HomeLetter from President Liao-Launch of the Office of Mediation (Pilot Phase): A New Channel for Safe and Constructive Communication
Dear Colleagues:
At Academia Sinica, our pursuit of academic excellence is grounded not only in outstanding research, but also in a collegial and respectful working environment. Over the years, the Academy has developed a range of formal support and grievance mechanisms, including counseling services and committees addressing issues such as sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and research ethics.
At the same time, we recognize that many workplace concerns, particularly those involving interpersonal dynamics, emerge gradually and may not always be suited to formal processes. Colleagues may experience uncertainty, stress, or discomfort, yet hesitate to seek help if the situation does not appear to warrant formal action.
To address this need, Academia Sinica will establish the Office of Mediation on March 31, 2026, with appointments available beginning April 1. The Office will serve as a confidential, informal, and independent resource for members of the community seeking guidance on workplace concerns, communication challenges, or questions about internal processes.
The Office of Mediation is designed to complement, not replace, existing institutional mechanisms. Colleagues may consult the mediator without initiating a formal complaint and without the creation of official records. The mediator serves as a neutral and impartial third party, offering a space for confidential conversation, helping to clarify issues and, where appropriate, support constructive dialogue. While appointed by Academia Sinica, the mediator operates independently and does not report individual cases to the administration.
In establishing this office, Academia Sinica has drawn on ombudsman practices widely adopted in universities and research institutions internationally, adapting them to our institutional context.
We are grateful to Dr. Y. Henry Sun, Distinguished Research Fellow Emeritus of the Institute of Molecular Biology, for agreeing to serve as the inaugural mediator during this pilot phase. The Office will continue to evolve based on experience and community feedback.
We hope this new resource will provide colleagues with an accessible and trusted avenue for early support, contributing to a work environment in which all members of Academia Sinica can engage, collaborate, and thrive.
Warm regards,
James C. Liao
President
March 27, 2026
For more information about the Office of Mediation, please visit mediation.sinica.edu.tw or refer to the attached materials.
