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During its 36th Convocation on July 6, Academia Sinica hosted a policy symposium featuring Cheng-Wen Wu, Minister of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), and Ying-Yao Cheng, Minister of Education. The two ministers delivered presentations entitled “Charting a New Course for Taiwan’s Scientific Research and Development” and “Connecting Globally, Shaping the Future: Cultivating Taiwan’s Next Generation of Talent through International Collaboration,” respectively, and exchanged views with Academicians on Taiwan’s research policies and talent development strategies.

In his opening remarks, Academia Sinica President Chien-Jen, Chen noted that rapid technological change and intensifying global academic competition call for closer collaboration between Academia Sinica and government agencies on institutional reform and research funding. Equally important, he said, is fostering a research culture that values innovation, openness, and international engagement. By strengthening the academic community’s collective commitment to excellence, Taiwan can build a more globally competitive research environment in which fundamental research can continue to make a strong global impact.

Advancing Taiwan's Vision for Scientific Research and Development

Minister Wu introduced the Technology Vision 2035, emphasizing that scientific and technological capabilities are fundamental to national strength. Building on Taiwan's leadership in semiconductors, the government aims to advance transformative technologies while increasing investment in high-performance computing, quantum technologies, intelligent robotics, silicon photonics, and sovereign AI. These initiatives are designed to strengthen Taiwan's research ecosystem and ensure that scientific advances address societal needs and improve quality of life.

Discussing Taiwan’s research landscape, Wu noted that academic performance has long been assessed using quantitative indicators such as publications, patents, and technology transfer. While these metrics have helped strengthen Taiwan's research capacity, they have also placed greater emphasis on quantity than on broader contributions to industry, culture, and society. In recent years, NSTC has reformed research evaluation and funding mechanisms to encourage curiosity-driven exploration, originality, and breakthrough research. At the same time, it has strengthened expert and peer review, placing greater emphasis on research quality and long-term societal impact.

Cultivating Talent to Strengthen Taiwan's Competitiveness

Minister Cheng said that, amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence and intensifying technological competition, talent has become a vital strategic resource for the nation. Noting that Academicians are among the world's leading scholars, he expressed hope that they would help deepen ties between Taiwan's higher education institutions and top universities worldwide.

The Ministry of Education has adopted a three-pronged strategy to cultivate, attract, and retain talent. In addition to expanding doctoral scholarships, supporting early-career faculty members, and implementing the 30+ Universities Pilot Project, the ministry is also working to improve faculty compensation and introduce more flexible salary systems. It is also providing dedicated funding to recruit and retain international talent and encourage outstanding students to pursue advanced studies at leading universities worldwide. Cheng emphasized that talent underpins scientific innovation, while research drives industrial innovation. He called for continued collaboration between the government and academia to build a sustainable ecosystem for talent development.

Academicians Exchange Views on Research and Higher Education

During the discussion, Academicians offered recommendations on a wide range of issues, including the development of public and private higher education institutions, higher education governance, support for research in strategically important fields, university-industry collaboration, and opportunities for young researchers to work with leading research institutions abroad. Participants also exchanged views with the two ministers and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Taiwan’s science and higher education through continued innovation.

As a major forum for scholarly exchange and discussion on the future of research, the Convocation provides Academicians with an opportunity to explore issues of national and global importance. This year's panel discussion focused on scientific innovation, talent cultivation, and international collaboration, with the aim of building consensus within the academic community, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and international partnerships, and enhancing Taiwan’s research capacity.