting only 20 students per semester through a recommendation-based admission system, it does not rule out the possibility of developing into a national model for elderly education in the future, with further plans to expand to locations such as the Taipei Nangang Science Park and Kaohsiung campus etc., assisting more industrial clusters in establishing elderly-friendly learning spaces. However, Kuei-Ann Wen also acknowledged that the costs associated with space, human resources, and course development are significant, and the program will still rely on corporate partnerships and resource integration to sustain its long-term development. \r\n \r\nGuided by the sustainable development principles of the SDGs, Gong Academy is not merely practicing elderly education but embodying a spirit of “all ages learning” that holds profound era significance. NYCU also plans to integrate the “Senior University” and “Senior Fitness Club” in the future, building a senior education ecosystem supported by the three pillars of health, learning, and social interaction. Starting from the university campus, this initiative aims to redefine perceptions of aging and propose a new vision of life where “aging can be a choice and realization.” \r\n \r\nFrom Seniors to All Ages, Taiwan Demonstrates the Possibilities for the Future \r\n \r\nIn the face of the global aging trend, NYCU has responded to the challenges of care and education in an aging society not only through the dual-track implementation of the “Gandaulogy Academy” and “Gong Academy” but also through redefining aging: growing old is not necessarily a retreat but can be a choice and realization, transforming people’s perceptions of aging. They demonstrate that aging is not inevitably associated with disability and retreat but can be a process of exploration, connection, and starting over. \r\n \r\nThis initiative, which extends from healthcare into the community and from the classroom into daily life, is not merely an issue of education or health but also a “social innovation solution” proposed by Taiwan in the context of the global aging society, one that is deeply rooted in cultural heritage and backed by empirical evidence. It is not merely about creating services for the elderly, but about redefining the possibilities for all generations to learn and thrive together. \r\n \r\nAs Gandaulogy Academy expands internationally and Gong Academy continues to develop with flexible adjustments, Taiwan is gradually proving to the world that aging is not a burden but a generational asset that can be co-created, learned from, and thrived together. \r\n \r\n \r\nFrom Gandaulogy Academy to Gong Academy, NYCU has created a platform for seniors and people of all ages to learn and thrive together, realizing a social innovation blueprint that realizes seniors do not retreat but start over instead.
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\r\n","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1428197142563917824&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Faculty Among World’s Top 2% Scientists: A Testament to Taiwan’s Global Research Power","dataClassName":"Honor","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-15","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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(Source: Elsevier — World’s Top 2% Scientists 2025)
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By Chance Lai
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______ \r\n \r\nStanford University has released its 2025 edition of the “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list, recognizing outstanding researchers worldwide based on citation metrics and scientific influence. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) proudly counts 152 faculty members among the Career-Long Impact (1960–2024) category and 120 faculty members in the 2024 Annual Impact category—an increase of 10 and 3 scholars respectively from last year—underscoring NYCU’s long-term academic excellence and global research influence across engineering, science, and biomedicine. \r\n \r\nCross-Disciplinary Excellence on the Global Stage \r\n \r\nCompiled from the Scopus database, the list evaluates over 230,000 scientists worldwide using six key indicators, including total citations, h-index, and citations as a single or first author. NYCU’s researchers span a broad spectrum—from clinical medicine and ICT to physics, chemistry, and engineering—reflecting the university’s signature strength in “Medicine + Engineering” integration and interdisciplinary innovation. \r\n \r\nOn the Career-Long list, NYCU’s 152 honorees come from diverse colleges, including Electrical and Computer Engineering, Medicine, Science, Engineering, and Management. Among the 120 faculty featured in the 2024 Annual list, the College of Medicine (40 scholars), College of Electrical and Computer Engineering (22), College of Science (12), and College of Engineering (10) stand out—showcasing NYCU’s complete research chain from basic science to applied technology and clinical translation. \r\n \r\nClinical Medicine: Prof. Liang-Kung Chen Leads Taiwan for Six Consecutive Years \r\n \r\nIn Clinical Medicine, NYCU researchers continue to shine globally. Prof. Liang-Kung Chen, Director of the Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences and a professor at the Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, ranks No. 1 in Taiwan for the sixth consecutive year and is among the top 2,000 worldwide, holding an impressive No. 3 global ranking in Geriatrics. His pioneering work on aging and longevity has seen continuous growth in both publications and citations, cementing his position as one of Taiwan’s most internationally competitive medical scientists.
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\r\n \r\nAmong Taiwan’s 20 most influential medical scientists, seven are from NYCU—an outstanding ratio that highlights the university’s leadership in clinical and translational medicine. These scholars contribute across fields, including psychiatry, neuroscience, geriatrics, cardiology, oncology, and public health, establishing Taiwan’s global footprint in medical research. \r\n \r\nNotably, Prof. Shih-Jen Tsai (Institute of Brain Science) and Prof. Shuu-Jiun Wang (Dean of College of Medicine) both rank among the world’s top 100 in psychiatry and neurological sciences, reinforcing NYCU’s enduring strength in brain research, aging health, and smart medicine. \r\n \r\nResearch with Impact: Integrating Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities \r\n \r\nBeyond individual accolades, NYCU’s strong showing on the Stanford list exemplifies the university’s collective mission to integrate Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities for societal impact. From Prof. Simon M. Sze’s seminal contributions to semiconductor device physics to Prof. Chen’s leadership in geriatric science, NYCU researchers embody a shared commitment to advancing knowledge that transforms both technology and human wellbeing. \r\n \r\nLooking ahead, NYCU will continue to strengthen its three flagship research pillars—BioICT Smart Healthcare, Semiconductor Science and Technology, and Sustainable Innovation—driving knowledge into practice and enhancing Taiwan’s strategic position in the global research ecosystem.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1427916064368365568&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Identifies New Target for Pediatric Brain Cancer Treatment — Uncovering the Role of Cellular “Antennas” in Tumor Growth","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-14","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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The research team, from left to right: Yue-Ru Li, Prof. Jin-Wu Tsai, Prof. Won-Jing Wang, Yu-Wen Cheng, and I-Hsuan Lin.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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In a breakthrough that could change the future of pediatric brain cancer therapy, researchers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have identified a critical molecular mechanism that drives the development of medulloblastoma—the most common malignant brain tumor in children. \r\n \r\nThe findings, published in Cell Death & Differentiation, pave the way for new precision therapies that may spare young patients from the severe side effects of current treatments. \r\n \r\n
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The discovery that TTBK2 activity promotes the proliferation of cerebellar GNPs highlights its critical role in brain development and disease. \r\n \r\nUnderstanding the Roots of Brain Tumors \r\n \r\nMedulloblastoma originates in the cerebellum—the brain region that coordinates movement and balance—and is closely linked to developmental errors. A key player in this process is a population of cells called granule neuron progenitors (GNPs), which must proliferate and differentiate with high precision during early brain development. These cells rely on tiny, antenna-like structures on their surface—primary cilia—to receive growth signals from their environment. \r\n \r\nA research team led by Prof. Won-Jing Wang (Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and Prof. Jin-Wu Tsai (Institute of Neuroscience) at NYCU has now uncovered how two key genes—TTBK2 and HUWE1—work together to regulate this ciliary signaling process. Using both mouse and zebrafish models, the study is the first to establish their central role in both normal cerebellar development and tumor formation. \r\n \r\nThe Antenna Keepers: TTBK2 and HUWE1 \r\n \r\nThe team found that TTBK2 acts as a “ciliary guardian”, maintaining the structure and function of primary cilia in GNPs to ensure they continue receiving signals that promote proliferation. Once these cells complete their growth phase, HUWE1 acts as a molecular switch, degrading TTBK2 and dismantling the cilia—thereby prompting the cells to differentiate into mature neurons.
