Feng Chia University Establishes Partnership with TU9 Member Technische Universität Braunschweig, Advancing Taiwan–Germany Academic and Research Collaboration

Feng Chia University (FCU) continues to strengthen its global academic network through strategic partnerships with leading international institutions. In a recent visit to Germany, President Wang, Wei led a delegation comprising academic and industry collaboration representatives to advance institutional engagement with key research partners.

During the visit, the delegation met with the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films (Fraunhofer IST) and, on May 18, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel, President of Technische Universität Braunschweig, a member of the prestigious TU9 Alliance of Leading Technical Universities in Germany.

President Wang, Wei of Feng Chia University and President Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel of Technische Universität Braunschweig, a member of the TU9 Alliance, jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration, including tuition-waived student exchange, joint research initiatives, talent development programs, and short-term faculty exchanges. It marks a significant milestone in enhancing academic and research ties between Taiwan and Germany.This partnership builds upon the longstanding collaboration between FCU and Fraunhofer IST, particularly through the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Surface and Production Engineering for Optical and Electrical Systems at Feng Chia University (FIP-SPE@FCU). The platform has served as a critical interface for applied research and technology development, fostering close interaction among academia, research institutions, and industry partners.

The FCU delegation included President Wang, Wei; Vice-President Eric Kuo-Hao Tang; Professor Ju-Liang He, Director of FIP-SPE@FCU; and platform members Manager Hsieh, Ping-Yen and Manager Chen, Ying-Hung. Also participating was Chien, Yi-Hsin, Director of the Foresight Industry Alliance and Development Center under the Office of Industry Collaboration and Extension.

Industry collaborators in the Taiwan–Germany partnership, including Darwin Vacuum Equipment Co., Ltd. and Richtek Industrial Co., Ltd., joined the delegation to witness the signing ceremony. Their participation underscores FCU’s integrated collaboration model that bridges universities, research institutes, and industry stakeholders to drive innovation and talent development.

Faculty representatives from Feng Chia University, Technische Universität Braunschweig, and the Fraunhofer IST team gathered for a group photo following the signing ceremony.

Founded in 1745, Technische Universität Braunschweig is one of Germany’s oldest technical universities and a core member of the TU9 Alliance. The University is internationally recognized for its strengths in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology, civil engineering, process engineering, as well as aerospace and automotive engineering.

Through close cooperation with national research institutions such as the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Fraunhofer Society, the University demonstrates strong research capabilities in advanced fields including aerospace technology, electric and autonomous vehicles, and precision measurement. Its practice-oriented curriculum and strong academic support systems have consistently received high evaluations, making it an ideal destination for students pursuing studies and careers in engineering, aerospace, and research.

Through this newly established partnership and exchange framework, Feng Chia University will actively promote student mobility to Germany, leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace. The initiative aims to cultivate globally competent talent equipped with international perspectives, while further deepening long-term collaboration between Taiwan and Germany in higher education and research innovation.