NTU Plans Talent Sustainability Initiative, Offering Up to NT$12 Million to New Academics

(Taipei, April 13, reporter Chen Chih-chung) National Taiwan University (NTU) convened its university council today, where President Chen Wen-chang highlighted an upcoming wave of professor retirements. To attract young international scholars, NTU plans to utilize funding from the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative to offer new faculty members an arrival bonus of up to NT$12 million (approximately USD$380,000) over five years.

NTU's Personnel Office Director Chen Pei-chun presented the 'Talent Sustainability Plan' during the council meeting, proposing to leverage funds from the 'Higher Education Talent Sustainability and Development Promotion Program' to establish hiring criteria and incentive regulations.

Chen Pei-chun noted that 44% of NTU's faculty are aged 55 or older, indicating a significant retirement wave in the coming years. To attract new talent, NTU plans to offer both arrival and retention bonuses over five years, with the arrival bonus reaching up to NT$12 million, funded 75% by the Ministry of Education and 25% by NTU. The retention bonus will be awarded based on substantial contributions, with a maximum of NT$2.16 million.

President Chen Wen-chang explained that the Ministry of Education's 'Higher Education Talent Sustainability and Development Promotion Program' has allocated NT$6 billion for talent retention and recruitment across universities. As institutions submit their proposals, NTU's plan will be submitted to the Ministry for evaluation following today's council approval.

In a post-meeting press briefing, President Chen emphasized NTU's comprehensive support measures for young scholars, including assistance for those wishing to bring their research teams to Taiwan.

Regarding the Ministry of Education's planned 'National Taiwan Science Experimental Senior High School (NTSESH)' to be located on NTU's campus, President Chen stated that the school will target academically inclined students with a relatively small enrollment.

Chen added that the NTSESH preparatory office is expected to launch as early as this fall, allowing students to enroll in multiple 'Advanced Courses for High School Students' (typically limited to one), as well as audit other NTU courses and access laboratories.