About

The New Directions in Taiwan Studies program fosters new research on and scholarly exchange with Taiwan. The program has established the UCLA Center for Chinese Studies as a forum for advanced discussions of political, social, and cultural developments in Taiwan; and benefits UCLA faculty and doctoral students by funding travel for research, conferences, and lectures.

The program consists of three parts.
           

1.  Taiwan Studies Lecture Series

The Taiwan Studies Lecture Series brings leading academics and other figures to UCLA to speak on political developments, social changes, and cultural phenomena in Taiwan and in relation to Taiwan. The aim is to communicate the best cutting-edge academic knowledge about Taiwan, its people, its history, and its future.

2.  Taiwan Studies Research Fund

The Fund supports travel for research undertaken by UCLA faculty and doctoral students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and preferably first-time travelers to Taiwan.  For example, students who wish to pursue summertime or academic-year studies at such institutions as National Taiwan University or Academia Sinica may apply for this funding. Short-term travel to consult archives, library holdings, or academic experts in Taiwan may also be supported through this Fund. Likewise, professors wishing to conduct fieldwork or attend conferences in Taiwan, may seek support from the Fund. In general, the fund is designed to be an adaptable, useful source of funding for any scholarly activity that will serve to improve the academic understanding of Taiwan and academic contact with Taiwan. 

Scholars who receive support from the Taiwan Studies Fund are expected to acknowledge this grant in any published work that results from the support.

3. International Conference

A day-long international conference, focusing on cutting-edge research on Taiwan, will be held in 2010.

The New Directions in Taiwan Studies program is made possibly by a generous gift from the Taipei Cultural and Economic Office in Los Angeles.