The research team led by Professor Chen is dedicated to investigating the cognitive and neural theories of humor and creativity, individual differences, and effective teaching programs through diverse paradigms. The team has established itself as a leading research group in humor and creativity studies within the Chinese academic community. In addition, Professor Chen and his team have developed the Chinese Character Key-image Mnemonics, along with a series of innovative teaching materials. This approach has successfully overcome long-standing challenges in Chinese character instruction, significantly enhancing learning effectiveness through creative pedagogical strategies, and has been widely recognized by Chinese language learners both in Taiwan and internationally. Professor Chen has also made sustained contributions to the advancement of social emotional learning, including theoretical development, test construction, and the design of teaching materials for teachers, students, and parents across different educational stages. His team has become a key driving force in promoting SEL in Taiwan, working toward the creation of a well-being-oriented educational environment.
Throughout his academic career, Professor Chen has held numerous administrative positions at NTNU, including Chair of the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Development, Vice President for Continuing Education, Dean of the College of Education, and Director of the Social Emotional Education and Development Center.
Beyond the university, Professor Chen has contributed to academic communities. He has served as President of the Taiwanese Psychological Association, President of the Chinese Association of Psychological Testing, President of the Chinese Creativity Association, Chair of the Taiwan Education Alliance, and President of the Asia-Pacific Association for Teacher Education. He has also been Editor-in-Chief of several leading journals, including Psychological Testing, Bulletin of Educational Psychology, and Journal of Research in Education Sciences. In addition, Professor Chen has served as a member of the Ministry of Education’s Central Counseling Team for the integrative activities, as well as a drafter and a member of the Board of Examiners for the Ministry of Examination and the College Entrance Examination Center.
Professor Chang began his career in education in 1985 and joined NTNU in 1988. Over the years, he has held several key administrative positions, including Director of the Physical Education Research and Development Center, Director of the Graduate Institute of Sport, Leisure and Hospitality Management, Dean of the College of Sports and Recreation, and Vice President for Student Affairs. He also served as Director-General of the Sports Administration, Ministry of Education. His leadership experience spans both university and national governance, reflecting a broad vision and integrative capacity. In addition, he has served as Chair of the Board of Examiners of the Examination Yuan and Deputy Convener of the Sports Development Fund Management Committee, participating in the planning and review of national examinations and talent cultivation systems, accumulating experience in public governance and policy coordination.
In both academic and social practice, Professor Chang has maintained focus on aging society and public health. He has actively promoted healthy aging and community sports, planning and implementing exercise programs and interdisciplinary projects for the older adults to enhance health and social participation. He has also incorporated environmental sustainability and net-zero emissions into sports facility planning and curriculum design, demonstrating higher education’s public mission in responding to social transformation and sustainable development.
In sports industry and technology, Professor Chang is committed to translating academic research into practical applications. He has advanced sports technology, safety management, and industry innovation. He led the development of the “Fitness Activation Device,” expanding practical applications of sports technology in public health, and promoted the AI-powered Swimming Safety Protection System to enhance real-time monitoring and risk management in public venues. Through engagement in sports industry policy, he has continued to stimulate the integration of sports technology and industry development.