NTOU undergraduate research projects hit record high, with AI and sustainability as key focuses

National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) has achieved a record-breaking year for its undergraduate research program, with 52 projects approved by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) for 2026. The total funding for these projects amounts to NT$2.92 million, marking a significant increase in both the number of approved projects and the allocated budget.

This year's approvals represent a 36.84% rise in project numbers compared to the previous year, with an approval rate of 57.14%. The research topics predominantly center on Artificial Intelligence (AI), with 17 projects, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with 15 projects. This focus highlights NTOU's commitment to fostering innovation and addressing global challenges.

“

The value of education lies not only in the transmission of knowledge but also in cultivating students' independent thinking, moral character, problem-solving skills, and social concern.

Information Engineering Department head Ma Shang-bin has guided students to success in the NSTC undergraduate program for 11 consecutive years. His lab's research has evolved from traditional information systems to AI-empowered software engineering, with applications extending into education and healthcare. This approach cultivates students' ability to solve real-world problems using innovative technologies.

“

In recent years, the laboratory's research themes have gradually shifted from traditional information systems, mobile applications, and software engineering to AI-empowered software engineering, extending to cross-disciplinary applications such as education and healthcare, continuously cultivating students' ability to solve real-world problems with innovative technology.

NTOU Vice President Li Ming-an, a distinguished professor in Environmental Biology and Fisheries Science, emphasizes that education's value lies in cultivating independent thinking, moral character, problem-solving skills, and social concern. He plans to leverage AI tools and existing research on social-ecological systems (SES) alongside SDG principles to guide students in developing interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability challenges. The university aims to nurture a new generation of talent with professional competence, humanitarian concern, and a global perspective.

NTOU Research and Development Director Wang Rong-chang expressed pride in the record number of approved projects, attributing it to the dedication of faculty and students. He anticipates these undergraduate projects will lead to significant research outcomes in the coming years, further advancing Taiwan's progress in marine research and related interdisciplinary fields.

“

The record number of approvals this time demonstrates the dedication of all faculty and students in academic research. We look forward to seeing these undergraduate projects translate into fruitful results in the next few years, further promoting the vigorous development of Taiwan in marine research and related interdisciplinary fields.