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\r\nThis dynamic balance between TTBK2 and HUWE1 is essential for healthy brain development. But in medulloblastoma, the system breaks down. TTBK2 fails to degrade, leading to persistent cilia, unchecked GNP proliferation, and ultimately tumor formation. \r\n \r\nA Promising Therapeutic Target \r\n \r\nCrucially, the researchers demonstrated that suppressing TTBK2 not only eliminates the cilia on tumor cells—reducing their ability to receive growth signals—but also significantly curbs tumor growth. These results identify TTBK2 as a promising new therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. \r\n \r\n“Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases in medicine,” said Prof. Jin-Wu Tsai. “While current therapies such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can prolong survival, they often come with serious long-term consequences like cognitive impairments or secondary cancers. Our study shows that precise disruption of tumor growth mechanisms could lead to safer, more effective treatments.” \r\n \r\nProf. Won-Jing Wang added, “Scientists once considered primary cilia to be evolutionary remnants without real function. But it turns out they act like true antennas—critical for how cells interpret their environment. Our findings highlight not only the importance of cilia in brain development, but also their potential role in cancer and drug resistance. This opens up an entirely new direction for brain tumor precision medicine.” \r\n \r\nThe research team discovered that SHH signaling protects a protein called TTBK2, allowing it to remain on the cell’s primary cilium and promote neuronal growth. However, in brain tumors, this mechanism is hijacked to accelerate tumor progression. The study suggests that inhibiting TTBK2 could lead to new therapeutic strategies for SHH-subtype medulloblastoma.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1427548152994467840&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU and University of Michigan Sign MOU to Launch Joint Nursing Research Center","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-09","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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The MOU was jointly signed by Professor Li-Yin Chien, Dean of the NYCU College of Nursing, and Professor Jeanne-Marie Stacciarini, Associate Dean for Global Affairs at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and the University of Michigan (U-M) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 2, 2025, establishing a framework for long-term collaboration in transnational nursing research and academic exchange. The agreement includes plans to jointly launch a cross-border research center, aimed at fostering innovation and global impact in healthcare studies. \r\n \r\n \r\nA Milestone in Global Nursing Collaboration \r\n \r\nThis partnership represents a significant milestone for NYCU in the internationalization of nursing education and research. Ranked 45th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Michigan stands among the world’s top institutions, with its School of Nursing recognized for excellence in clinical evidence-based practice, health policy, and community care research. \r\n \r\nThe visiting U-M delegation included two distinguished scholars:
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Prof. Jeanne-Marie Stacciarini, Associate Dean for Global Affairs at the U-M School of Nursing and Director of the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center.
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Assoc. Prof. Hala Darwish, Associate Dean for Research at the U-M School of Nursing and faculty member in the Department of Neurology, U-M Medical School.
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\r\nSharing Global Insights in Nursing Research and Leadership \r\n \r\nTo celebrate the partnership, the NYCU College of Nursing hosted a special event on October 3, titled “A Conversation with Michigan Nursing.” Both visiting scholars delivered keynote lectures that drew an enthusiastic audience of master’s and doctoral students. \r\n \r\nProf. Stacciarini spoke on “Global Health: Education, Research and Leadership,” exploring the evolving landscape of global health education and leadership development. Assoc. Prof. Darwish followed with “The Power of Inquiry: U-M Nursing Research Shapes Health,” highlighting how inquiry-driven research continues to shape health outcomes and innovation worldwide. \r\n \r\nHeld at the Nursing Building (Room 301) on NYCU’s Yangming Campus, the event sparked vibrant exchanges among faculty and students on topics such as global health, community care, AI applications in healthcare, and research methodologies, underscoring NYCU’s growing international engagement. \r\n
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\r\n \r\n \r\nCharting the Next Phase: From AI-Assisted Care to Cross-Cultural Nursing Education \r\n \r\nIn addition to the lectures, the U-M delegation toured NYCU’s campuses and Guandu Hospital, where both sides held focused discussions on future cooperation. Planned areas of collaboration include AI-assisted nursing care, community health promotion, and cross-cultural nursing education, to establish joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and co-authored publications. \r\n \r\nThe NYCU College of Nursing affirmed its commitment to advancing global partnerships: \r\n“Through this collaboration with the University of Michigan, we aim to elevate Taiwan’s international visibility in nursing education and research while nurturing healthcare professionals with a truly global perspective.” \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nFaculty and students from the NYCU College of Nursing welcomed delegates from the University of Michigan School of Nursing during the MOU signing ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter in global nursing collaboration.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1425670596653486080&init=Y","expFile":"NYCU and University of Michigan Sign MOU to Launch Joint Nursing Research Center"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Neuroscientists Illuminate the Brain’s Hidden “Star Map” of Neural Activity","dataClassName":"Research Highlights","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-08","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Associate Professors Tsai-Wen Chen (right) and Bei-Jung Lin of the Institute of Neuroscience, NYCU
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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Researchers at the Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), have developed a groundbreaking live imaging technology that can capture the electrical activity of neurons with unprecedented precision—an achievement recently published in Nature Methods under the title “Imaging neuronal voltage beyond the scattering limit.” \r\n \r\nMuch like pinpointing individual stars in a vast galaxy, this innovation overcomes one of neuroscience’s most significant observational barriers, marking a key advance in understanding how the brain truly works. \r\n \r\n \r\nCapturing the Brain’s Electrical Universe \r\n \r\nOur sensations, thoughts, and memories arise from lightning-fast electrical signals transmitted between neurons. Yet these signals often occur deep within the brain and vanish in milliseconds, making them nearly impossible to observe directly. Traditional optical imaging techniques struggle with light scattering, resulting in blurry halos rather than clear visualizations of neuronal activity. \r\n \r\nAssociate Professors Tsai-Wen Chen and Bei-Jung Lin addressed this challenge by utilizing voltage-sensitive fluorescent molecules to monitor subtle fluctuations in neuronal membrane potential. They discovered that while neural signals may overlap spatially, only a few neurons fire at any given moment. By treating these sparse flashes of electrical activity as positional clues—much like astronomers mapping the flicker of distant stars—the team achieved a new level of imaging clarity. \r\n \r\n \r\nA New Era of “Activity Localization Imaging” \r\n \r\nTheir technique, termed Activity Localization Imaging (ALI), enabled the researchers to observe hippocampal neurons in live mice and pinpoint the exact coordinates of each neuronal discharge. By compiling tens of thousands of such events, they constructed a high-resolution “map” of neural activity. \r\n
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\r\n \r\n \r\n“It’s like finding each shining star in the vast galaxy of the brain,” said Prof. Chen. \r\n \r\nLast year, the same team utilized an earlier version of this technology to demonstrate that certain inhibitory neurons tend to fire in conjunction with specific groups of cells—a phenomenon reminiscent of social “friend groups” within the brain’s neural network. (Read more) \r\n \r\n \r\nRevealing the Microstructure of Memory \r\n \r\nProf. Lin noted that this breakthrough now allows scientists to distinguish even smaller and more densely packed excitatory neurons, shedding new light on the neural circuits responsible for spatial cognition and memory formation. Although the current method cannot yet detect so-called “silent neurons” that do not actively fire, the researchers believe this represents a pivotal step toward visualizing brain activity at single-cell resolution in living organisms. \r\n \r\nLed entirely by a Taiwan-based interdisciplinary team and involving international collaboration, this study demonstrates the strength and long-term investment of NYCU’s neuroscience research, marking a milestone in the nation’s contribution to global brain science. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nThe reconstructed neural activity map clearly distinguishes excitatory neurons (yellow) from silent neurons (blue).
