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To enhance engagement among Taiwanese and leading global scholars, Academia Sinica has joined forces with National Taiwan University and 12 other academic institutions in collaboration with the International Peace Foundation, to launch the Taiwan Bridges Event Series. Over the next six months, more than 30 Nobel laureates are scheduled to visit Taiwan for a series of talks and academic exchanges.

Academia Sinica President James C. Liao noted that the institution has long invited at least one or two Nobel-level scholars to Taiwan each year through its Academia Sinica Lecture Series and other institute- or center-led programs, fostering academic exchanges and long-term collaborations.

President Liao emphasized that the visibility and prestige of the Nobel Prize not only inspire young minds to broaden their intellectual horizons but also serve as a timely opportunity to call for greater public support for basic science. He underscored the importance of building a research environment that is stable in funding, open in spirit, and conducive to bold, innovative inquiry. More importantly, it enables young scholars to learn the creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills required for successful research.

In addition to hosting up to ten Nobel laureates from various fields over the next six months, Academia Sinica plans to invite 2025 Nobel Physics Laureate Dr. John Martinis and 1997 Nobel Chemistry Laureate Dr. John Walker to visit Taiwan for academic exchanges.

The Taiwan Bridges Event Series will run from November 2025 to April 2026. The opening ceremony and first lecture  take place on November 10 at National Taiwan University, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Andre Geim, the 2010 Nobel Laureate in Physics.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Lai Ching-te, the Honorary Chairman of the Taiwan Bridges Event Series, remarked that in a world increasingly marked by conflict and distrust, Taiwan’s greatest strengths lie in its “inclusive dialogue, scientific collaboration, and humanitarian values.” He emphasized that the initiative showcases Taiwan’s integrated strengths in science, education, and diplomacy. By creating a platform for cross-cultural intellectual exchange, the program aims to spark creativity, foster meaningful connections, and inspire younger generations to pursue a future rooted in peace, knowledge, and cooperation.

Two-Way Exchange: Showcasing Taiwan's Research Efforts and Contributions

President Liao further emphasized that, as Taiwan’s premier academic institution, Academia Sinica is committed to advancing world-class research. Its strong support for the Taiwan Bridges Event Series reflects a broad vision—to ensure that the excellence and strengths of Taiwan’s research community are recognized on the global stage. This initiative is expected to benefit universities and research communities across Taiwan by fostering dialogue with leading international scholars, unlocking the full potential of Taiwan’s academic sector to pursue world-class research and expand its influence on the global scientific stage.
Director Tzu-Ching Meng of the Department of International Affairs at Academia Sinica noted that several of the Academy’s institutes and centers are actively involved in co-organizing the Taiwan Bridges Event Series. In addition to public lectures, more focused academic roundtables are also being planned to enable in-depth, face-to-face exchanges between Academia Sinica researchers and Nobel Laureates. These exchanges will not only focus on current scientific research, but also explore broader topics such as the evolution of the global research landscape and critical social issues.

Nobel Laureates to Arrive in Succession Starting November

Academia Sinica, as Taiwan’s national academy, is committed to advancing cutting-edge research and nurturing outstanding talent. The institution places great importance on sustained engagement with Nobel Laureates—not only for inspiration and learning but also to promote substantive research collaboration. For instance, Dr. John Martinis, recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, has served for several years as an advisor to Academia Sinica’s quantum program. He has co-developed quantum bit fabrication processes and published joint research papers. Meanwhile, Sir Paul Nurse—2001 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and incoming President of the Royal Society (for a second term)—is also scheduled to visit Academia Sinica next year, during which both sides will explore ways to further deepen Taiwan–UK scientific collaboration.

As part of the Taiwan Bridges Event Series, ten Nobel Laureates are scheduled to visit Academia Sinica, representing a wide range of fields, including peace, chemistry, physics, and biomedical sciences. The first speaker to take the stage at Academia Sinica will be Dr. Roger D. Kornberg, recipient of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. His pioneering research revealed how genes are activated and regulated—insights that have had profound implications for understanding cancer, genetic diseases, and the mechanisms of drug action. On November 20, Dr. Kornberg will deliver a public lecture entitled “The End of Disease? Extraordinary Developments in Biomedical Science and Their Impact on Humanity.”

The next speaker will be Ms. Nadia Murad, recipient of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. Drawing from her personal experience, she has become a powerful advocate for survivors of war and sexual violence, and a globally influential voice for human rights and the dignity of women. On December 1, she will deliver a lecture entitled “Who Can Influence the End of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) Worldwide? – The Power of Personal Stories and the Role of Activism.”

For more information on the lecture series, please refer to the attached schedule and the event poster. All are welcome to register and attend!