Participants include students from internationally renowned institutions such as the University of Cambridge and Purdue University, as well as other overseas higher education institutions. Based on their research projects and academic fields, the students joined laboratories across the College of Science, where they are conducting research under the guidance of NTNU faculty members.

The internships are supported by two government initiatives: the Ministry of Education’s Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) and the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) International Internship Pilot Program (IIPP). Through these international internship programs, overseas students gain opportunities to experience Taiwan’s universities and research environment while strengthening academic exchange and connections between NTNU and universities around the world.

Of the 24 interns, 18 are participating through TEEP and six through IIPP. Their research spans chemistry, materials science, environmental analysis, biomedicine, optoelectronics, and artificial intelligence. Under the guidance of College of Science faculty members, the students take part in experimental design, instrument operation, data analysis, and academic discussions. Beyond research training, the internships offer international students an opportunity to learn more about NTNU’s research strengths and build connections with peers from different cultural backgrounds.

To bring together international students working in different laboratories, the College of Science held the 2026 NTNU Summer School from August 5 to 7 at NTNU’s Gongguan Campus. The opening ceremony was hosted by Distinguished Professor and Associate Chair Di-Yan Wang of the Department of Chemistry.

The first day featured talks by Associate Professor Tai-Yen Chen of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston and Assistant Professor Duc-Thang Vo of the College of Engineering at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), along with short presentations by participating students. Participants also visited NTNU’s Advanced Instrumentation Center. The 24 interns presented their research and shared their internship experiences in Taiwan in two sessions, covering topics ranging from mass spectrometry, optoelectronic materials, and water treatment to biomedical technology and intelligent applications.

The Summer School also emphasized interaction between international and local students. Exchange lunches, open discussions, and “My Hometown” presentations provided opportunities for students from different countries to introduce their universities and cultures while exchanging experiences of studying and living in Taiwan with NTNU students.

Associate Professor Yi-Hsin Liu of NTNU’s Department of Chemistry said that through face-to-face conversations, participants not only learned about one another’s research expertise but also gained a better understanding of different cultures through everyday interactions, building international friendships and creating possibilities for future collaboration.

Cultural experiences were another important part of the program. Students visited Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and Ximending to learn about Taipei’s urban development and local culture. Assistant Professor Trong-Nghia Le, a Vietnamese faculty member in NTNU’s Department of Chemistry, arranged a visit to the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC), where students learned about Taiwan’s large-scale research facilities and their applications. They then visited the National Palace Museum to explore Taiwan’s history and cultural heritage through its collections, followed by a visit to Shilin Night Market to experience another side of Taiwan’s diverse and vibrant culture.

By combining research internships with the Summer School, cultural visits, and local exchanges, the College of Science aims to ensure that international students not only receive research training during their one- to four-month stays but also gain greater exposure to Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese culture.

Distinguished Professor and Department Chair Elise Yu-Tzu Li of NTNU’s Department of Chemistry encouraged the international students to make the most of their opportunities to study and conduct research in Taiwan. Through programs such as TEEP and IIPP, NTNU will continue to connect with young people from around the world, deepen international research collaboration, attract more outstanding students to Taiwan for higher education, research, and language learning, and increase the international visibility of NTNU’s research strengths and welcoming campus environment.