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At the opening of the 36th Convocation of Academia Sinica on July 6, Honorary Academician John L. Anderson, former President of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and former President of the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Academician Tsu-Jae King Liu, President of NAE, delivered keynote lectures. Former Academia Sinica President James C. Liao and Academia Sinica Vice President Mei-Yin Chou joined the speakers for a panel discussion.

In his opening remarks, Academia Sinica President Chien-Jen Chen said that science is more than abstract knowledge; through engineering, it becomes a force for improving lives and safeguarding health. From smartphones and medical diagnostics to vaccine development, many of today's transformative innovations are the result of close collaboration between scientists and engineers.

President Chen noted that engineering innovation and international scientific collaboration are reshaping technological development. Even in mature fields such as semiconductors, continuous advances in design, manufacturing, and in novel technologies remain essential. Scientists' willingness to challenge existing limits and pursue continuous innovation, he said, remains the driving force behind sustained progress.

Engineering Bridges Science and Technology

Internationally renowned engineering scholar, Honorary Academician John L. Anderson, delivered a keynote lecture entitled "Engineering: The Bridge between Science and Technology." He explained that engineering applies scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems by creating products, systems, and technologies that improve people's lives and advance society.

Quoting pioneering aerospace engineer Theodore von Kármán—"Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that never has been,” Anderson illustrated the complementary roles of scientists and engineers in driving innovation.

He emphasized that breakthrough innovations require not only scientific knowledge but also engineering expertise, creativity, and the courage to push beyond existing boundaries. As an example, he cited Motorola's development of the world's first handheld mobile phone in 1973. Although radio-wave propagation and electronic component miniaturization were still in their infancy, engineers succeeded in building a working prototype despite limited knowledge and considerable uncertainty, demonstrating their ability to transform bold ideas into practical innovations.

Anderson also pointed to Taipei 101 as an example of engineering excellence, noting that the skyscraper's success relied on integrating structural engineering, advanced materials, and safety systems to achieve exceptional height while ensuring seismic resilience, safety, and functionality. Addressing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, he argued that appropriate regulations and safety mechanisms can help society manage uncertainty. Guided by professional responsibility, technological development can continue to benefit humanity while minimizing risks.

Finally, Anderson outlined the NAE's mission of bringing together leaders from academia, industry, and government to provide independent, objective advice on science and technology policy, advance engineering education, and promote public appreciation of engineering's contributions to society.

International Collaboration Drives Innovation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Globally recognized semiconductor pioneer, Academician Tsu-Jae King Liu, delivered a keynote lecture entitled "The Importance of International Collaboration in Research." She said rapid advances in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, and sustainable energy have ushered in an “age of intelligence.” As global supply chains become increasingly complex and technological competition intensifies, international collaboration will be essential to sustaining scientific and technological leadership.

Drawing on her experience in transistor research, Liu recalled how, with support from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), researchers from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the United States worked together over many years to develop FinFET transistor technology, laying the foundation for today's artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and advanced semiconductor devices.

Liu also introduced the concept of the global microelectronics ecosystem, explaining that the semiconductor industry has evolved into a highly specialized international network. International interdisciplinary collaboration is required across every stage, from chip design and wafer fabrication to materials, equipment, packaging, and testing.

Addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and the energy transition, Liu emphasized that these issues can only be tackled through open and trusted international partnerships. She advocated the principle of "open as possible, closed as necessary," stressing that the global research community must strike an appropriate balance between international collaboration and research security to foster innovation while safeguarding humanity's well-being.

Panel Discussion Explores AI, Innovation, and the Future of Research

Following the keynote lectures, former President James C. Liao and Vice President Mei-Yin Chou joined the speakers for a panel discussion. The discussion explored how science and engineering complement one another, how institutions can balance fundamental and applied research, and how academia can pursue excellence while responding to national priorities and societal needs amid the rapid advancement of AI and intensifying global competition in research.

Liao said AI will fundamentally transform scientific research and engineering practice. He urged the research community to embrace AI while continuing to strengthen the uniquely human capabilities that AI cannot replace.

Chou emphasized that AI is reshaping research methodologies and talent cultivation, underscoring the importance of developing a new generation of researchers equipped with interdisciplinary skills, global perspectives, and innovative capacity.

Drawing on their international experience, both keynote speakers shared their perspectives on preparing future generations for the AI era. Liu emphasized that both educators and students must continue to build strong disciplinary foundations while cultivating critical thinking skills. Anderson added that, although technological change is inevitable, the academic community should focus on using AI to enhance research and education rather than serving as a substitute.

In closing, President Chen thanked both speakers for their inspiring presentations. He expressed hope that Academicians and researchers in Taiwan and around the world will continue working across disciplines and borders to advance scientific discovery, engineering innovation, and international collaboration for the benefit of society and humanity.