NTNU Delegation Visits Charles University to Discuss Future Science and Education Collaboration
On June 10, a delegation from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) led by Vice President Y.H. Frank Ying visited Charles University in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1348 by Charles IV of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles University stands as the oldest and highest-ranking university in Central Europe.
Professor Rokyta, Dean of the School of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University, warmly welcomed the NTNU delegation. He provided an insightful overview of Charles University's rich history and the establishment of its Department of Natural Sciences. Highlighting the university's ongoing collaborations with several Taiwanese institutions, including faculty exchanges with NTNU's Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Professor Rokyta expressed keen interest in furthering cooperation with NTNU's Faculty of Science, particularly in mathematics, physics, and information engineering.
Vice President Ying underscored his commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation through scholarly exchanges. He extended an invitation to Charles University scholars to participate in an international seminar hosted by NTNU's School of Science next year. Following this, Dean Jein-Shan Chen offered a comprehensive overview of NTNU's School of Science. Professors Jyh-Shen Tsay and Yu-Tzu Elise Li presented their departments' research topics and outlined ambitious plans for international collaborations, emphasizing the potential for joint research and student exchange programs with Charles University. Professor Li also highlighted the historical significance of the first International Chemistry Olympiad, held in Prague in 1968, and noted NTNU's upcoming role as host of the 59th Olympiad in 2027, marking this visit as a tribute to Charles University.
The delegation expressed high expectations for future cooperation. Professor Way-Zen Lee from NTNU's Department of Chemistry lauded Charles University's robust research capabilities, emphasizing its community of over 50,000 students and 1,000 professors in natural sciences. Pei-Jen Lee Shaner, Director of NTNU's Institutional Research Office, praised Charles University's model of achieving both depth and breadth in specialized fields, recognizing it as a valuable framework for NTNU's Faculty of Science.
The visit concluded on a successful note, with Charles University expressing a strong interest in promoting dual-degree programs with NTNU's Faculty of Science. Both institutions anticipate more in-depth collaboration across various fields, aiming to enhance educational and scientific research exchanges between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.