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1425658844167540736&init=Y","expFile":"NYCU Neuroscientists Illuminate the Brain’s Hidden “Star Map” of Neural Activity"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"From Campus Rockets to National Strategy: NYCU Continuously Forges the Critical Key to the Space Industry","dataClassName":"Feature Story","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-07","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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This year, the Advanced Rocket Research Center (ARRC) showcased years of dedicated research at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, highlighting our relentless pursuit of innovation in aerospace technology. Under the steadfast leadership of Professor Jong-Shinn Wu (left), the Center has laid a strong foundation and ignited our passion for space exploration. (Photo credit: ARRC)
In the summer of 2025, a dazzling arc streaked across the sky above Xuhai of Pingtung—that was the scene of the first “Rocket Taiwan Cup” finals. Outstanding victory from 15 competing teams was the “What a Nasty Feeling” team, formed by students from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University’s “NYCU UAV Team” and from National United University. Based on mechanical engineering, integrated with flight control and system integration, they leveraged their drone autorecovery system technology to clinch the championship in the college group. \r\n
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\r\nThe team collaboration between NYCU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and National United University claimed first place in the university division of the inaugural Taiwan Cup Rocket Competition. \r\n \r\nThis victory is not merely a triumph in a technical competition; it stands as the best validation of hands-on education. From rocket design and navigation modules to launch simulations and recovery system integration, students had to roll up their sleeves and collaborate interdisciplinarily to accomplish this mission. This process epitomizes the fruits of NYCU’s long-term commitment to cultivating systems engineering education and advancing rocket research and development. \r\n \r\nFrom the campus to national strategy, the journey of the rocket experiment has been initiated by one of the key figures, Professor Jong-Shinn Wu at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of NYCU, and the current Director of the Taiwan Space Agency. Yet he consistently emphasizes: “Students are the true fuel of rocketry.” \r\n \r\nAs early as 2012, Jong-Shinn Wu established the Advanced Rocket Research Center (ARRC) at NYCU (formerly National Chiao Tung University). At that time, Taiwan had yet to establish rocket regulations, and resources were scarce. He led students in building rockets from scratch in a near-vacuum environment. Without a dedicated launch site, they secretly transported their self-made launch pad to a coastal vacant lot using a tricycle. Lacking professional equipment, they could only resort to outdated methods to come up with solutions. The explosion in testing, the failure to deploy parachutes, and the shattered glass —all these failure experiences became a valuable lesson, serving as the most direct training in engineering ethics and teamwork. \r\n \r\n \r\nProfessor Tsung-Shin Wu (front) has spent years leading students and research teams on the front lines of rocket development and testing. (Photo credit: ARRC) \r\n \r\nMore importantly, such programs take students out of the classroom, allowing them to experience firsthand the journey of challenges and breakthroughs, and discover their own potential and passion along the way. For Jong-Shinn Wu, the sparkle in his students’ eyes when a rocket lifts off is the greatest motivation driving his unwavering commitment to space education and research. \r\n \r\n“Rockets aren’t just a ‘technical’ issue, but an ‘integration’ issue, and even a ‘belief’ issue,” said Jong-Shinn Wu. \r\n \r\n \r\nRocket Taiwan Cup: Building a Mission-Driven Educational Arena for Students \r\n \r\nThe concept for the 2025 Rocket Taiwan Cup originated from the mission-oriented thought of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA). Jong-Shinn Wu pointed out that while TASA is a legal entity, it also shoulders national responsibilities. One of its key missions is to establish an arena for student practice and innovation by simplifying and modularizing space missions. \r\n \r\n“We break down real space missions into technical levels that college students can handle. This not only makes technology more accessible but also allows innovation to take root and talent to be cultivated. I believe this is one of the most important values of a university—enabling students to create something tangible.” \r\n \r\nThis is why the Rocket Taiwan Cup is specifically centered on designing a mission-driven approach. Participating teams must complete the entire process—from design and manufacturing to flight simulation and recovery, etc—creating a miniature replica of a real rocket mission. \r\n \r\n \r\nNYCU’s rocketry team participated in the inaugural Rocket Taiwan Cup, organized by the TASA, successfully launching their rocket at the Xuhai Research Rocket Base. \r\n \r\n
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\r\n \r\n \r\nRockets have thus become the most comprehensive STEM educational environment. From mechanical, electrical engineering, materials, chemical engineering, information technology, mathematics and physics, communications, flight control simulation, to project management, a single rocket mission often requires mobilizing teams of over a dozen, even twenty members. Through division of labor, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary integration, the essence of “systems thinking” is realized. Jong-Shinn Wu emphasizes: “Rockets serve as an excellent scientific tool, offering students a powerful feedback mechanism. They provide immediate confirmation: you got it right, or you got it wrong. It helps students understand how the knowledge they acquire will play a role in future industries.” \r\n \r\n \r\nFrom the Educational Arena to National Strategy: The Rocket’s Pivotal Role \r\n \r\nJong-Shinn Wu frankly stated that although rockets account for only about 2-3% of the entire space industry, they hold irreplaceable strategic value, as they serve as the gateway to space; they are the “key” to the space industry. Taking Taiwan as an example, it has already developed solid capabilities in satellite research and development, as well as data application. For instance, the meteorological satellite “FORMOSAT-7” receives weather data daily from its orbit at approximately 40 degrees north and south latitude. Within 30 minutes, it transmits this data back to TASA and the Central Weather Administration (CWA), effectively improving weather forecast accuracy by about 6–10%. \r\n \r\nCurrently, among more than 200 countries worldwide, only nine possess rocket technology, enabling independent access to space. While Taiwan has developed satellite research, development, and application capabilities, it still relies heavily on U.S. rockets for launches. This means the critical launch vehicles are not under our control, posing potential risks to national sovereignty and mission execution. Jong-Shinn Wu further emphasized: “Our satellites are fine, data applications and ground receiving equipment are stable. The only missing piece is the rocket. Without rockets, we cannot freely access space.” If Taiwan can independently design, manufacture, and launch rockets, it would gain the entry ticket into the space technology ecosystem, becoming a space-faring nation. \r\n \r\n“You have rockets, you have satellites—that’s what makes you a powerful country for space,” Jong-Shinn Wu emphasized. In his view, rockets are not merely practical tools for on-site education; they represent the threshold of national sovereignty and serve as a language for international dialogue. \r\n \r\n \r\nFueling Taiwan’s future in space—powered by students, driven by innovation. \r\n \r\nRockets: The Key to Unlock Academic, Industrial, and Sovereign Advancement \r\n \r\nFor Jong-Shinn Wu, “rocket education” has never been merely an engineering issue; it is about educating “people”. He frankly said that his own journey through industrial entrepreneurship, failure, and eventual return to academia has made him acutely aware of the innovation drain caused by the disconnect between academia and industry. As a result, he is dedicated to transforming space technology into tangible, achievable missions for students, enabling talents to bridge the gap between their academic years and future industries from the very start. \r\n \r\n“What we need are not just technically skilled individuals, but people willing to step outside their comfort zones, recognize societal needs, and boldly bridge imagination with practical implementation,” he stated. Under this philosophy, the rocket became a symbol: a key unlocking the connection between academia and industry; a key for training cross-disciplinary talents; and most crucially, a key unlocking Taiwan’s space sovereignty and international vision. \r\n \r\nThe 2025 Rocket Taiwan Cup is more than just a competition. It is an experiment in collaboration between inside and outside systems, a practical application of educational philosophy, and the starting point for a national strategy. Jong-Shinn Wu believes these seemingly “rocket-playing” initiatives are actually a challenge and response to the education system—giving students opportunities to personally participate in national-level missions, creating intersections between knowledge and practice, and ensuring that technological innovation transcends lab papers to address national needs and global aspirations. \r\n \r\nThis rocket dream, launched from NYCU, is gradually becoming a reality in Taiwan’s skies. \r\nAnd this key──is continuously built and steadily given by NYCU. \r\n \r\n \r\nIgnited on campus, soaring for the nation—TASA and NYCU keep forging the key that unlocks our future in space. \r\n
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\r\n","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1425657873928556544&init=Y","expFile":"From Campus Rockets to National Strategy"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"From “Fake” Portfolios to the “Real” Problem","dataClassName":"President's Letter","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-02","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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(Image credit: Kuan-Yun Chen)
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Narrated by NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin \r\nInterviewed by Yen-Shen Chen \r\nWritten by Yen-Chien Lai \r\nProofread by Yu-An Lu
