National Taiwan University and Kyoto University, Japan, held an online research matchmaking event on December 22. It focused on three fields: life sciences, agriculture and forestry, and materials sciences. More than 20 professors from the two universities gathered together to introduce their research projects and seek opportunities for cross-university and interdisciplinary cooperation between the two parties. Since the establishment of sister schools between National Taiwan University and Kyoto University in 2005, various cooperative and exchange programs have been developed. With the support of joint meetings and funding programs, joint research between the two universities has been developing steadily and strongly. The signing of the strategic partnership agreement in August 2020 further encouraged staff and students to exchange visits and hold international conferences through funding subsidies.
Picture 1: Professor Pai-Chi Li, VP of Office of Research and Development, and Director of Industry Liaison Office, NTU giving welcome remarks
Professor Pai-Chi Li, VP of Office of Research and Development, and Director of Industry Liaison Office, National Taiwan University talked about the history of the two universities in his welcome remarks: “Kyoto University and National Taiwan University have had a long history, including staff and student exchange programs, dual degree programs, etc. One of the goals of the strategic partnership agreement in 2020 is to accelerate more collaborations in interdisciplinary and joint research. Today’s matching event was organized by the Industry Liaison Office, NTU, and Office of Society Academia Collaboration for Innovation, KU. By promoting the joint funding program, we hope to open up more opportunities in the synergy and integration of research resources of the two universities.” Prof. Yasuyuki Kono, Vice President of International Strategy, Kyoto University also expressed his blessings for the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two universities in his opening speech and looked forward to expanding international linkages through more communication and exchanges.
Picture 2: Group photo of the research matchmaking event
The event mainly focused on the three areas: life sciences, agriculture and forestry, and materials sciences. Three parallel roundtable discussions were hosted respectively by Professor Weichung Wang of the Institute of Applied Mathematical Sciences, Professor Je-Ruei Liu of the Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Kevin C.-W. Wu of the Department of Chemical Engineering from National Taiwan University and representatives from Kyoto University. Professors from these areas with diverse research topics were invited to join the roundtable discussions. These three areas not only represent some of the fields where National Taiwan University and Kyoto University have performed outstandingly, but are also closely related to current society’s issues, including the research and development of medical technologies, biotechnology, and medicine, as well as ecology, energy, and sustainability. The professors of the two universities shared their research directions and capabilities, exchanged opinions enthusiastically in group discussions, and both expressed a high degree of interest in conducting joint research. After the three breakout sessions, the professors reunited for the final roundtable forum. Under the guidance of Professor Yasuyuki Kono of Kyoto University and Distinguished Professor Hsueh-Fen Juan of National Taiwan University, the roundtable forum was titled "Shaping New Holistic Approach by Academic Collaboration towards Intractable Social Issues". The professors provided their insights based on their professions from different knowledge fields. The dialogue deepened the breadth and diversity of the forum, and also showed the potential breakthroughs and infinite possibilities that can be brought about by interdisciplinary research cooperation.
While the world is facing major challenges and increasingly complex issues, the integration of scientific research in different disciplines, and even the emergence of new research fields, helps to combine different perspectives and seek solutions under a new structural and systematic approach. In addition to continuing the existing relations between National Taiwan University and Kyoto University, this matchmaking event is expected to further establish strategic collaboration and promote cross-university and interdisciplinary joint research grants. It is hoped that the integration of the abundant research resources and talents will give academic research more forward-looking, innovative thinking and breakthroughs.