Professor Hwai-Jong Cheng, Director and Distinguished Research Fellow of the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Academia Sinica, led an IMB delegation to Germany and Lithuania from March 17 to 20, 2026. The delegation visited the University of Bonn and the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University to further strengthen academic ties between Taiwan and European research institutions, while also promoting the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP-MCB) and TIGP-X as part of Academia Sinica’s commitment to international talent cultivation and academic exchange.

From March 17 to 18, the delegation visited the University of Bonn in Germany, where they engaged in discussions with local scholars on molecular biology and related research fields. The visit was intended to reinforce bilateral academic exchange between Taiwan and Germany, expand opportunities for future collaboration, and foster closer connections in research and talent development. By introducing TIGP-MCB and TIGP-X during the visit, the delegation also highlighted Taiwan’s strong research environment and internationalized graduate training system, with the goal of encouraging outstanding international students to pursue advanced study and research in Taiwan.

Following the Germany visit, the delegation traveled to Lithuania from March 19 to 20 to visit the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University. With the support of Ambassador Constance H. Wang of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania and Dr. Shu-Fen Tseng, Director of the Science and Technology Division of the National Science and Technology Council in Lithuania, the visit further advanced scientific exchange and research collaboration between Taiwan and Lithuania. During the visit, the delegation shared IMB’s research achievements and international engagement efforts, while also introducing TIGP and TIGP-X to encourage talented Lithuanian students to come to Taiwan for study, academic exchange, and research training.

The Institute of Molecular Biology noted that the visits to Germany and Lithuania not only expanded substantive engagement with European academic institutions, but also helped build closer international networks for resource sharing and talent exchange. IMB will continue to strengthen partnerships with global collaborators in molecular biology and related fields, with the aim of advancing cutting-edge research and fostering the next generation of scientific talent.