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______ \r\n \r\nRecently, a wave of public concern swept across Taiwan after the media revealed cases of fabricated high school learning portfolios submitted in university applications. Much of the discussion has centered on how students managed to exploited the system through embellishments, strategic packaging, or even outsourcing their work. Yet, as someone working in higher education, I find myself troubled by a deeper question: Why has this generation come to see learning not as a journey of growth, but merely as a performance to be staged? \r\n \r\nWhat disturbed me most was not the individual act of dishonesty, but the systemic design flaws that made fabrication appear to be a rational choice. When the news first broke, I chose to remain silent–not out of indifference, but because I needed time to reflect and to wait for a moment when meaningful dialogue could take place. Perhaps now, that moment has arrive. \r\n \r\nLet me begin with a clear conclusion: this issue cannot be reduced to the fault of individual students. It is, rather, a mirror reflecting the deeper structural problems within our current education system. \r\n \r\nA Letter from a Parent Echoed My Unease \r\n \r\nAfter the controversy emerged, I received a heartfelt letter from a parent. She described how her child, in the pursuit of a “competitive” portfolio, had spent years collecting certificates, attending endless camps, and even hiring professionals to refine her writing. \r\n \r\n“President,” she asked, “when did my child begin to believe that education is something to be performed for others?” \r\n \r\nHer question lingered with me for a long time. The portfolio system, as originally envisioned by Taiwan’s education experts, was meant to help students reflect on and better understand themselves. In practice, however, it has morphed into a vast exercise in packaging and marketing. \r\n \r\nSincerity has become a liability. Performance and exaggeration have turned into the price of admission. \r\n \r\nWhen Honesty Becomes a Weakness, What’s Left of Education? \r\n \r\nOne student confided, “If I don’t embellish or dress up my experience, I’ll lose before the race even begins.” \r\nBut education was never about winning—it has always been about growing. \r\n \r\nToday, many cram schools and admissions consultants coach students on how to refine their resumes and polish their statements. Yet rarely do they ask, “Who do you want to become?” Such training may boost a student’s chances of admission, but it does little to prepare them for life. \r\n \r\nThis is precisely the dilemma that NYCU has been striving to address in recent years. In both admissions and teaching, we have made significant shifts: we are not just interested in what you have done, but in why you did it. We are not only evaluating excellence—we want to know whether you are ready to embark on a journey of deep learning. \r\n \r\nTake our Arete Honors Program (百川學士學位學程), for example. It breaks away from traditional departmental boundaries and offer an interdisciplinary, self-directed path. We seek students with independent learning abilities and critical thinking skills, empowering them to design their own academic and life trajectories. \r\n \r\nIn 2023, NYCU also launched Taiwan’s first Electronics and Photonics Post-undergraduate Second Degree Program (學士後電子與光子學士學位學程). This pioneering track was designed for non-STEM graduates from fields such as medicine, law enforcement, music, foreign languages, and finance. By June 2025, over 40 students had completed the program. About half were admitted into graduate programs in electronics, electrical engineering, or physics; the other half embarked on careers in the semiconductor industry. From physicians to musicians, they now walk with confidence into clean rooms and fabs. \r\n \r\nThis isn’t just institutional innovation—it’s a reaffirmation of our core belief in education: that universities should empower students to define their own learning, rather than simply follow a prescribed path. \r\n \r\nUniversities Should Not Be Filters of Elimination, but Soil for Potential \r\n \r\nI often say that University admissions should not be about identifying the “best” students, but about finding those most willing to grow. \r\n \r\nAt NYCU, we have introduced guided interview questions in some departments, encouraging applicants to reflect on mistakes and turning points rather than just showcasing trophies or rankings. We want to know how students respond to setbacks, how they grapple with difficult choices, and what they learn from failure.
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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\nWe believe that a student’s attitude toward uncertainty is the most valuable capital for facing future challenges. The past is certain—but the future holds infinite unknowns. \r\n \r\nWe also encourage faculty to incorporate reflective writing and student-led project proposals into their courses. These approaches give students the space to define problems in their own language, at their own pace, and to take ownership of the solutions—rather than simply chase standardized answers. \r\n \r\nOur mission is not to transform high-performing test-takers into even more efficient machines. It is to walk alongside them as they search for meaning and pursue value. That journey may not always be smooth—but it will be authentic. \r\n \r\nHigh Schools Should Not Be Portfolio Factories, Nor Universities' Talent Pageants \r\n \r\nMany high school teachers have confided that their work has become more stressful. In helping students build impressive portfolios, they often feel compelled to coach them to “do a bit of everything” and “write about everything.” The result? Superficial and fragmented learning. Teachers no longer teach; they have become admissions coaches, guiding students to construct attention-grabbing experiences for review panels. \r\n \r\nThese voices from the front lines have also prompted self-reflection within higher education: \r\nHave our admissions criteria inadvertently pushed students in the wrong direction? Do we have the courage to revise these systems and acknowledge their shortcomings? \r\n \r\nI have proposed that instead of requiring all students to submit learning portfolios, we should allow them to opt in—with clear thresholds to prevent this from becoming yet another arms race. At the same time, we must proactively engage in dialogue with high schools to develop a shared vision of what education should truly be. \r\n \r\nBecause genuine education helps students find their direction–with honesty. \r\n \r\nFinding One’s Compass in a World of Uncertainty \r\n \r\nI often ask myself: Where are we truly leading our students? \r\n \r\nIn an age of rapid AI advancement and global volatility, many of the “stable” paths we once trusted—medicine, engineering, finance—no longer offer certainty. When the world stops providing standard answers, students must learn to ask their own questions—and chart their own maps. \r\n \r\nUniversities are not just testing grounds for knowledge, but training grounds for values. We must teach students not only what to do, but why they do it. Above all, we must help them cultivate an internal compass–one that will guide them when external navigation is no longer enough. \r\n \r\nOur Post-baccalaureate Program in Electronics and Photonics is a prime example—designed for those who choose to change careers. It reminds us: if the direction is correct, it’s never to late to begin. \r\n \r\nA compass keeps us honest with ourselves. It gives us the courage to try, to fail, and to find our way through uncertainty. The recent portfolio scandal revealed not just student anxiety, but the disorientation of an entire system. \r\n \r\nIt is better to board a slow train that takes you where you need to go than a bullet train racing in the wrong direction. The issue is not speed—it is direction. \r\n \r\nTo all teachers, parents, and students, I say this:
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The truest learning journey is not one crafted to impress others—it is the one that belongs to you.
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If the world outside is imperfect, do we have the courage to redefine the rules of the game?
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Are we willing to move a little slower, if it means being more true to ourselves?
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May we all live more authentically through the process of trial and error.
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President of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University,
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1423619826244390912&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Honored with Seven Awards at 2025 Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards","dataClassName":"SDGs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-10-01","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Professor Sirirat Sae Lim, Executive Director of the Office of Sustainability and Social Responsibility at NYCU, accepts the award on behalf of the university’s winning teams.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) received a total of seven accolades at the 2025 Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards (APSAA & TSAA), recognizing four exemplary projects under the university’s University Social Responsibility (USR) and sustainability portfolio. The honors include one Silver and two Bronze awards from the APSAA, as well as three Gold and one Bronze awards from the TSAA, affirming NYCU’s role as a leader in integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into education, research, and community impact. \r\n \r\nThis year’s awards attracted 115 submissions from across the Asia-Pacific region, including the United States, Honduras, Italy, Switzerland, and the Philippines. NYCU’s initiatives were recognized for their real-world results in addressing pressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary research and cross-sector collaboration. \r\n \r\n
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One of NYCU’s award-winning teams promotes health equity by raising oral health literacy in local communities. \r\n \r\nAI for Dental Equity in Remote Communities \r\n \r\nOne of the award-winning projects builds on NYCU’s four-decade tradition of free dental services in remote areas. Led by Associate Professor Ding-Han Wang, the team developed an AI-powered oral health risk prediction system paired with digital co-learning tools, creating a replicable model for preventive dental care in underserved regions. \r\n \r\nThe initiative received both a Silver medal in the APSAA and a Gold medal in the TSAA under SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being). It was praised for promoting both health equity and digital inclusion. \r\n \r\nIndigenous Eldercare, Designed with Respect \r\n \r\nIn Taiwan’s Indigenous communities, Professor Yiing-Mei Liou and her team designed a culturally sensitive long-term care model that integrates tribal languages, music-assisted seated rehabilitation, pain visualization tools, and smart sensor systems. \r\n \r\nDeveloped through deep collaboration with local elders and organizations, the project addresses the complex intersections of aging, cultural dignity, and access to healthcare. It was recognized with an APSAA Bronze and a TSAA Gold medal, both under SDG3, and serves as a model for inclusive eldercare that respects cultural identity while embracing innovation.
