A new chapter in science diplomacy:  Taiwan and Australia ink Science and Technology Arrangement

　The National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan (NSTC) visited the senior officials of the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and proposed the promotion of the Taiwan-Australia Science and Technology Arrangement (STA) in October 2023.  After both sides’ discussions and planning for six months, Taiwan and Australia successfully executed the Science and Technology Arrangement on May 13, 2024, making Australia the 5th country with which Taiwan signs a STA.  According the STA, the Taiwan-Australia cooperation will focus on the four main areas:  information and communication technology manufacturing, semiconductor and critical technology supply chain resilience, biotechnology, and net-zero transition, etc.. 

　The STA is an upgrade from the MOU signed by and between the two countries in 2012, an upgrade reflecting that both countries have been placing great importance on each other’s scientific research capabilities.  Under the framework of the STA, the bilateral relation of scientific research will be intensified and the scope of collaboration will continue to expand.  

　According to the NSTC, they have accomplished the execution of five science and technology cooperation agreements or arrangements with the United States, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia for the past four years since the end of 2020.  Also, they have formulated and set up 22 programs for bilateral research collaboration and talent exchange with respect to semiconductors, quantum, artificial intelligence, net zero, and biomedical as the focus of future cooperation.  (Released 2024.05.14)  
/CCS