MOST steps up aid to young scholars

2014-12-17

The Ministry of Science and Technology announced Dec. 15 a raft of measures to help young scholars pursue studies across diverse academic fields, earmarking a budget of NT$250 million (US$8 million) to the purpose.

The four-pronged program comprises offering larger grants; providing monies for postdoctoral studies; creating, with businesses, funding for outstanding doctoral candidates; and encouraging college students to participate in research projects, said Acting MOST Minister Lin Yi-bing.

“High-quality human resources form the bedrock of a nation’s development, and the ministry aims to advance progress in this area by cultivating first-rate research personnel through a series of youth-based initiatives.”

One goal is to increase the percentage of successful grant applications for scholars who work at the nation’s tertiary institutions for less than five years, Lin said, adding that he expects the policy to be implemented in January.

College students who apply for grants to participate in research projects will also see their chances of success improve to 45 percent from the current 30 percent. Grants will be increased to NT$48,000 from NT$32,000 annually, he added.

Postdoctoral fellowships, meanwhile, are already receiving substantial promotion by the MOST’s independent postdoctoral research program, the acting minister continued. Doctoral students showing promise in certain areas receive a monthly stipend of up to NT$20,000 from the ministry, an amount to be matched by the private sector.

Lin noted that local firms taking part in the grant scheme include Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., MediaTek Inc. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Enhanced collaboration between academia and industry will translate into a greater playing field in which Taiwan’s young scholars can realize their potential, he said.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=225278&ctNode=445)