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\r\nEngineering a Carbon-Negative Future \r\n \r\nTackling climate change head-on, Associate Professor Sung-Fu Hong led a project focused on negative carbon technologies—including carbon capture, conversion, and reuse—aiming not only to reduce future emissions but also to remove existing atmospheric CO₂. \r\n \r\nThe research is closely tied to NYCU’s curriculum and campus operations, transforming sustainability from a concept into a daily practice. The project earned both APSAA and TSAA Bronze medals under SDG 13 (Climate Action) and reflects how engineering research can directly contribute to national energy transition goals. \r\n \r\nTurning Industrial Memory into Living Sustainability \r\n \r\nIn a powerful example of urban-rural regeneration, Professor Wen-Shu Lai extended NYCU’s long-running Hsinchu Living Museum initiative to revitalize the historical site of the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant and the Touqian River ecosystem. \r\n \r\nThrough public walking courses, citizen science actions, and interdisciplinary workshops, the project weaves together ecological restoration, industrial heritage preservation, and civic participation. It received a TSAA Gold medal under SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and has been previously featured by both domestic and international media for its community impact. \r\n \r\nEmpowering Societal Impact Through Evidence-Based USR \r\n \r\n“These honors are more than awards—they’re a reflection of our belief that science should serve society,” said Prof. Sirirat Sae Lim, Executive Director of NYCU’s Office of Sustainability and Social Responsibility. “By embedding sustainability in education, research, and public engagement, we hope to model what a truly responsible university can be.” \r\n \r\nFrom remote villages to aging communities, from carbon emissions to forgotten factories, NYCU’s award-winning projects prove that innovation with empathy is the most sustainable path forward. \r\n \r\nA visitor engages with traditional glove puppet artifacts at the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Expo, part of NYCU’s efforts to promote cultural heritage through sustainable education.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1423116564827213824&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Partners with TVGH and Japan’s NCCH to Establish Asia-Pacific Cancer Research Network","dataClassName":"International Affairs","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-09-30","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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(Photo credit: TVGH)
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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In a landmark move toward global cancer collaboration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH), and Japan’s National Cancer Center Hospital (NCCH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 26, pledging to advance cross-border research in cancer diagnostics, treatment, genomic medicine, and medical personnel exchange. \r\n \r\nThe agreement, signed by NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin, TVGH Superintendent Wei-Ming Chen, and NCCH Director Yasuyuki Seto, aims to establish an Asia-Pacific cancer research network and usher in a new era of precision oncology through transnational collaboration. \r\n \r\nEngineering Meets Medicine: NYCU’s Unique Role in Driving Cancer Innovation \r\n \r\nAs the only university in Taiwan that integrates engineering and medicine, NYCU brings a unique edge to cancer research through its pioneering work in biomedical engineering, digital medicine, and AI-assisted diagnostics. \r\n \r\n“Our university campus is physically interconnected with TVGH, enabling close collaboration between research and clinical application,” said President Lin. “We have invested significantly in the emerging discipline of engineering medicine, and we believe that integrating NYCU’s technological expertise with the clinical capabilities of TVGH and the international resources of NCCH will accelerate impactful cancer solutions.” \r\n \r\nJapan’s Premier Cancer Institution Enters Trilateral Alliance \r\n \r\nJapan’s National Cancer Center (NCC) is the nation’s leading cancer institution, operating the most extensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) database and a robust clinical trial infrastructure. Its affiliated hospital, NCCH, is globally recognized for advanced cancer care across breast, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tumors, and is home to the world’s only vertical-type Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) facility. \r\n \r\n“This MOU marks a new chapter in trilateral cooperation,” said NCCH Director Seto. “Over the next five years, we will work together on personnel exchange, research training, knowledge sharing, and international trials. Together, we hope to advance global cancer care and research.”
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\r\nAdvancing Clinical Innovation and Global Health \r\n \r\nTVGH Superintendent Chen emphasized the urgent need for global partnerships in the fight against cancer: “As one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide, cancer demands deep collaboration. TVGH has made strides in heavy particle therapy, BNCT, and precision surgery, and this alliance will expand both the depth and reach of our clinical trials—ultimately delivering advanced treatment to more patients.” \r\n \r\nAccording to the MOU, the three institutions will focus on:
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Expanding international clinical trials and patient recruitment
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Building a shared NGS database and outcome analysis platform
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Co-hosting academic conferences on oncology and precision medicine
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Exchanging researchers, clinicians, and students across borders
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Promoting open data and regional collaboration across the Asia-Pacific
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This partnership represents more than just a formal agreement—it is a shared commitment to improving lives through innovation and collaboration. \r\n \r\nAs the collaboration unfolds, NYCU will continue to serve as a critical bridge between academic research and medical practice. With its interdisciplinary strengths and international outlook, the university aims to shape the future of global healthcare. \r\n \r\nDirector Yasuyuki Seto (right) noted that the signing of the MOU will pave the way for broader collaboration, with all three parties working together to advance cancer research and benefit patients worldwide. (Photo credit: TVGH)
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1423200264604618752&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"NYCU Campus Becomes a “Circular Landscape” as 2025 Bamboo Festival Launches","dataClassName":"Campus Life","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-09-25","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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Following Fantasia: The 2025 NYCU Bamboo Festival, hosted by the Transdisciplinary Design Innovation Shop, officially opened on September 17 at the Rolling Pavilion on the Guangfu Campus.
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By Chance Lai \r\n______
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During NYCU’s Sustainability Month, the campus is more than a green space—it becomes an organic, flowing “circular landscape.” The 2025 NYCU Bamboo Festival – Flowing Fantasia, curated by the Transdisciplinary Design Innovation Shop (TDIS), officially opened this month, inviting cross-disciplinary artists to embed their work directly into campus life. \r\n \r\nThrough weaving workshops, mixed-media installations, and large-scale bamboo structures, the festival emphasizes that sustainability is not a distant goal, but an act of co-creation woven into everyday experiences. \r\n
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\r\nRunning for three months, the festival embraces three guiding concepts—Fluidity, Symbiosis, and Evolution—challenging us to rethink the relationship between art, nature, and campus life. \r\n \r\nRethinking Art Through “Relational Aesthetics” \r\n \r\nThe curatorial framework draws on French curator Nicolas Bourriaud’s concept of Relational Aesthetics, which views art not as an isolated creation but as an act of social encounter—a process of “being together” and generating shared meaning. \r\n \r\n“This festival is not meant to be a static exhibition,” said Professor Pei-Hsien Hsu, Director of TDIS, Chair of the Taiwan Bamboo Society, and Director of NYCU Graduate Institute of Architecture. “It is about co-living, co-creating, and co-sensing. Through the interactions of the creative process, art enters daily life, and the environment itself becomes an active participant in creation.” \r\n \r\nRather than traditional gallery halls, the festival takes place directly in campus spaces. From credit-bearing micro-courses to interdisciplinary workshops and improvisational performances, students and faculty are co-authors of the works, blurring the line between life and art. \r\n \r\nProf. Hsu emphasizes that every piece is made from sustainable materials, designed to evoke a sense of time, memory, and relationship, while responding to both the landscape and daily life. \r\n \r\nThree Core Concepts: Fluidity, Symbiosis, Evolution \r\n \r\nThe festival is built around three philosophical keywords: Fluidity, Symbiosis, and Evolution. Together, they explore the ever-shifting relationship between technology and humanity. \r\n \r\nAs philosopher Andy Clark famously noted, humans are “natural-born cyborgs”—our brains are inherently capable of coupling with non-biological tools. This coupling reshapes not only our cognition but also our very definition of “subjectivity,” forming hybrid beings that evolve in constant dialogue with technology, environment, and community.
