Taiwan Studies Initiative
Building deeper connections through Taiwan studies. Bringing together research, teaching and community to deepen understanding of Taiwan while strengthening academic, cultural and professional connections.
Strengthening research and partnerships
As ties between Taiwan and the Phoenix metro area continue to grow, ASU is uniquely positioned to advance research, education and collaboration centered on Taiwan.
Housed in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Taiwan Studies Initiative bridges faculty, students and community partners through Taiwan-related scholarship and programming, fostering cultural understanding and strengthening relationships between Taiwan, Arizona and the global community.
Initiative focus areas
The Taiwan Studies Initiative builds on ASU's strengths in interdisciplinary scholarship and global engagement. By connecting faculty across colleges and creating opportunities for collaboration, the initiative serves as a central resource for Taiwan-related research, education and community partnerships.
Research and scholarship
Supporting interdisciplinary research on Taiwan across the humanities, social sciences and STEM while creating opportunities for faculty collaboration.
Education and curriculum
Developing courses and educational resources that build "Taiwan literacy" through history, culture, language, politics and society.
Community engagement
Hosting lectures, workshops, conferences and public programming that connect ASU with Taiwan and the Arizona community.
Global partnerships
Strengthening academic, cultural and professional relationships between Taiwan and Arizona while supporting future collaborations across industries and disciplines.
Supported by the Taiwan Ministry of Education
The Asia Center at ASU received a two-year, $60,000 grant from the Taiwan Ministry of Education to advance Taiwan-related research, teaching and engagement. The funding will provide lectures and workshops, curriculum development, an international conference and research opportunities for faculty and students.
Why ASU?
Interdisciplinary expertise spanning the humanities, social sciences and STEM
A growing hub for research and collaboration
Global reach through in-person and online learning opportunities
Strong connections between Arizona and Taiwan that support research, education and community engagement
Building meaningful global connections
The Taiwan Studies Initiative recognizes that successful international partnerships are built on cultural understanding. Through research, education and public programming, the initiative helps students, faculty and community partners develop the knowledge needed to build stronger academic, professional and cross-cultural relationships between Arizona and Taiwan.
Featured Events
Research and funding opportunities
Through support from the Taiwan Ministry of Education, the Taiwan Studies Initiative offers funding opportunities for ASU faculty and students engaged in Taiwan-related research. Explore current opportunities to support research, travel, materials and other project-related expenses.
Travel and Research Grants
ASU faculty and graduate students conducting research on any aspect of Taiwan may apply for awards of up to $3,000 to support research-based travel to Taiwan, including airfare, accommodations, materials acquisition and other approved expenses.
Applications due: Nov. 15, 2026
Funding must be used by: July 30, 2027
Research and Development Grants
ASU faculty and undergraduate or graduate students conducting research on any aspect of Taiwan may apply for awards of up to $500 to support research-related travel, presentations, materials acquisition and other approved expenses.
Applications due: Nov. 15, 2026
Funding must be used by: July 30, 2027
Student opportunities
Students can engage with Taiwan through research, coursework, public events and interdisciplinary programming. Opportunities may include:
Taiwan-focused undergraduate and graduate research
Courses exploring Taiwanese history, culture, politics and society
Public lectures and workshops
Immersive and online learning experiences
Discovery seminars for incoming students
Leading the initiative
William Hedberg
Director, The Asia Center
Associate professor, School of International Letters and Cultures