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The opening ceremony for the Academia Sinica South Campus was held today (15), with President Lai Ching-Te, delivering a speech in person. Former Vice President Academician Chen Chien-Jen, along with Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-Che were present to witness the event. Academia Sinica President James C. Liao noted that, since deciding in 2012 to settle in Shalun, Tainan and after gaining the Executive Yuan’s approval in 2017 on the development plan, Academia Sinica has committed to build a campus centered on critical issues. The South Campus will facilitate the integration of basic research with practical applications and enable resource connections with the local academic community to conduct world-class innovative research.

Academia Sinica President Liao noted that the South Campus will operate differently from the North Campus. While research units at the North Campus are organized according to research fields, research resources at the South Campus are integrated and organized to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. For example, research at the South Campus will target issue-oriented topics such as net-zero emissions, quantum technology, sustainable agriculture, and humanities and social sciences in southern Taiwan, emphasizing local professionals to stimulate science development in southern Taiwan.

President Lai stated that during his tenure as Mayor of Tainan, he strongly promoted the establishment of Academia Sinica's Southern Campus. Later, as Premier of the Executive Yuan and Vice President, he witnessed Academia Sinica's efforts in groundbreaking technology research. President Lai hopes that the South Campus will become a world-class research hub, attracting domestic and international research talent to southern Taiwan, to balance development across Taiwan and enhance Taiwan's R&D capabilities.

Establishing a Research Center for Critical Issues

In January of this year, Academia Sinica established the Research Center for Critical Issues, with its main facilities located on the South Campus, focusing on quantum technology and net-zero technology. Stationed research teams include the Thematic Center for Quantum Computer, developing general-purpose quantum computer prototypes, and the Thematic Center for Marine Energy, which works on Kuroshio Current power generation and oceanic carbon sinks, collaborating with CSBC Corporation, Taiwan on testing a 100kW ocean current generator.

Research Hub for Humanities and Social Sciences

The development of research in the humanities and social sciences is a key mission of the South Campus. The Humanities and Social Sciences Research Base officially established this year. Since April, research teams have worked on social transformations in southern Taiwan and the networks between Taiwanese businesses. The Humanities and Social Sciences Research Base aims to foster collaboration with local academic communities and study historically and socially significant topics.

The Humanities and Social Sciences Research Base provides access to Academia Sinica's digital library resources for the southern academic community. The first archive exhibition at the Academia Sinica South Campus, titled " People in Formosa," is currently on display. It presents precious historical archives and records spanning over four hundred years, including traditional business correspondence, issuance records of passport of the Japanese colonial period, personal manuscripts, photographs, and old newspapers and publications.

Research on Crop Resilience

The Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center at the South Campus has established advanced facilities over the past three years, including precision greenhouses and automated plant phenotyping systems, providing essential support for local research and technological innovation. Research has focused on the physiological responses and disease defenses of crops under environmental stress, and has produced significant achievements. Future research will target sustainable agriculture and translational biotechnology, with goals to improve carbon sequestration, reduce pesticide use, and increase crop yields.

Today's attendees include Minister Huang Yen-Nun of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Deputy Minister Huang Hsiang-Wen of the Ocean Affairs Council, and Members of the Legislative Yuan Wang Ting-Yu, Lin I-Chin, Lin Chun-Hsien, Kuo Kuo-Wen, Chen Ting-Fei, and Lai Hui-Yuan.