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NSYSU signs MOU on triple-degree master program in photonics with Ghent University and Free University of Brussels during 2020 NSYSU-UGent Bilateral Workshop

(Provided by Office of Research and Development and Office of International Affairs) National Sun Yat-sen University and Ghent University in Belgium organized the 2020 NSYSU-UGent Bilateral Workshop, which concentrated on the application of marine resources and photovoltaic materials for sustainable, renewable energy sources, particularly blue energy. The departments of photonics at Ghent University, Free University of Brussels, and National Sun Yat-sen University signed an MOU on triple-degree master program, hoping to tie closer cooperation in research and student exchange.

Senior Vice President of NSYSU Yang-Yih Chen said that NSYSU and Ghent University both share the geographical proximity to seaports - Kaohsiung Port and the Port of Ostend, advantageous for conducting marine research. One of the leading examples of marine research achievements of NSYSU is the successful test of the power generation capacity of the Kuroshio Current in the sea area near Eluanbi Cape, Pingtung, in 2016. The University received many awards for technology transfers in the field of marine biotechnology and resources; what’s more, results of its scholars’ research on global warming and ocean acidification were published in top international journals. Besides, the University has been actively participating in marine engineering projects of offshore wind power generation in Taiwan. Ghent University has been actively collaborating on blue energy research with the Port of Ostend and West Flanders Development Agency to establish the Ostend Science Park. As one of the benchmark countries for global off-shore power generation, Belgium developed the offshore wind power industry by the Port of Ostend, with electricity generator manufacturing, installation and debugging supply chain, and a comprehensive plan of sea terminal infrastructure. Ghent University played the role of an academic leader in this development process, while National Sun Yat-sen University connected with the industries in Lujhu, Tainan, and Qiaotou Science Park, and is a driving force for the academy-industry cooperation in Southern Taiwan. Senior Vice President Chen said that he hoped that through this workshop, both schools would make a contribution by cooperative research.

Director for International Relations of Ghent University Guido Van Huylenbroeck said that both universities had already enjoyed a long friendship, having signed an MOU on student exchange and cooperation in research in 2009, and engaged in close exchange in psychology, education, economy, management, engineering, and architecture. He extended his gratitude to Vice President for International Affairs of NSYSU Dr. Chih-Wen Kuo who facilitated the organization of the bilateral workshop. The workshop included lectures on different topics, small-group discussions, and laboratory visits, which is an expression of Ghent University’s appreciation of the partnership with NSYSU. Another highlight, besides blue energy, was photovoltaic material science. Chairperson of the Department of Photonics at NSYSU Tsung-Hsien Lin and Prof. Dr. Dries Van Thourhout of the Photonics Research Group at Ghent University gave keynote speeches, sharing knowledge on the application of optoelectronic devices and the research on such materials as liquid crystals, polymer chains, and crystals.

The visit to Belgium of the 18 representatives of NSYSU was led by Senior Vice President Chen. Director of the Science and Technology Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium, Chin-Chun Tsai, was invited to witness this important international academic exchange event. The intense workshop lasted for two days. The parties started discussing next year’s workshop/ conference that would be organized by National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan. The participating scholars expressed much interest in marine research topics at NSYSU, such as Dongsha Atoll Research Station, South Penghu Marine National Park, South East Asia Time-series Study, wave power generation, and artificial intelligence shrimp farming technologies.

(Edited by Public Affairs Division)
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