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\r\n \r\n \r\nFrom this perspective, the campus itself is a living organism: weathered by time, reshaped by climate, and re-enlivened by art. The Bamboo Festival becomes a laboratory for dialogue between people and materials, technology and nature, memory and place—embodying NYCU’s Sustainability Month theme of circular regeneration. \r\n \r\nFrom Weaving to Improvisation: Art in the Making \r\n \r\n \r\nAt the Rolling Pavilion, Prof. Mitch Lin (Graduate Institute of Music) and his students opened the festival with an outdoor jazz improvisation performance, echoing through bamboo structures. \r\n \r\nThis year’s artists span disciplines and geographies, united by the idea of “resonating with campus and materials”:
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Hong-Li Lo (NYCU alum, Applied Arts): Led a weaving workshop using recycled clothing, embedding personal memory into bamboo spaces to create a unique “landscape of memory.”
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Chieh-Sen Chiu and Margot Guillemot: Returning from the Ulaanbaatar Arts Festival, the duo combined mixed-media and sound installations in real-time, highlighting the mobility of transnational art.
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Ping-Yeh Li: Known for works at Taiwan’s National Museum of Natural Science, Li’s latest project deconstructs and recombines materials, guiding students to explore the boundary between biology and technology.
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All creative processes are open for observation, with final works to be showcased across November and December. \r\n \r\nCampus as Exhibition, Art as Everyday Life \r\n \r\nRunning through December, the 2025 NYCU Bamboo Festival features on-site installations, outdoor sound experiments, interactive pieces, faculty-student workshops, and culminating performances. \r\n \r\nIt is more than a series of events—it is a long-term experiment in imagination and relationships. “Turning the campus into a circular landscape” and “allowing humans and art to evolve together” are not abstract slogans, but living practices unfolding every day. \r\n \r\nAt NYCU, during Sustainability Month, art is no longer just about objects. It becomes an extension of life, a reinterpretation of the everyday. \r\n \r\n \r\nThe Rolling Pavilion, designed by Assoc. Prof. Ling-Li Tseng of NYCU Graduate Institute of Architecture is itself a symbol of “art as everyday life.” Built in 2024, the bamboo structure now serves as a multi-purpose platform for exhibitions, gatherings, and performances—transforming meaning as it evolves with the community.
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","liaisonper":null,"liaisontel":null,"liaisonfax":null,"liaisonemail":null,"docs":[],"images":[{"fileurl":"https://www.nycu.edu.tw/nycu/en/app/news/image?module=headnews&detailNo=1420610521257742336&init=Y","expFile":"cover image"}],"videos":[],"audios":[],"resources":[]},{"subject":"Taiwan’s AI Newcomers Get a Boost: NYCU, Microsoft Taiwan, and Phison Launch Training Program for Fresh Graduates","dataClassName":"Industry Cooperation","pubUnitName":null,"posterDate":"2025-09-23","updateDate":null,"detailContent":"
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NYCU has partnered with Microsoft Taiwan and Phison Electronics to launch an AI training program, showcasing its commitment to cultivating the next generation of AI talent.
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Edited by Chance Lai \r\n______
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As the global race for artificial intelligence talent accelerates, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has partnered with Microsoft Taiwan and Phison Electronics to launch a new AI training initiative targeting recent graduates within the past four years (Classes of 2022–2025). The program highlights Taiwan’s commitment to developing the next generation of AI professionals. \r\n \r\nA National Strategy for AI Talent \r\n \r\nBacked by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ “AI Rising Stars” program, the initiative combines Microsoft’s cloud expertise with Phison’s advanced edge-AI technologies to deliver a comprehensive curriculum. Participants will undergo 320 hours of technical instruction and 300 hours of applied project work, followed by a four-month internship at Phison. Graduates will also be eligible for free certification exams, including Microsoft’s internationally recognized AI-900 and Phison’s System Architect Certification. \r\n \r\n“This program is designed for newcomers with no prior AI background,” explained Prof. Chien-Chao Tseng, Director of NYCU’s Office of AI Affairs. “Our goal is to provide a structured pathway from fundamentals to real-world applications—ultimately helping students integrate AI solutions into business and industry.” \r\n \r\nIndustry and Academia in Sync \r\n \r\nNYCU President Chi-Hung Lin emphasized the program’s strategic importance: “This is not just an educational initiative—it’s part of Taiwan’s broader AI strategy. By bridging universities, global tech leaders, and local enterprises, we hope to transform young graduates into a driving force for Taiwan’s AI ecosystem.” \r\n \r\nMicrosoft Taiwan General Manager Sean Pien noted that the AI-900 certification ensures graduates align directly with global standards, “closing the gap between academic training and industry demand.
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\r\nPhison CEO K.S. Pua highlighted the company’s contribution: the program integrates Phison’s patented aiDAPTIV+ edge AI solution into classroom and lab settings, enabling students to tackle challenges in a real-world environment. “It’s a win-win milestone for education and industry,” he said. \r\n \r\nExtending the Open Loop University Vision \r\n \r\nThe initiative also reflects NYCU’s pioneering Open Loop University philosophy, which reimagines higher education as a lifelong learning ecosystem. Through flexible, cross-disciplinary programs—such as its Electronics and Photonics Post-undergraduate Second Degree Program open to students from non-STEM backgrounds—NYCU has expanded access to advanced training far beyond traditional majors. \r\n \r\nThe new AI program continues this trajectory, opening doors for young professionals from diverse fields to upskill, reskill, and contribute to Taiwan’s national talent pool. \r\n \r\n“Whether you are an engineer, a musician, or a finance graduate,” President Lin said, “NYCU’s Open Loop model ensures the university remains a partner throughout your lifelong learning journey.” \r\n \r\nAI as Ready-to-Deploy Talent
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In January, NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin led a delegation from the College of Medicine to National Chiayi University for academic exchanges on traditional Chinese medicine. (Photo credit: Chiayi University)![\"At](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260513121527062.png\")
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Chi-Hung Lin (left) presents the Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree to Khien-Seng Pua during the conferment ceremony at NYCU.![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260512140820768.png\")
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Yi-Fang Chuang (left), professor in NYCU’s Master’s Program in Public Health, and medical student Syuan-Ting Chang pose for a photo following the research collaboration.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260507111120648.png\")
![\"Covering](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260507111528167.png\")
Covering topics from chip design and semiconductor materials to packaging and supply chain management, the Semiconductor Academy’s two-hour modular courses allow learners to build industry-relevant skills at their own pace.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260506115402659.png\")
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Associate Professor Ming-Chia Li and members of his research team at NYCU. The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from Osaka Institute of Technology in Japan.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260504155858423.png\")
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Kneron donates three KNEO 300 high-performance AI systems to NYCU to support AI education.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260429135154617.png\")
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The EYEFLOW team emerged as the winner among nine outstanding teams in Taiwan and will represent the country at the global finals in Silicon Valley. (Photo credit: Red Bull)![\"Changhua](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260428170406410.png\")
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Professor Wen-Liang Chen (left) demonstrates how the Smart Cloud App enables real-time monitoring of field temperature and humidity, as shown on the display. (Photo credit: Changhua County Government)![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260429220718174.png\")
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Professor Jin-Wu Tsai recalls the 2013 origins of the Taiwan-France collaboration that led to this breakthrough. By merging NYCU’s expertise in brain development with Institut Curie’s oncology research, the multinational team has successfully decoded the microscopic mechanisms of SHH-typemedulloblastoma.![\"By](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260429221127834.png\")
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Professor Kuo-Pin Yu (left) and Master’s student An-Yu Wang from the Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.![\"An](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260422123540577.jpg\")
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Group photo of distinguished guests and faculty.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260414175303352.png\")
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The Summit also highlighted the NYCU’s close collaboration with TVGH. Pictured: Chen Wei-Ming, Superintendent of TVGH (third from left), and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (second from left).![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260416125734396.png\")
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Assistant Professor Li-Ling Wu (front row, center) and her research team.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260416105529906.png\")
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At the Digital Campus Achievements Exhibition, a presenter introduces NYCU’s smart campus innovations, including the Campus Assistant, NYCU AR app, and intelligent navigation services.![\"Dr.](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260410162323061.jpg\")
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MagTIES is built as a low-cost, open-source system—with accessible hardware, software, and nanomaterials—designed to lower barriers, accelerate global research, and expand future clinical applications.![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260407210300402.png\")
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NYCU Professor Jong-Shinn Wu extends his expertise beyond aerospace, translating plasma technology into innovative solutions for wound care![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260402112559250.jpg\")
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Professor Yu-Sheng Su (right, first) with his laboratory research team.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260325214728335.png\")
