Five Taiwan universities on visit in Ghent University to explore research and education opportunities

During the three-day “Taiwan Match-making Event”, five Taiwanese universities visit eight faculties at Ghent University. The goal is to discuss about which research topics specific plans are possible, for example in the form of joint doctoral programs. The visit to the faculties was preceded by a symposium, including a discussion about the best strategy to establish and maintain asustainable cooperation. Also, student exchanges were discussed.

Taiwan mission

The cooperation with Taiwan is not accidental. The two priorities in higher education in Taiwan are innovation and internationalization. One of the main reasons for the competitive economic position of Taiwan on the international level is the strong focus on innovative research in higher education.

Earlier, in November 2015, a Ghent University delegation with rector Anne De Paepe visited Taiwan. During that visit, the existing contacts with Taiwanese institutions, especially in the Sinology, engineering and economics, were consolidated. Also, new possibilities were explored. Those existing or potential collaborations are now being further elaborated during the ‘Match-making Event”.

Buddhist nunneries

One of the existing research topics is within the field of Buddhist studies. “We are currently establishing a database of rare Buddhist manuscripts,” says Professor Bart Dessein (Faculty of Arts), who previously held conferences with Taiwanese partners. “In addition, we have a colleague doing field research on the revival of Buddhist nunneries in Taiwan.”

The collaboration also applies to libraries. “The National Library of Taiwan has selected a number of universities, including Ghent University, to set up their own ‘department’ of the library. In that way, we receive relevant publications on our research topics.”

Program

• May 9 2016: Symposium in Het Pand, i.a. on best practices for a sustainable cooperation
• May 10, 2016: Visit to the faculties of Arts and Philosophy; Engineering and Architecture; Medicine and Health Sciences; Veterinary Medicine; Economics and Business Administration; Psychology and Educational Sciences
  
• May 11 2016: Visit to the faculties of Bioscience Engineering and Political and Social Sciences
  
  Round-up session: final meeting with the entire delegation. Present Taiwanese universities: National Sun Yat-Sen University, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, National Cheng Kung University, National Chengchi University.