The 3rd Taiwan Research Academy Trains a New Generation of Taiwan Scholars
An annual Taiwan Research Academy is held at the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas as part of its Taiwan Studies Initiative supported by the Ministry of Education.
Taiwan Research Academy 2026 brought together 19 outstanding students from the U.S. and Taiwan for the 7-day intensive program. Taiwanese and American experts gave lectures analyzing Taiwan’s pivotal role in global affairs, broadening the participants’ perspectives and sparking their critical thinking. These lectures, together with workshops and final presentations, enhanced both the participants’ academic knowledge and their practical research skills.
The success of this year’s academy came about as a result of the leadership of Jennifer Holmes, Dean of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, the meticulous planning of Professor Karl Ho and his team, and the active involvement of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston, and the local Taiwanese community. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Dennis Lu-Chung Weng 翁履中, an Associate Professor of Political Science from Sam Houston State University, and all the faculty members whose expert critiques of the research frameworks of the young scholars participating expanded their academic horizons and gave them practical insights.
Antonio Chen, Deputy Director General of TECO in Houston, was invited to speak at the closing ceremony on June 20 and present certificates to the participants. He pointed out that this year marks two historic milestones: the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S., and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s beginning to hold direct presidential elections. Chen described democratic Taiwan as “an indispensable global partner that safeguards regional freedom of navigation and ensures global economic security” and he encouraged the participants to visit Taiwan and serve as bridges between the two cultures.
Rebecca Lan, Director of the Education Division, then outlined the government scholarships that the American participants can apply for to learn Mandarin, undertake a degree, or conduct research in Taiwan. She then outlined the wide range of scholarships and grants that Taiwan’s Ministry of Education provides to encourage young Taiwanese to study abroad, and she urged any of the Taiwanese participants wanting to do further studies in the U.S. to apply for one of them.
Taiwan continues to occupy an increasingly important position in the international order, the Taiwan Research Academy helps prepare students to engage in associated issues with scholarly rigor, policy insight, and cross-cultural understanding. The success of the 2026 Academy reflects the commitment of the University of Texas at Dallas and the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences to advancing Taiwan studies and building the next generation of leaders in the field.
