NCKU Professors Receive 2025 

NSTC Outstanding Research Award

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) continues its streak of research excellence with eight professors receiving the 2025 NSTC Outstanding Research Award. Representing the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Bioscience and Biotechnology, these awardees showcase NCKU’s immense academic depth. This achievement underscores the university’s success in fostering interdisciplinary innovation and bridging the gap between basic theory and practical application.

Science: Advancing Fundamental Research

Within the College of Science, three distinguished professors were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Distinguished Professor Chin-Shan Lue of the Department of Physics has long specialized in low-temperature solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Through the crystal growth laboratory he established, more than 200 types of single crystals have been successfully developed, significantly enhancing Taiwan’s global visibility in crystal materials research. Professor Tay-Rong Chang is renowned for his work in theoretical topological physics and materials prediction and is recognized as the first scholar worldwide to propose the concept of a ferromagnetic axion insulator. Professor Jinn-Kong Sheu of the Department of Photonics pioneered the development of Taiwan’s first commercially mass-produced blue light-emitting diode (LED), catalyzing the growth of the domestic upstream chip industry and laying a critical foundation for Taiwan’s leading position in the global LED supply chain. All these achievements exemplify the College of Science’s strength in bridging fundamental research with real world applications, as well as its profound and lasting impact on industrial innovation and development.

Engineering: Integrating Disciplines and Innovation

In the College of Engineering, the award-winning research reflects innovation and interdisciplinary integration. Professor Chin-Hsiang Cheng of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics has dedicated his work to Stirling engines and refrigeration technologies, expanding potential applications in energy utilization and aerospace. Distinguished Professor Chi-Ming Lai of the Department of Civil Engineering specializes in both building energy systems and semiconductor thermal management. His cross-disciplinary approach, spanning urban systems, architecture, and microchips, strengthens the integration of energy technologies and industrial supply chains, providing key technical foundations for enhancing national competitiveness and advancing sustainable transformation.

Medicine: Precision Medicine and Environmental Health

The College of Medicine has also demonstrated strong research momentum in the health and environmental fields. Professor Yen-Wen Liu of the Department of Pharmacology focuses on stem cells and regenerative medicine, successfully developing cardiomyocyte technologies with clinical application potential, thereby advancing precision medicine. Distinguished Professor Ying-Jan Wang of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health is engaged in research on alternative toxicology and nanotechnology. He has actively contributed to the development and operation of the Taiwan Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods, establishing a locally grounded framework for alternative toxicological assessment. 

Life Sciences: Climate Change and Ecological Research

In the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Professor I-Ching Chen of the Department of Life Sciences focuses on climate change ecology. Her research has been published multiple times in leading international journals such as Science and Nature, contributing to foundational theories on climate change and biological evolution.

▲ Prof. Chin-Shan Lu has long specialized in low-temperature solid-state NMR technology

▲ Prof. Tay-Rong Chang (center)   discusses physics with students

▲  Prof. Cheng Chin-Hsiang dedicated his work to Stirling engines and refrigeration technologies

▲ Prof. Lai Chi-Ming integrates thermoelectric generators (TEG) into building façades

▲ Prof. I-Ching Chen (fourth from right) with her research team during fieldwork

▲ Prof.Ying-Jan Wang (front row, fourth from left) in the field of toxicology and environmental medicine