Taiwan Studies Programs at Harvard and Boston University Enhance Taiwan–U.S. Academic Ties
Harvard University and Boston University both have Taiwan Studies programs that support and enhance academic research on Taiwan related topics and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the United States, and provide opportunities for scholars to explore Taiwan-related issues in greater depth. They do this through a wide range of academic activities, including international conferences, forums, workshops, and field research grants.
The Pardee School at Boston University, for example, conducted an in-depth analysis of Taiwan’s 2024 elections. The study examined the implications for regional politics and sparked vibrant discussions on East Asian issues within the academic community. And the Fairbank Center at Harvard University organized seminars encompassing Taiwan’s history, culture, and contemporary politics. These introduced fresh perspectives to Boston’s academic circles with the active involvement of global researchers, promoting the co-creation of further knowledge.
Cynthia Huang, Director of the Education Division at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, visited the Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University on October 29, 2024 and talked with scholars there about the achievements of its Taiwan Studies program so far, and the challenges encountered.
Then on December 11, she met with Dorinda Elliott executive director of the Fairbank Center at Harvard University, Professor Mark Wu 伍人英, Director of the Fairbank Center, and Professor Mark Elliott, Vice Provost of International Affairs at Harvard University and the Mark Schwartz Professor of Chinese and Inner Asian History, for the signing of a renewed memorandum of understanding with the Fairbank Center to continue its Taiwan Studies program.
These Taiwan Studies collaborations with these two world-class universities celebrate, sustain and deepen educational and research exchanges between Taiwan and the United States, opening more promising possibilities for the future.
