On December 19th, 2024, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) hosted an information session for the 2025 University of Chicago-Taiwan Student (UCTS) Exchange Program. Prof. Cheng Chin from the University of Chicago, one of the program organizers, visited NCKU to personally share program details to personally share details about the program. The event consisted of two segments: a student information-sharing session and a Principal Investigator (PI) meeting, which attracting 90 faculty members and students.

NCKU Vice President of Office of International Affairs, Prof. Sun-Yuan Hsieh, encouraged students to apply for UCTS Exchange Program and the fellowship.

At the start of the information session, Chair Prof. Sun-Yuan Hsieh, NCKU Vice President of Office of International Affairs, NCKUProf. Sun-Yuan Hsieh, expressed optimism that the program would strengthen academic collaborations between the two universities. Prof. Cheng Chin then provided a comprehensive overview of the application process of the application process and outlined available funding opportunities. Additionally, Kelly and Lillian, two students from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering who completed the UCTS program in September, shared their experiences. Their presentations offered prospective applicants valuable insights into the program and practical guidance for future planning.

Prof. Cheng Chin shared the details of UCTS Exchange Program.

NCKU students actively participated in the event.

Beyond the student information session, Prof. Cheng Chin met with NCKU Principal Investigators (PIs) to discuss the collaboration. Key attendees included Prof. Chin-Chun Tsai, Dean of College of Science, Prof. Ju-Ming Wang, Dean of College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Prof. Shu-Ying Wang, Director of Division of Study Abroad, and eight NCKU PIs.

Group photo of Prof. Cheng Chin and NCKU PIs.

This year, the program expanded to include the fields of Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Science, and 41 NCKU PIs participating to facilitate increased collaborative research and exchange opportunities for students. Additionally, NCKU plans to sponsor five students for UCTS Exchange Program, covering full tuition and accommodation costs, while also providing housing subsidies for University of Chicago students conducting research in Taiwan.