In the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, National Chi Nan University (NCNU) is rated 412th globally for "Industry Income" ⁠— one of the five core pillars measuring the commercial impact, industrial value, and real-world applications of our institution's research.  

NCNU President Dr. Dong-Sing Wuu explains that the Nantou institution was counted among the world's top 1,000 universities in two categories ⁠— industry income and research, which translates into ranking 20th among Taiwanese public universities for their 2022 THE performance. He adds that three NCNU student researchers were honored last month by Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Education, for their respective work on identifying new challenges and solutions in social policy, housing, and workplace equality.

Highlighting the growing body of scientific literature published by NCNU scholars, Dr. Wuu states that the university has aligned its research and social responsibility goals to encourage students and instructors to invest their time and talents in pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations.

The theoretical meets real-life implementation in cooperative projects with industry leaders and the public sector, says Dr. Wuu, adding that subsidies and fellowships from the ministries of science, technology, and education help further university research and bridge the gap between academia and business.

Moving up to 412th in the world for "Industry Income" is reflective of NCNU's years-long efforts to cultivate interdisciplinary ventures across its colleges and departments. The fruits of their research not only drive industrial development but also span the fields of tourism, medical care, social work, power and energy, communications, educational services, disaster response, smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, aeroengineering and astrophysics, and business management.

Dung-Sheng Chen (陳東升), a distinguished professor with National Taiwan University's Department of Sociology, explains that one of the many roles of a university is to help its students find a way to continue growing at home. In Taiwan, where the rural-urban divide is growing, schools are invaluable networks of resources and innovation for regional community groups, farmers, and immigrants as well.

By pooling together their enthusiasm and expertise with entrepreneurial-minded students, NCNU is able to learn from first-hand sources about the obstacles unique to this region and times while establishing a platform for youths to shine and creating more employment opportunities in their hometowns.

In its curriculum encompassing green energy, waste reduction, intelligent machines, and other smart technology, NCNU is also working with fellow schools in the region to develop a blueprint for farm science instruction, as well as monitor the air, water, and soil quality, noise levels, and ecological balance of Nantou County.

The promotion of circular economy and upcycling concepts also help bolster grassroots movements for lowering carbon emissions and plastic consumption, while the university's social responsibilities are carried out through crafted programs such as assisting the 6 adjacent townships in mapping out their community revitalization strategies.

As a certified ISO14001 institution, NCNU adheres to international standards for effective environmental management and aspires to become an academic and humanistic powerhouse bringing together the resources, industries, and visions of central Taiwan to achieve true sustainability and joint prosperity for all.