Summary and Highlights of the Project Objectives of Phase I (2023-2024)
I. Execution Summary: The university has fully implemented all joint and self-defined performance targets under the Higher Education SPROUT Project. Key achievements include the following: Advancing Teaching Innovation – Problem-based learning (PBL) to enhance practical problem-solving skills, self-directed learning, and global mobility, fostering industry-ready talent; Social Responsibility – Support of local agricultural product transformation and industrial sustainability; Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration – Advancing "Golden Artisan" teaching, MIG technology specialization, and research team development; Enhanced Higher Education Public Accessibility: Resources and funds allocated to support economically disadvantaged students, improve faculty structure, and promote lifelong learning.
II. Highlights:
(1) Advancing Teaching Innovation:
1. Outstanding Cross-disciplinary Learning:
In the 2022-2023 academic year, 11,335 students enrolled in cross-disciplinary courses. Notably, mechanical engineering students integrated their field with environmental science to win a silver medal and the Ministry of Environment’s Net-Zero Transformation Special Award at the 2023 Climate Change Innovation Competition. Additionally, dual majors and minors saw significant growth from 57 students in 2018 to 320 in 2022 and 2023.
2. Exemplary Professional Skills:
From 2023-2024, 73 skilled student competitors were enrolled, with notable success in the 53rd and 54th National Skills Competitions, earning one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. Standout achievements include Su's victory in the CNC Milling category at the 47th International Skills Competition.
3. Increasing Innovative Teaching Faculty:
Traditional teaching models have been transformed through innovative methods such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and MOOCs, sparking students' motivation and passion for learning and improving overall learning outcomes. The number of full-time and part-time faculty involved grew from 57 before the Project's implementation to 327 in the fall semester of the 2024 academic year, marking a 473% increase. Additionally, two faculty members received promotions through teaching practice research. The number of innovative teaching practice courses expanded from 14 in the Fall of 2023 to 27 in the Fall of 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 92.86%.
4. Enhanced Academic Quality:
The number of research papers published by faculty in the WoS database increased from 115 prior to the Project’s implementation to 403 in 2023, representing a growth rate of 250.43%. Additionally, in Stanford University's "2024 Scientific Impact Rankings," six professors from the university were recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists, and seven professors were listed in the "Lifetime Scientific Impact Ranking" (1960-2023).
5. Global Mobility Excellence:
In 2024, international student enrollment from 12 countries reached 929, a nearly fivefold increase from the start of the Project. The university climbed to 294th in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 – third among Taiwan's universities of science and technology.
(2) Fulfilling Social Responsibility:
1. Promotion of the Ministry of Education’s USR Project:
The university advanced from Type B (Seed) to Type C (Deep Cultivation), assisting mushroom farmers in Taichung’s Xinshe District in establishing a smart environmental control production system, stabilizing the production environment to increase yields. The service area has been expanded, and funding has risen from NT$7 million to NT$10.9 million, reflecting a 55.71% growth.
2. Industry-Specific Talent Programs:
In response to industry demands, the university has established industry-academia collaborative programs, increasing from 28 before the Project's implementation to 54 programs.
3. Community Education Promotion:
A community lifelong learning network was developed, with the number of community classes growing from 30 before the Project to 52.
(3) Industry-Academia Collaboration:
1. Successful MIG Technology R&D Focus: Five specialized technical service centers were established, resulting in an 11.33% increase in mid-to-large-scale industry-academia projects from 2021 to 2023.
2. Vibrant Student Entrepreneurship: Through creative, innovation, and entrepreneurship courses and team formations, 69 commercialization projects were completed between 2023 and October 31, 2024. Students also applied for and received approval for 85 product development patents.
(4) Enhancing Higher Education Accessibility:
Student Financial Support: A total of 15,604 students were assisted between 2023 and 2024, with each student receiving an average of NT$45,368 in various forms of support in 2023.