At the invitation of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska, visited Taiwan.
She attended six leading Taiwanese universities: National Chengchi University (NCCU), National Taiwan University (NTU), National Taipei University (NTPU), National Central University (NCU), National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). These universities are highly ranked in the Shanghai Ranking, including:National Taiwan University – 63rd place, National Tsing Hua University – 176th place.
The discussions covered the development of academic exchanges for students and researchers, joint research projects and the expansion of institutional contacts.
‘I see great potential in cooperation with Taiwanese universities. I believe that it is already active, primarily through student and staff exchanges. But it could be developed further,' emphasised Prof. Kaniewska after her return.
It is worth highlighting that AMU had already signed agreements with most of the visited universities, often concluded just before the outbreak of the pandemic, which prevented their full potential from being exploited. Thus, the aim of the trip was not only to develop new areas of cooperation but also to confirm and renew existing agreements.
A meeting with Dr. Janusz Bilski, the Director of the Polish Office in Taipei, was a significant part of the agenda. During the discussions, the importance of academic diplomacy and the support that Polish diplomats offer to universities in establishing and developing international connections were emphasised. Having a Polish representative in Taiwan is essential for supporting initiatives undertaken by universities and enhancing their credibility in relationships with foreign partners.
A meeting with Dr Janusz Bilski, Director of the Polish Office in Taipei, also formed an essential part of the agenda. The importance of academic diplomacy and the support provided by Polish diplomats to universities in establishing and developing international contacts was emphasised during the talks. The presence of a Polish representative in Taiwan provides crucial support for initiatives undertaken by universities and strengthens their credibility in relations with foreign partners.
Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska's visit marked the next step in the AMU's internationalisation process and the establishment of lasting academic relations between Poland and Taiwan. The trip was financed by the host.