NCKU, National Cheng Kung University - Stories & Perspectives

【Phoenix Lecture】Nobel Laureate Svante Pääbo Visits NCKU to Share How Ancient DNA Reveals the Origins of Modern Humans

2026-03-24

Ancient-DNA pioneer Professor Svante Pääbo drew a capacity crowd to National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) on 20 March, when he delivered the 2026 NCKU Phoenix Lecture in the International Conference Hall at the main library. In a talk titled “About the Origins of Modern Humans: Neandertals, Denisovans, and the Genetic Legacy of Humanity”, the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate outlined the breakthroughs that helped to open the field of ancient-DNA research. The lecture, followed by an academic discussion, attracted students and faculty from both within NCKU and beyond.

2009, Master, Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Ching-Lai Lu Distinguished Alumni of 2025

2025-03-11

Institute of Science Tokyo Delegation Visits NCKU to Deepen Semiconductor and Smart Medicine Collaboration

2026-03-19

Written by NCKU Office of Internation Affairs. Image credit to NCKU News Center

NCKU welcomes the Institute of Scie...

NCKU Researchers Achieve New Milestone in RNA Biology, Opening a New Chapter in Hypoxia Biology

2026-03-17

A research team at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has uncovered a new mechanism by which the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) rewires RNA metabolic pathways in the nucleus, revealing a previously unrecognized strategy used by cancer cells to adapt to hypoxia. The study, led by Dr. Pai-Sheng Chen from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology at NCKU, was published in the international journal Nucleic Acids Research. The new research reveals that HIF-1α, aside from serving as a transcription factor, can "rewire" RNA metabolic pathways within the nucleus.

National Cheng Kung University and Masaryk University Forge Strategic Partnership Agreement Focusing on Semiconductors, Cybersecurity, Biomedicine, and Sustainability

2026-02-13

Martin Bareš, Rector of Masaryk University (MUNI) in the Czech Republic, led a delegation to visit National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) on February 10–11, 2026. During the visit, the two institutions signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement. Discussions focused on semiconductors, cybersecurity, biomedicine, and environmental sustainability. Both institutions are committed to launching pilot projects and gradually developing long-term, results-driven collaborations.

2026 THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings: NCKU Ranks First in Taiwan, Advances Social Responsibility and Strengthens Global Connections

2025-12-10

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) achieved an outstanding result in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, announced in November. NCKU ranked 35th in the world and first among the seven Taiwanese universities listed in the global top 200. NCKU Executive Vice President Shyy-Woei Chang noted that as a comprehensive university with a full range of academic disciplines and a compact campus, NCKU has a natural advantage in promoting interdisciplinary research. Since President Meng-Ru Shen took office, interdisciplinary research has been set as one of the core directions for university development. He has repeatedly emphasized that the university must fulfill its social responsibilities and ensure that NCKU’s growth responds to national needs and contributes to society. This recognition shows that President Shen’s direction is on the right track. Moving forward, NCKU will continue to deepen its commitment to fulfilling its USR, respond to national and societal needs, and strengthen its international connections.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Svante Pääbo to Speak at NCKU Phoenix Lecture on March 20

2026-03-13

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) will host Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Svante Pääbo, winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and a pioneer in ancient DNA research, for the 2026 NCKU Phoenix Lecture on Friday, March 20, 2026. In his lecture, titled “About the Origins of Modern Humans: Neandertals, Denisovans, and the Genetic Legacy of Humanity,” Prof. Pääbo will share his groundbreaking research on ancient DNA. He will guide the audience through how scientists recover ancient DNA from fossils to trace the story of human origins, and explain how such research helps us understand the genetic characteristics of modern humans and even informs modern medical research.

NCKU Kicks Off "NCKU Meets Nobel" Series with Nobel Laureate Sir Christopher Pissarides on AI and the Future of Work

2025-12-10

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) launched the first lecture of its "NCKU Meets Nobel | AI × Sustainability: Insights for the Future" series on December 9th. The event featured a special keynote speech by the 2010 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, Prof. Sir Christopher A. Pissarides.

Shinshu University Visits NCKU to Strengthen International USR Collaboration

2025-11-28

On November 21, Professor Soichiro Nakamura, President of Shinshu University, led a delegation of senior officials to visit National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). During the meeting, the two institutions initiated dialogues on University Social Responsibility (USR), development of the humanities, and transnational collaboration. The Shinshu University delegation expressed strong interest in NCKU’s USR model and its locally co-created initiatives, laying a solid foundation for future bilateral cooperation.