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At the heart of this transformation is a vision of what Dean Dr. Shuu-Jiun Wang calls “Future medicine.” “Rather than treating medicine as a standalone discipline, NYCU takes a cross-disciplinary approach, integrating medicine, biological sciences, public health, data science, and engineering while keeping humanity at the center.” said Wang.
The strategy builds on a strong track record. In 2015, the university introduced a physician-scientist program that expanded research training for medical students. It later launched a physician-engineering pathway in 2021 that allows students to study alongside electrical engineering and computer science majors during their early years. This has become a cornerstone of NYCU’s broader vision for Engineering Medicine, which aims to train a new generation of clinicians capable of driving innovation rather than simply adopting it. “We want doctors not only to use technology. We want them to invent technology,” said Wang.
The results are already emerging. By tackling real-world health care challenges, students have developed AI-powered applications, from infrared imaging systems that screen for carotid artery stenosis to technologies that enhance safety during robotic surgery. Building on this momentum, NYCU plans to establish an Institute of AI and Medical Computing next year, jointly overseen by the College of Medicine and the College of Computer Science. The initiative will focus on machine learning, genomics, wearable technologies and advanced medical data analytics.
Taiwan’s competitiveness provides a powerful foundation for these ambitions. Its National Health Insurance system supports medical education and research across all levels of care. NYCU’s partnership with Taipei Veterans General Hospital, which is recognized among the world’s leading hospitals, further strengthens this foundation through its advanced clinical services and expertise in smart healthcare. In addition, proximity to the Hsinchu Science Park and leading technology companies creates unique opportunities to bridge healthcare and advanced computing.
Global partnerships are a critical part of the strategy. NYCU is expanding collaborations with universities, healthcare organizations and industry partners, particularly in the United States, while strengthening its role in international clinical trials and AI validation projects. According to Wang, Taiwan’s combination of high-quality data, experienced clinicians and strong research infrastructure makes it an attractive platform for global cooperation.
The investment outlook is equally compelling. Partnerships with technology leaders, including Foxconn, ASUS, QUANTA and NVIDIA, are accelerating healthcare innovation, while engineering medicine initiatives are expanding opportunities across the ecosystem. As healthcare evolves toward a more interconnected and person-centered future, NYCU is positioning itself at the intersection of medicine, technology and research. “Taiwan can help. We like to share and collaborate with the world,” said Wang.
