NCKU and Kyoto University Co-host the 10th Asia Research Node Symposium on Humanosphere Science
Written by NCKU Office of Internation Affairs. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
Ancient Capitals Unite to Drive Cross-Border Innovation in Space Technology and Sustainability
The 10th Asia Research Node Symposium on Humanosphere Science (ARN 2025) concluded successfully at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), from September 16 to 18, 2025. Jointly organized by Han-Min Hsia Space Science and Technology Center (NCKU) and College of Planning and Design, together with Kyoto University Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), the symposium underscored the shared commitment of Taiwan and Japan to advancing research in space technology and sustainability. A highlight of the event was the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a milestone in deepening cross-border and interdisciplinary cooperation. A total of 96 participants attended the symposium, including 38 scholars from Kyoto University, as well as representatives from the University of Tokyo and Nagoya University. On the Taiwanese side, scholars from nine institutions, including Academia Sinica and NCKU, were also in attendance.
Prof. Charles Lin, Director of Han-Min Hsia Space Science and Technology Center, Prof. Mamoru YAMAMOTO, Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), and Prof. Ping-Sheng Wu, Senior Vice President, NCKU, sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
Strengthening Ties Between Two Leading Universities
NCKU and Kyoto University enjoy a long-standing partnership that has grown steadily through multiple agreements at both the university and college levels, fostering student exchange and joint research. This symposium advanced that collaboration with the signing of a tripartite MOU among Kyoto University RISH, Han-Min Hsia Space Science and Technology Center in NCKU, and the College of Planning and Design in NCKU. The agreement was jointly signed by Director Mamoru Yamamoto of Kyoto University’s RISH, Director Charles Lin of NCKU’s Han-Min Hsia Space Science and Technology Center, and Dean Hsueh-Sheng Chang of NCKU’s College of Planning and Design. The signing was witnessed by NCKU’s Executive Vice President Shyy-Woei Chang, Senior Vice President Ping-Sheng Wu, Vice President for International Affairs Sun-Yuan Hsieh, and Associate Vice President for Research and Development I-Son Ng. Beyond academics, the partnership carries symbolic weight: both Kyoto and Tainan are historic capitals, and their collaboration reflects how cultural heritage can inspire a shared vision of innovation and sustainability for the future.
NCKU and Kyoto University Deepen Scientific Cooperation with the 10th Asia Research Node Symposium on Humanosphere Science.
Executive Vice President Chang noted that in the face of profound impacts from climate change, energy transition, disaster resilience, public health, aging populations, as well as the transformative power of digitalization and artificial intelligence, the expertise of scientists and engineers is critical. Their collective research can provide actionable solutions to support community resilience and guide industries through necessary transitions toward sustainability. This collaboration serves as a model for cross-disciplinary and cross-border cooperation, symbolizing our shared commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative research. Looking ahead, Executive Vice President Chang mentioned that NCKU and Kyoto University will co-host the "NCKU-KU Research Day" in late November, with a central focus on sustainability and disaster resilience. This event is not merely an academic exchange; it is a tangible demonstration of how universities can serve society in addressing global challenges such as extreme climate events, earthquakes, and flooding. By integrating engineering, urban planning, social sciences, and policy perspectives, we seek to develop innovative, practical solutions that can enhance resilience for both communities and industries.
Eight Key Themes for a Sustainable Future
With the theme of “Sustainability for the Humanosphere,” ARN 2025 gathered leading scholars and experts from Japan, Taiwan, and international institutions to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The discussions spanned eight areas: satellite payloads and space engineering, ionospheric variation and remote sensing, urban ecology and pest management, wireless communications and semiconductor technologies, timber architecture and sustainable design, green energy and biotechnology, space weather, and emerging low-carbon biomass materials.
Among the highlights was a presentation by Kyoto University on nano cellulose, a next-generation biomaterial that is lightweight, strong, transparent, and even edible, with potential applications in the automotive, food, medical, and construction industries. Its promise in carbon capture (CCUS) and the circular economy, nano cellulose became one of the most anticipated innovations showcased at the symposium.
The 10th Asia Research Node Symposium on Humanosphere Science: Eight Key Themes Guide Cross-Border Research to a New Chapter of Sustainability.
Toward a Shared Future
Through ARN 2025, NCKU demonstrated the strengths of Taiwan in space science and sustainability, while reinforcing collaboration with Kyoto University to foster broader international and industry linkages. With the signing of the new MOU and the launch of future joint initiatives, the two universities are set to integrate resources and expertise, building a more resilient and innovative research network in Asia—and taking concrete steps toward a sustainable future for humanity.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2025-09-25