On June 28, 2024, Arctic Research Center (ARC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on international cooperation in research and education with the Taiwan Polar Institute (TaiPI), National Central University (NCU) of Taiwan in Taoyuan, Taiwan. The TaiPI was established in summer 2023．
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Shotaro Uto, Deputy Director and Specially Appointed Professor, and Dr. Yuji Kodama, Senior Specialist, Ph.D. from ARC. From NCU, Vice President of NCU Hsu Ping-Yu, Dean of College of Earth Sciences Hsu Shu-Kun, Director of TaiPI Ni Chuen-Fa, Professor Chien Hwa of TaiPI , and post-doctoral fellows, students, and staff from National Central University
participated in the ceremony, which was chaired by Dr. Giletycz Stawomir Jack, Assistant Professor of the TaiPI. The signing ceremony proceeded without delay and the MOU was concluded.
Paul Arthur Berkman, founder of the Science Diplomacy Center, a U.S. non-profit organization, who was invited as a keynote speaker to the GIS Japan-Taiwan-Korea gathering (ICEO&SI24) starting the next day, participated as an observer and commented that he looks forward to the development of cooperative relations.
The MOU calls for the ARC and the TaiPI to cooperate in a spirit of greater understanding, to deepen friendly relationships and ties of
mutual benefit, and to foster collaboration. The parties will undertake to initiate joint activities, including, but not limited to: A) organizing
and performing joint research projects, academic seminars, and faculty guest lectures; B) arranging the exchange of students, early-career researchers, and faculty members; C) exchanging scientific data and information, and assisting each other when appropriate in organizing conferences, seminars, workshops, and other activities of mutual interest.
At the reception after the signing ceremony, there was an immediate proposal to mutually hold a symposium to commemorate the signing the MoU and promote exchange of young researchers. We look forward to future exchanges between the two parties.
TaiPI Director Ni Chuen-Fa (left)and ARC Acting Director Uto Shotaro (right). Photo by Dr. Li Jimmy Li-Ching.
