The 2026 NCKU x UChicago x Tufts Summer Research Exchange Program has officially concluded following two months of immersive academic collaboration. This summer, undergraduate scholars from the University of Chicago and Tufts University joined National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) to conduct advanced research across eight departments spanning the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Bioscience & Biotechnology, Medicine, and Social Sciences.

Prof. Chyan-Deng Jan, Dean of the College of Engineering, gathered with visiting students and faculty at the final presentation.

To celebrate the students' achievements, NCKU’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) hosted a farewell lunch gathering. The event offered visiting students a relaxed environment to reflect on their journey, connect with peers, and share valuable feedback on the program. NCKU Vice President for International Affairs, Prof. Wen-Tai Chiu, commended the students on their hard work and encouraged them to make the most of their remaining days exploring Taiwan’s rich history and culture.

NCKU Vice President for International Affairs, Prof. Wen-Tai Chiu, introduced 
the history of NCKU to the students and wished them success in their future studies.

The program culminated in a final presentation held on August 14, 2026, at the College of Engineering Conference Room. Following two months of dedicated effort, Tufts students showcased their research outcomes and key findings developed in their respective laboratories. Project Principal Investigators (PIs) and teammates gathered to offer insightful feedback and guidance. Distinguished academic leaders, including Prof. Chyan-Deng Jan, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Prof. Chun-Li Tsai, Dean of the College of Social Sciences, attended the event to commend the young scholars for their academic dedication.

Beyond their academic achievements, students also reflected on their cross-cultural experience in Taiwan. Navigating a new environment, the Tufts cohort successfully adapted to campus life while exploring local attractions, such as Sun Moon Lake, Taipei 101, and Alishan, alongside their NCKU peers. Students expressed deep gratitude to their PIs and lab mates for their generous support and hospitality, highlighting the strong bonds formed throughout the program.

Students shared highlights of their cultural journeys, local food, and sightseeing across Taiwan.

This series of events served not only as a platform for the visiting students to demonstrate their summer research outcomes, but also as a valuable opportunity to interact with faculty and peers across diverse disciplines. Beyond academic exchanges, participants gained deeper cultural insights and built lasting connections. This summer will undoubtedly remain an unforgettable memory for both the visiting scholars and the NCKU community. NCKU looks forward to further deepening its academic and cultural partnership with Tufts University in the coming years.