Inaugural U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Dialogue Strengthens Collaboration

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) Jason Donovan led the U.S. delegation to the inaugural U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Dialogue (STCD) on May 22 in Taipei, convened under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO). Following the 2020 AIT-TECRO Science and Technology Agreement, the STCD provided a forum for participants to discuss scientific issues of mutual importance as well as strengthen collaboration and understanding between the U.S. and Taiwan science and technology communities.

Taiwan National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Minister Tsung-Tsong Wu and AIT Acting Director Jeremy Cornforth provided introductory remarks at the opening of the dialogue, along with virtual remarks from TECRO Representative Bi-khim Hsiao and U.S. Department of State Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer R. Littlejohn.  Dr. Horn-Jiunn Sheen, the Executive Director of Taiwan NSTC, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Donovan delivered keynote speeches on policy priorities for science, technology, and innovation.

The U.S. delegation participating in the STCD included scientists and subject matter experts from the U.S. Department of State, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Participants presented and engaged in discussions on a range of topics, including semiconductor research and applications; biotechnology and biomanufacturing; cancer research; environmental modeling and research; as well as research integrity and security in the context of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).