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Four students from the Department of Physics at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) spent a month at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, in the Czech Republic through Taiwan’s Ministry of Education Study Abroad Internship Program. Working alongside an international research team, the students gained hands-on experience in research on the optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of emerging materials.

Their projects covered two-dimensional materials, valleytronics, magnetic materials, and optical measurements. In addition to strengthening their research and experimental skills, the students developed their English communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural skills in an international research environment, preparing them for future work in semiconductors, optoelectronics, and quantum technologies.

 

The students joined the research team of Professor Jana Kalbáčová Vejpravová at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University. Based on their individual research topics, they worked with equipment and techniques including the Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS), low-temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and magnetic measurements.

After arriving at the laboratory, the students received safety training and introductions to the research facilities before discussing their projects with postdoctoral researchers and other members of the team. Throughout the internship, they took part in group meetings, research discussions, seminars, and presentations while completing their individual projects.

The experience gave the students firsthand insight into how an international research team operates—from planning research and assigning responsibilities to managing experimental procedures—while strengthening their research, presentation, and communication skills.

 

Professor Ting-Hua Lu of NTNU’s Department of Physics visited the students in the Czech Republic from June 27 to July 6 to discuss their research progress, experimental results, and adjustment to life abroad. During the visit, NTNU and Charles University researchers also participated in the Czech–Taiwan Workshop on Quantum Materials.

The workshop brought together faculty members and students from both universities to share research findings and discuss student exchanges, dual doctoral degree programs, joint research, and international cooperation programs supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education.

Through student internships and faculty exchanges, the partnership between NTNU and Charles University has expanded beyond short-term visits to include research collaboration and international talent development.

 

The program builds on years of collaboration between NTNU’s Department of Physics and Charles University. Rather than treating each internship as a separate project, students from different years build on the research experience and results of previous participants, creating continuity in the partnership.

By regularly sending students to Charles University, the two universities can develop a deeper understanding of shared research topics, experimental facilities, and approaches to collaboration while establishing a long-term model for student training.

NTNU’s Department of Physics noted that training for careers in science, engineering, and the semiconductor industry increasingly depends on interdisciplinary teamwork within large research groups. Working in an international laboratory therefore gives students not only access to advanced equipment and experimental techniques, but also practical experience in research planning, teamwork, and scientific communication.

 

The program provided four NTNU students with month-long internships focusing on different research topics while further developing a regular summer internship model between NTNU and Charles University. By operating research equipment and participating in research meetings and the Czech–Taiwan workshop, students strengthened their professional skills while gaining a broader understanding of research and talent development in semiconductor materials, two-dimensional materials, and quantum materials in Europe.

 

Professor Ting-Hua Lu said that overseas internships offer students more than an opportunity to conduct research abroad. They also provide practical preparation for working in an international environment, where students learn to think independently, solve problems, and collaborate across cultures.

 

NTNU’s Department of Physics plans to continue expanding its partnership with Charles University through student internships, faculty visits, joint research, and co-supervision. Future cooperation will also explore student exchanges, dual doctoral degree programs, and international collaborative projects, providing students with more opportunities to develop the professional expertise and international experience needed in science and engineering.

For more information on the Ministry of Education’s Study Abroad Internship Program and New Southbound Study Abroad Internship Program, please visit:

https://bds.oia.ntnu.edu.tw/bds/web/news-subsidy/2026052801