National Central University’s Taiwan Polar Research Center has successfully joined the University of the Arctic (UArctic), an international organization connecting polar research institutions worldwide. The center, established in 2023 to study polar warming and sustainability issues, gained membership after receiving approval from over two-thirds of UArctic members during the organization's annual meeting on June 8.
Center Director Ni Chuen-fa (倪春發) explained that Taiwan's only polar research center actively pursued this membership to strengthen international cooperation and expand Taiwan's participation in polar science and climate change discussions. The center first approached UArctic during the inaugural First Asia-Arctic Conference (AAC) in Japan this February, where representatives made their case for inclusion in the network that comprises over 200 universities and research institutions.
Ni emphasized that joining UArctic will help Taiwan overcome academic diplomatic barriers and create more opportunities for international collaboration on global climate issues. He hopes this membership will showcase Taiwan's efforts and investments in polar research to the global community. Ni highlighted the importance of polar research, noting that “What happens in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic.” He explained that changes in polar regions impact the entire globe due to the interconnectedness of oceans and the atmosphere. By having its own research team gather data from these areas, Taiwan can better respond to climate change, particularly for indigenous communities most affected by environmental shifts.