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A student-led team from NYCU’s College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences poses at the ceremony, which was primarily planned and produced by faculty and students in collaboration with industry partners Cyans LED Virtual Studio and Formosa TV.![\"National](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260318122755124.png\")
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Deputy Minister Sheng-Yuan Wu of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications listens as NYCU Vice President for OIAC Hank Huang presents key exhibition highlights.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260318145506386.png\")
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At the moment NYCU’s women’s volleyball team secured victory, the arena erupted in cheers as blue and purple streamers fell simultaneously, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two universities.![\"Before](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260316145006020.png\")
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Hsinchu City Mayor Ann Kao visited before the volleyball match to offer encouragement to the players and event staff.![\"At](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260312121341677.png\")
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NYCU Chief Strategy Officer Haydn Chen speaks in an interview about the importance of cultivating soft power in the AI era.(Photo credit: Central News Agency)![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260309165252872.png\")
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Members of the NYCU team iTron react with applause as the championship results are announced at the final round of the Kibo-RPC.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260309161004764.png\")
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Representatives from NYCU and MUFG sign an MOU on Feb. 24.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260304164154933.png\")
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The 2025 John Fritz Medal is awarded to Frank Chang (center), pictured with his wife, Shelly Chang, and 2025 IEEE-USA President Timothy Lee. (Photo credit: ISSCC)![\"Pie](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260212144037364.jpg\")
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By designing tailored rehabilitation activities and leading trainees beyond institutional walls to shared cultural experiences, the NYCU Mental Guts Service Team helps dismantle stigma and prejudice surrounding mental illness through genuine connection and understanding.![\"Through](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260211155453787.png\")
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The AMD Advanced Research Program focuses on developing breakthrough solutions for next-generation computing challenges.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260209155319631.png\")
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Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chen Chin-te (right) and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (second from right) attend an industry–academia exchange session during the forum.![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260209155944672.png\")
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The study was conducted by Li-Yin Chien (right), Dean of the College of Nursing, and Shiou-Yun Huang (left), a doctoral researcher who is now a lecturer in nursing at Asia University.![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260205101620020.png\")
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NYCU Professor Ao-Lin Hsu (third from right) stands with global delegates at the 2026 GCLS Semester Symposium in Dubai, underscoring Taiwan’s presence in the international longevity research community.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260204102904243.png\")
![\"Dean](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260204103357396.png\")
Dean Chi-Ying Huang of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences opens the NYCU session.![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260204103656725.png\")
Professor Yan-Fu Cheng of the Institute of Neuroscience presents a major breakthrough in therapies for inherited hearing loss.![\"Global](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260211150611005.png\")
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The agreement establishing the TIH–NYCU–UA is signed by NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right) and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260129151807291.png\")
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin and University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella unveil the TIH–NYCU–UA, marking its official launch.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260127142130034.png\")
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The forum brought together the film’s director, Chi-Jen Hsiao (center), the chief advisor, Chin-Tai Shih (second from left), and representatives from the semiconductor industry.![\"“NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260127142531762.png\")
“NYCU has long been part of Taiwan’s industrial ‘mountain-building’ journey,” said Jack Sun, NYCU vice president and former TSMC chief technology officer.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260122123553704.png\")
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ASPN leads Taiwanese startups into the Asian Road Race Forum, strengthening engagement with Southeast Asia’s public procurement systems and enabling Taiwan’s sports technologies to connect more precisely with Asia-Pacific market opportunities.![\"Dean](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260121152005654.jpg\")
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Dean Chen introduces sensing-enabled self-healing fabrics developed under “3S1A” framework, highlighting their potential applications in smart wearables, medical care, safety protection, and electronic skin technologies.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260121153555555.png\")
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New Taipei Metro and NYCU signed a long-term industry–academia cooperation agreement on January 8, aiming to redefine metro operations for the age of AI. (Photo credit: New Taipei Metro)![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260119161337065.png\")
NYCU and Taipei Metro sign a memorandum of understanding on January 15, formalizing a partnership to advance AI-driven smart transportation, metro operations, and talent development. (Photo credit: Taipei Metro)![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260114132845709.png\")
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Prof. Yuan-Chieh Tseng, CEO of NYCU’s Semiconductor International Collaboration Office, presents NYCU’s strategic position within Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem.![\"Prof.](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260114150516847.png\")
Prof. Seiji Samukawa (right), Director of NYCU’s Taiwan–Japan Exchange Office (TJEO), engages in on-site discussions at Startup Island Taiwan’s Tokyo Hub.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260114000645827.png\")
![\"Members](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260114001146115.png\")
Members of the research team (from left): Kuan-Chen Lai, a graduate student at the Institute of Clinical Medicine; Professor Muh-Hwa Yang; and Dr. Po-Hsien Chiu.![\"STAT1](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260114000911387.png\")
STAT1 plays a critical role in immunotherapy efficacy, and its acetylation status may serve as an important biomarker for predicting immunotherapy response.![\"On](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260107161031934.png\")
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Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a cell-level, targeted form of radiotherapy. It works by delivering boron compounds to tumor cells and then exposing them to a neutron beam, which triggers a reaction that releases energy to destroy the cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. (Photo credit: Heron Neutron Medical Corp.)![\"On](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260107115616144.png\")
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Both NTOU and NYCU expressed hope that the collaboration will spark new opportunities for cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration. (Photo credit: NTOU)![\"During](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20260106124231029.JPG\")
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Gold Award winner Ping-Kuan Chen draws on his experience living in Penghu to transform locally discarded materials into modular units that echo traditional coral-stone houses and revive the connection between people and place.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251231124119661.png\")
![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251231124319575.png\")
The gear motif from the NYCU emblem is extended into the design as subtle accents along the stole and sleeve edges.![\"In](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251231124551466.png\")
In addition to creating Olympic-grade embroidered emblem patches, the team also developed a commemorative graduation stole.![\"At](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251230210759628.jpg\")
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NYCU and artisan Ms. Hu Su-Chiu at the Ina Weaving Workshop created culturally rooted “Nan’ao Masks,” blending ancestral motifs with modern public-health needs at the height of the pandemic.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251230212916324.png\")
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Graduate students attend a lecture at the Institute of Pioneer Semiconductor Innovation, delivered by a senior university vice president and former chief technology officer in the semiconductor industry.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251224122039756.png\")
![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251224122153895.jpg\")
A student presenter introduces her interdisciplinary project at the NYCU 2025 ICT OPEN LABS exhibition, as faculty members and visitors observe demonstrations that showcase hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251224122348400.png\")
The exhibition also featured the VR7.5 electric formula car, built from the ground up by the NYCU Vulpes Racing team and selected to represent the university at FSAE Japan 2025.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251219100813375.png\")
![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251219101020105.png\")
Professor Yih-Lan Liu of the Institute of Education presents research showing that online bullying can occur even without anonymity.![\"Dr.](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251219101239989.png\")
Dr. Cheng-Yan Wang presents findings on the developmental trajectories and psychological factors related to bullying and aggressive behaviors.![\"Group](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251219102636100.png\")
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![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251217152328850.png\")
Professor Chen-Yi Lee (left) of NYCU’s Department of Electrical Engineering with the QC Chip research team he leads.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251216142514375.png\")
![\"Terasic](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251216145232686.png\")
