The 16 outstanding Taiwanese students

The Ministry of Education has a long-standing commitment to promoting international STEM education and providing young Taiwanese students with access to world-class academic exchange opportunities. As part of this the Education Division at the Taipei Representative Office in the UK has been actively supporting Taiwanese participation in the  London International Youth Science Forum since 2014. The Forum is an internationally recognised two-week programme featuring lectures by leading scientists, visits to universities and research institutions, laboratory demonstrations, debates and cultural exchange activities. Taiwanese students taking part can broaden their scientific knowledge, develop global perspectives, and establish international networks that will support their future academic and professional development. They also demonstrate Taiwan's excellence in STEM education on the international stage.

The 67th London International Youth Science Forum officially opened on July 20, at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The theme of this year’s Forum was Truth Through Science, and its focus was the vital role that evidence-based research plays in advancing society in many fields—including medicine, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and environmental sustainability. The more than 500 students from over 90 countries and territories participating included a 16-member delegation from Taiwan. The opening ceremony began with a procession of the delegations from the participating countries and territories and the 16-member delegation joined the other participants from around the world, proudly carrying the Taiwanese flag.

After the opening ceremony, a reception hosted by the Royal Geographical Society gave the students, educators, and delegates an opportunity to interact and exchange ideas, celebrating international friendship and scientific collaboration. The outstanding students representing Taiwan were the first to participate in the Forum with support provided by the Ministry of Education’s Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative which was launched in 2025. Andy Cheu-An Bi 畢祖安, Director of the Education Division, attended the opening ceremony, representing Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. He welcomed the Taiwanese delegation and encouraged the students to make the most of this unique international learning experience.

Professor John O'Keefe, winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and the inaugural Director of the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour at University College London, then gave the keynote address. Professor O'Keefe reflected on his pioneering research and encouraged the students to pursue scientific discovery with curiosity, perseverance, and an open mind. He stressed that international cooperation remains essential for addressing the complex global challenges of the future.