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The 36th Convocation of Academicians of Academia Sinica officially opened today (July 6), bringing together more than 200 Academicians from Taiwan and overseas to discuss the future of academic development and scientific research. The four-day Convocation features the badge award, keynote speech, and policy discussions. It culminates with the election of the 35th Class of Academicians and Honorary Academicians.

In his opening remarks, Academia Sinica President Chien-Jen Chen noted that this Convocation is the first major academic event he has presided over since assuming the presidency. As Academia Sinica approaches its centennial, standing at the threshold of its second century, he expressed hope that Academicians and colleagues will work together to advance frontier research through wisdom, inspire innovation through courage, and uphold humanistic values through compassion. He emphasized that Academia Sinica will continue to play a leading role in advancing scholarship, strengthen its position as a premier research hub in the Asia-Pacific region, and respond to major national and global challenges through research and innovation.

In his remarks, President Ching-Te Lai stated that the Convocation serves as an important academic platform that brings together the collective wisdom of Academicians from around the world to help shape the nation's future. Amid rapidly changing global circumstances, Taiwan's continued competitiveness rests upon the scientific research capacity and talent base it has built over many years. Academia Sinica, through its longstanding commitment to fundamental research and frontier science and technology, has been a vital force supporting the nation's progress. President Lai emphasized that investing in talent is investing in the future, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering a stronger research environment and expanding international collaboration. He also expressed hope that Academia Sinica and its Academicians will continue to serve as an important bridge connecting Taiwan with the world, further enhance Taiwan's global academic influence, inspire more young scholars to pursue the unknown and tackle frontier challenges, and provide valuable recommendations for Taiwan's science policies and future development.

Strengthening Frontier Research to Address Societal Challenges and Enhance Global Competitiveness

President Chen noted that, since its establishment in 1928, Academia Sinica has developed into one of the few academic institutions in the world that encompasses the humanities and social sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and life sciences within a single research system. Throughout its history, its greatest asset has always been its people. Academia Sinica's Academicians have advanced Taiwan's scholarship on the international stage through their outstanding research achievements, broad academic vision, and deep commitment to society, while its researchers remain the driving force behind scientific progress and knowledge innovation.

As global technological competition intensifies and geopolitical landscapes evolve, and challenges such as climate change, aging population, and energy transition become increasingly complex, no single discipline can address these issues alone. As Taiwan's national academy, Academia Sinica is committed not only to pursuing academic excellence but also to integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and conducting research to provide solutions to society's most pressing challenges. Looking ahead, Academia Sinica will continue to invest in strategic fields, including quantum technologies, net-zero technologies, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. It will also expand the research capacity of the Academia Sinica South Campus and deepen collaboration with Taiwan's research universities and academic institutions to strengthen the nation's scientific self-reliance and global research competitiveness.

Advancing Science with Humanistic Values to Build a Sustainable and Innovative Research Environment

President Chen emphasized that, in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, scientific innovation must continue to be guided by humanistic values and social responsibility. Academia Sinica remains committed to the balanced development of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences by supporting high-potential research. The institution will strengthen its research support system by enhancing long-term funding programs and interdisciplinary research mechanisms, enabling researchers to pursue ambitious and transformative projects without being constrained by short-term horizons and performance evaluations.

In addition, Academia Sinica will deepen interdisciplinary collaboration through the sharing of core research facilities, cooperation across institutes, and integrating platforms focused on major research challenges. It will also establish strategic mechanisms for emerging research fields and provide stable support for innovative research teams. At the same time, Academia Sinica will work closely with universities and research institutions across Taiwan to build national teams in key areas of the humanities, sciences, and technology, cultivate outstanding research talent, and foster a more resilient and sustainable academic ecosystem.

Distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included President Lai Ching-Te, Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-An, representatives from universities across Taiwan, and family members of Academia Sinica's Academicians. The opening day also featured the Academician Badge Award Ceremony, during which President Chien-Jen Chen presented awards to 29 newly elected Academicians and Honorary Academicians, symbolizing the continuation of Academia Sinica's highest academic honor in a ceremony marked by dignity and warmth.

The Convocation of Academicians of Academia Sinica is held biennially. This year's Convocation runs from July 6 through July 9. Following today's opening ceremony and the presentation of the Academician badge awards, the program continued with the President's report, two keynote speechs, and policy discussions.

Closed-door divisional reviews for the election of Academicians and Honorary Academicians will be held on July 7 and 8. The election will take place on July 9, when all Academicians will vote to elect the 35th Class of Academicians and Honorary Academicians.

To be elected, a candidate must receive affirmative votes from at least two-thirds of the voting Academicians in the candidate's Division, and more than half of the total votes cast across all four Divisions. If fewer than one-half of the total number of Academicians in the candidate's Division participate in the vote, the candidate must instead obtain affirmative votes from at least two-thirds of the total votes cast across all four Divisions.