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Thematic Clusters | By the Numbers | What They’re Saying | Initiatives | Partners | UAAT Members
Taiwan
The University of Illinois System has established a major strategic partnerships with the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT) and National Taiwan University (NTU) to foster interdisciplinary research, academic exchanges and workforce development in key focus areas like health & medicine, data science & AI, sustainability, quantum & semiconductor, and social science.
20
joint research teams funded across topics that include semiconductors, quantum, AI, and data
127
applications reviewed across the first two rounds, indicating strong bilateral demand
500+
language‑buddy sessions; ~1,560 minutes of conversation per student
20
travel grants provided to encourage faculty collaboration across institutions
70+
participants engaged through Illinois‑based cultural programming
13
cultural events in Taiwan’s professional Mandarin track
“This partnership pushed me beyond my comfort zone, expanding my scientific horizons, fostering new collaborations, and opening new opportunities — all while directly accelerating the progress of my core research program.”
Chris Anderson, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
“The initiatives between the UAAT and the University of Illinois System have impacted [our university] at multiple levels, helping faculty embark on innovative projects with Taiwanese colleagues through the research grant initiative and helping undergraduate students rapidly advance their Mandarin language abilities through the scholarship program. It is incredibly beneficial for researchers both now and in the future that we are creating paths that connect them to Taiwan’s global research and development powerhouse.”
Matt Winters, director of the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
U of I Initiatives with Taiwan
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2026 UAAT Joint Research Call for Proposals
The University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT) and the University of Illinois System are seeking proposals for a joint research project for institutional research scientists. Submit a proposal by August 14, 2026 -
UAAT Joint Research Project
The University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT) and the University of Illinois System have launched a joint research project for institutional research scientists. -
NTU Joint Funding Programs
National Taiwan University and the University of Illinois System have launched two joint funding programs: a Joint Research and Innovation Seed Grants Program and a Travel Grants Program. -
U of I System partners with Taiwanese universities to increase Mandarin language opportunities
The University of Illinois System is expanding Mandarin language education for students across all three of its campuses in collaboration with the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan. -
UAAT Mandarin Scholarship Program
The UAAT Mandarin Scholarship Program provides students from the University of Illinois System with the opportunity to study Mandarin and gain career insights in Taiwan. -
UAAT & U of I System Begin a New Chapter of Education & Research Collaboration
On August 3, 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Prof. Chen Wen-Chang, president of NTU on behalf of the UAAT's universities, and by Prof. Timothy L. Killeen, president of the University of Illinois System.
