Collaborations towards scientific breakthroughs

Dar-Bin Shieh is Deputy Minister of The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Taiwan, which supports and promotes innovations in science and technology. Before assuming his current position, Shieh previously occupied roles including; distinguished professor in the College of Medicine at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU); attending physician at NCKU Medical Center; Director of University Development at NCKU; and Founding Chair of the International Institute of Macromolecular Analysis and Nanomedicine Innovations (iMANI). Shieh and the MOST believe that science and technology should be developed for people, responding to society's needs, with a view to promoting the local economy and improving quality of life. The MOST is working towards a long-term national science and technology development roadmap that can assist with national development. The MOST is a proponent of the importance and value of international collaboration and has restructured its funding system to further encourage these collaborations. It also encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, with a view to sparking innovation. Talent cultivation and recruitment are key challenges in scientific advancement and the MOST has initiated two talent recruitment programmes, including the Einstein and the Columbus programmes, to help encourage, foster and develop scientific talent in Taiwan.