We are pleased to congratulate Professor Li-Chiang Lin on receiving the Young Scholars’ Creativity Award from the Foundation for the Development of Outstanding Scholars (FAOS).
In recent years, the global landscape has undergone significant changes, and Taiwan has likewise faced challenges in transformation and development. From a long-term perspective, Taiwan’s future depends on strengthening education, advancing the standards of high-tech research, enriching the humanities and social sciences, and promoting comprehensive cultural development.
One of the challenges facing Taiwan’s development is the lack of appropriate mechanisms for recruiting outstanding talent from overseas with competitive compensation, as well as for encouraging talented individuals who have devoted themselves to research and made outstanding contributions in Taiwan. In attracting distinguished scholars from overseas to return to Taiwan, major concerns include educational arrangements for their children and reasonable housing costs, which may be difficult to cover under the compensation packages currently provided by public institutions. Meanwhile, outstanding scholars who have returned to Taiwan or who have been trained domestically in recent years have also faced limited opportunities for evaluation and recognition, preventing them from fully realizing their potential.
In view of these challenges, Dr. Yuan-Tseh Lee, former President of Academia Sinica and Nobel Laureate, called upon members of Taiwan’s business and broader communities to establish this foundation. The Foundation was established with the goal of raising NT$1 billion within three years to establish the Outstanding Scholars Chair. The investment income generated by the fund is intended to provide substantial financial support to outstanding academic researchers in various fields, both those recruited from overseas to serve in Taiwan and those who have been conducting research and making significant contributions domestically.
This year marks the 14th Young Scholars’ Creativity Award presented by the Foundation for the Development of Outstanding Scholars. The award recognizes outstanding young scholars who demonstrate creativity and excellence in their respective fields of academic research.
Professor Lin’s receipt of this prestigious award recognizes his outstanding achievements and contributions in his field of research. The award is highly competitive, and this honor is a significant recognition of his academic accomplishments.
Once again, we warmly congratulate Professor Li-Chiang Lin on receiving this distinguished honor!
Young Scholars’ Creativity Award
Application Guidelines
I. Purpose
In accordance with Article 2 of its charter, the Foundation for the Development of Outstanding Scholars (hereinafter referred to as “the Foundation”) established the Young Scholars’ Creativity Award Guidelines to encourage young scholars in Taiwan to pursue academic innovation and undertake in-depth, long-term research.
II. Award Categories
The award is divided into three categories:
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
In principle, no more than three scholars in each category shall receive the award each year.
III. Eligibility
Eligible applicants are researchers, research technical personnel, or faculty members under the age of 45 who are affiliated with public or private academic research institutions or universities and colleges in Taiwan.
IV. Application Procedures
- Nomination-based application
Applications are accepted by nomination. Candidates must be nominated by one of the following:
(1) An Academician of Academia Sinica, an academic administrator, or a Distinguished Research Fellow;
(2) An academic administrator or Distinguished Research Fellow of a national-level research institution;
(3) An academic administrator, Distinguished Professor, Chair Professor, or Distinguished Chair Professor of a public or private university or college in Taiwan.
- Recommendation
Applicants must also designate two scholars from Taiwan or abroad in relevant fields as referees and obtain their consent in advance.
- Application materials
Applicants must complete the application form and submit two copies each of the Chinese and English versions of their research proposal, together with one electronic copy in PDF format.
- Application deadline
Applications must be submitted by November 30 of each year.
V. Award and Funding
The award provides funding for a period of three years. Each award recipient receives an annual award of NT$500,000.
Recipients are required to submit a research report within six months after the end of the three-year funding period.
VI. Review and Selection Procedures
- Review committees
Three review committees shall be established for the following fields:
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
Committee members are recommended by the Foundation’s Academic Review Committee and appointed by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
- Selection of award recipients
Based on individual review reports provided by scholars and experts in the relevant fields, the respective review committees shall conduct a second-stage review and recommend a list of award recipients in each category.
The recommended list shall then be reviewed by the Foundation’s Academic Review Committee and submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval.
VII. Implementation
These Guidelines shall take effect upon approval by the Board of Directors and authorization by the Chairperson. The same procedure shall apply to any subsequent amendments.