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Sixteen undergraduate students from the National University of Science & Technology (NUST) in Oman completed a one-month research internship at Academia Sinica in August 2026. At a presentation held on August 31, the students shared their research findings and experiences from working in laboratories across Academia Sinica. During a meeting with the students on August 28, Academia Sinica President Chien-Jen Chen noted that, for many of the students, this internship may have been their first experience working at a research institution abroad. He expressed hope that through hands-on research and interactions with researchers, the students would gain valuable academic experience while discovering research areas that interest them.

The visiting students primarily have backgrounds in engineering, with majors including computer engineering, electronics and communications, and electrical engineering. Their areas of expertise cover biomedical engineering, telecommunications, and power systems. During the internship, the students joined research teams at the Research Center for Information Technology Innovation, the Research Center for Applied Sciences, and the Center for Sustainability Science.

Under the guidance of Academia Sinica researchers and their teams, the students participated in research activities on a range of topics including net-zero technologies, air pollution monitoring, bioimaging, biomedical machinery, optoelectronic design, information technology, and artificial intelligence. Through hands-on research and interactions with researchers, they gained a deeper understanding of research methodologies, technological applications, and approaches to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Deepening Understanding Through International Internships and Expanding Opportunities for Talent Development

During their meeting with President Chen, the students shared their learning and research experiences over the past month, including memorable and challenging aspects of their research as well as their experiences of life and culture in Taiwan. President Chen encouraged the students to make the most of their international exchange experience. He also invited them, upon returning home, to encourage more fellow students to come to Taiwan as international exchange students and experience Taiwan's diverse culture and society.

Vice President Yu-Ju Chen noted that Academia Sinica's Taiwan International Internship Program (TIIP) has gained international recognition and receives approximately 500 to 600 applications from international students each year. She expressed hope that more students from Oman would participate in TIIP in the future and have the opportunity to undertake more in-depth research projects at Academia Sinica.

The internship provided the 16 undergraduate students with firsthand experience of research at Academia Sinica in areas including sustainability and information science, while also helping establish connections among researchers and students from Taiwan and Oman. For students interested in pursuing further studies at Academia Sinica, the Academia Sinica Fellowships for Doctoral Students from Foreign Universities (TIGP-X) offers another avenue for advancing academic and talent exchange and fostering future collaboration between researchers from Taiwan and Oman.

From Academic Visits to Student Internships: Promoting Taiwan-Oman Scientific Collaboration

Academia Sinica began exchanges with academic and research institutions in Oman in 2025. At the time, former Academia Sinica President James C. Liao led a delegation to attend the International Science Council (ISC) General Assembly in Oman, where he discussed opportunities for bilateral academic and research collaboration with Mr. Wu Ching-Chuan, who was then Taiwan's representative to Oman. These efforts subsequently led to reciprocal visits between Academia Sinica and the National University of Science & Technology.

In June 2026, Academia Sinica and NUST signed a memorandum of understanding to promote joint research and exchanges among students, researchers, and administrative staff, with artificial intelligence and biotechnology identified as initial areas of collaboration. Established in 2018, NUST provides education and conducts research in fields including engineering, medicine, and pharmacy. The launch of an undergraduate internship program within such a short period demonstrates the strong commitment of both institutions to advancing collaboration.

Participants in the August 28 meeting included Academia Sinica President Chien-Jen Chen; Vice President Yu-Ju Chen; Secretary-General Chi-Hon Lee; Director Tzu-Ching Meng of the Department of International Affairs; Director Ai-Chun Pang of the Research Center for Information Technology Innovation; Deputy Director Chun-Wei Pao of the Research Center for Applied Sciences; and Executive Secretary Yue-Gau Chen of the Center for Sustainability Science.

At the internship presentation on August 31, the students presented their research findings and shared their experiences one by one. Director Tzu-Ching Meng then presented each intern with a certificate of completion, marking the conclusion of the internship program. Academia Sinica and NUST will continue to explore opportunities for joint research and exchanges among students and researchers, further strengthening scientific and academic collaboration between Taiwan and Oman.