To Strengthen Competencies in the Field of Semiconductors, VU Researchers and Students Visited Taiwan

Last week, five professors and 12 students from the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University (VU), together with colleagues from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) visited Taiwan. Over the course of ten days, a total of 24 Lithuanian representatives took part in a visit focused on fostering academic and research cooperation in the field of semiconductors.

“We familiarised ourselves with the latest trends and advancements in semiconductor technologies, taking part in academic courses and visiting leading universities, industrial companies, and research laboratories. One of the highlights was the Crystal Growth Centre at National Cheng Kung University, which plays a pivotal role in advancing laser technologies. This experience significantly deepened our expertise and further strengthened international collaboration. We are grateful to National Sun Yat-sen University for leading this initiative,” said Prof. Aidas Matijošius, Dean of the Faculty of Physics at VU.

The delegation visited the National Centre for Instrument Research, the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute, the Taiwan Space Agency, industrial companies, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). Students had a unique opportunity to attend lectures by Taiwanese university professors alongside students from various institutions. Colleagues exchanged academic experiences with students studying in Taiwan and the researchers teaching there.

“The warmth and generosity of the Taiwanese people were truly remarkable, and their openness and dedication left a lasting impression. Our counterparts in Taiwan provided detailed insights into academic processes, the equipment they utilise, their various applications, and the specific areas of research they support. Seeing the equipment in continuous use – even throughout the night – was inspiring. I feel fortunate to have gained firsthand experience of this country’s scientific, academic, and cultural landscape,” said Prof. Vytautas Jukna.

Prof. Tadas Malinauskas noted the strong collaboration between Taiwanese universities and the semiconductor industry: “Industrial companies support the establishment of laboratories, commission research projects, and offer placements to students for internships of various durations.”

Prof. Robertas Grigalaitis highlighted the demanding journey Taiwan undertook to become a global leader in the semiconductor sector: “Achieving excellence in this field required overcoming considerable challenges, acquiring specialised knowledge abroad, and maintaining an extraordinary level of commitment. Today, Taiwan’s foremost companies operate continuously, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.”

A reception was held at Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Eric Huang, former head of the Taiwanese representative office in Lithuania and now Director General of the Department of European Affairs. He noted that in recent years, cooperation between Taiwan and Lithuania has made significant progress not only in terms of democratic support but also in economic and technological matters. Reflecting on the similarities and challenges faced by both countries, the diplomat expressed hope that the bond between Vilnius and Taipei will continue to grow stronger.

Taiwan is one of the few countries in the world that leads in the semiconductor sector and possesses the entire production chain, from integrated circuit design and chip manufacturing to testing and packaging.

VU has been strengthening its ties with Taiwanese higher education institutions for several years. Students are participating in academic exchange programmes in Taiwan. This spring, a delegation from National Cheng Kung University visited the Faculty of Physics.

Researchers from the VU Faculty of Physics aim to strengthen Lithuania’s position in the semiconductor ecosystem. Together with partners, they are establishing two international semiconductor competence centres. In April, Lithuania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Sport approved the creation of the Terahertz and Hybrid Semiconductor Chip Centre. Previously, the European Commission awarded the highest rating to the “ChipsC2-LT” project, jointly implemented by Vilnius University, the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology, VILNIUS TECH, and Kaunas University of Technology.