Terasic Inc. Chairman Hsien-En Peng (left) and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right) sign the cooperation agreement.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251216150047115.png\")
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (second from left) and Vice President Yung-Fu Chen (right) thank alumni from the Department of Electrical Engineering at an alumni equipment donation ceremony.![\"MEGA](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251212134255723.png\")
![\"Hank](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251212134358564.jpg\")
Hank Huang, Vice President for OIAC, said the NYCU has long focused on innovation-driven economic development, actively connecting startups across Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, and supporting more than 1,200 startups worldwide.![\"Winning](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251212134634305.jpg\")
Winning teams at MEGA DAY receive awards for innovations in post-quantum security, sustainable infrastructure, and satellite communications.![\"From](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251211082224207.jpg\")
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Mapúa University nursing students participate in NYCU’s virtual-reality ward assessment simulation during their immersive training visit.![\"Dr.](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251210162608396.png\")
Dr. Nash, Senior Lecturer in Public Health, and Dr. Evans, Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Tasmania, visit the NYCU College of Nursing for an academic exchange.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251209151155624.jpg\")
![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251209152122175.png\")
A member of NYCU Vulpes Racing uses engineering simulation tools to analyze vehicle dynamics and performance parameters.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251204111853175.png\")
![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251204111728160.png\")
A clinician conducts a handgrip strength test, one of the key indicators used to assess muscle function in the updated Asian sarcopenia guidelines.![\"Director](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251204112141876.png\")
Director Liang-Kung Chen emphasized that “this is not just about preventing falls in old age,” noting that muscle health in one’s 40s and 50s shapes metabolic well-being, cognitive function, and overall resilience for decades to come.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251202144529047.png\")
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President Lin highlights the importance of space exploration for Taiwan’s technological future and NYCU’s commitment to cultivating talent for the nation’s space industry.![\"“Echoes](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251127111411204.png\")
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Group photo of the Engineering and Computational Biology Laboratory team.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251121142916533.jpg\")
![\"Left](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251121143303228.png\")
Left to right: Geoff Perry (AACSB), Yu-Chiun Chiou (NYCU), Robert Zarazowski (WRDS)![\"Led](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251120132136130.png\")
![\"Professors](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251120132549486.png\")
Professors Lin and Chen utilized advanced imaging techniques and voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins, achieving the simultaneous recording of up to 26 PV-positive interneurons and overcoming previous challenges in pinpointing specific cells for study.![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251120133226646.png\")
A groundbreaking study by NYCU’s Prof. Chen and Lin reveals that inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus exhibit “cell assembly” behavior, challenging previous brain function theories and opening new avenues for treating neurological diseases.![\"Representatives](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251119105539501.png\")
![\"Since](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251119111134651.jpg\")
Since the merger of NYMU and NCTU, NYCU has maintained an upward trajectory across nearly all QS indicators, with student exchange mobility showing the most significant gains, followed by academic reputation.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251120131957759.png\")
![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251118161945700.jpg\")
![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251118162500640.png\")
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right) and NCSIST President Shih-Chiang Li pose for a photo after signing the memorandum of understanding.![\"NUS](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112212830770.png\")
![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112213032647.png\")
A representative from the NUS introduces the ALCNS and Singapore’s healthcare system.![\"Representatives](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112213253895.png\")
Representatives from the NUS and NYCU College of Nursing gather for a group photo after the academic exchange event![\"Representing](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112162313522.png\")
![\"From](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112162823541.png\")
From left to right: Yu Kuang Music founder Yu Kuang (second from left), NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (center), and Acer founder Stan Shih (second from right) enjoy the concert together, holding signs that read “Today I’m young again” and “I’m a rock star,” capturing the joyful spirit of the PULSE Generations event.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112163153059.png\")
NYCU student bands bring youthful creativity and original music to the PULSE Generations concert.![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112114944960.jpg\")
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Professor Tseng, merging Western algorithmic composition with Eastern philosophy, has earned top honors in international computer music competitions, cementing NYCU and Taiwan’s global leadership in the field.![\"Professor](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251112115240553.jpg\")
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NYCU Prof. NK Kuo presents his award-winning bamboo installation, Bridge Cocoon, at the ADA exhibition in Tokyo. (Photo credit: NK Kuo)![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251106145437952.png\")
NYCU Prof. Ling-Li Tseng showcases her architectural models at the ADA exhibition in Tokyo. (Photo credit: NK Kuo)![\"TTBK2](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251106110554270.png\")
![\"Professors](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251106110936518.png\")
Professors Jie-rong Huang (right) and Won-Jing Wang from the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at NYCU.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251104154536953.png\")
![\"As](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251104154948749.png\")
As society rapidly ages, transforming homes into age-friendly spaces has become an urgent priority. (Photo credit: Getty Images)![\"Leaders](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251031152818555.png\")
![\"From](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251031153208064.png\")
From left to right: Li-Chun Wang, Dean of NYCU ECE College and Chair of the IEEE Taipei Section; David Wang (王啟尚), Senior Vice President of GPU Engineering at AMD; and Ken Lin (林建誠), Senior Director of Commercial Business at AMD Taiwan.![\"NYCU’s](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251030134455857.jpg\")
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IEEE DSC 2025 encouraged experts from academia, industry, and the hacker community to share real-world cases and research findings.![\"Group](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251027154352529.jpg\")
Group photo of the research team. Front row: Prof. Shu-Ling Fu (left) from the Institute of Traditional Medicine and Prof. Ting-Fen Tsai (right) from the DLSIGS.![\"Left:](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251027153915952.png\")
Left: Cardiac cells of a mouse treated with Doxorubicin, showing dark canyon-like damage areas. Right: After hesperetin treatment, the damaged regions begin to recover.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251022133005288.png\")
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THE’s evaluation framework is built on five key pillars, subdivided into 18 performance indicators.![\"President](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251021152927638.png\")
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Four distinguished UC San Diego scholars at the 2025 symposium.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251021151123771.png\")
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The discovery that TTBK2 activity promotes the proliferation of cerebellar GNPs highlights its critical role in brain development and disease.![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251014144400474.jpg\")
The research team discovered that SHH signaling protects a protein called TTBK2, allowing it to remain on the cell’s primary cilium and promote neuronal growth. However, in brain tumors, this mechanism is hijacked to accelerate tumor progression. The study suggests that inhibiting TTBK2 could lead to new therapeutic strategies for SHH-subtype medulloblastoma.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251009102110203.png\")
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Professor Tsung-Shin Wu (front) has spent years leading students and research teams on the front lines of rocket development and testing. (Photo credit: ARRC)![\"NYCU’s](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251009092716167.png\")
![\"Fueling](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251009092716378.png\")
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One of NYCU’s award-winning teams promotes health equity by raising oral health literacy in local communities.![\"A](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20251002091613002.png\")
A visitor engages with traditional glove puppet artifacts at the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Expo, part of NYCU’s efforts to promote cultural heritage through sustainable education.![\"NYCU](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250930143132107.png\")
![\"Director](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250930142754018.jpg\")
Director Yasuyuki Seto (right) noted that the signing of the MOU will pave the way for broader collaboration, with all three parties working together to advance cancer research and benefit patients worldwide. (Photo credit: TVGH)![\"lowing](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250925110028015.png\")
![\"Running](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250925111117142.png\")
![\"Prof.](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250925111226463.png\")
Prof. Hsu emphasizes that every piece is made from sustainable materials, designed to evoke a sense of time, memory, and relationship, while responding to both the landscape and daily life.![\"At](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250925111405059.JPG\")
![\"The](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250925111731802.jpg\")
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![\"AI](\"/userfiles/nycuen/images/20250925115838397.png\")
AI as Ready-to-Deploy Talent