Aim for the Top University Project
National Central University – "Environment and Energy"
Principal Investigator: LIU, Gin-Rong
I. Analysis and Evaluation of the Key Field
(1) Current Achievements and Features
Inter-university cooperation in this field involved joint research by teams from four
universities in the University System of Taiwan (UST). Intra-university cooperation within
National Central University (NCU) involved the Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research
(CSRSR), the Research Center for Hazard Mitigation and Prevention (HMPRC), the Research
Center for Adaptive Data Analysis (RCADA), the GPS Science and Application Research
Center (GPSARC), the Center for Environmental Studies (ENVC), the Center for Biotechnology
and Biomedical Engineering (CBB), the College of Earth Sciences, the College of Engineering,
the College of Science and the College of Electrical Engineering. The environmental energy
research team was formed through the effective integration of the above faculties with the goal
of engaging in pioneering research. The CSRSR is the only national research center in Taiwan to
operate and maintain a resource satellite ground station. In the engineering domain, innovations
in photo-realistic 3D digital cities and 3D spatial analysis were achieved. There was also a link
to the landslide disaster database for developing risk assessment technology. In remote sensing
technologies, outstanding results were achieved from the development of various technologies
in atmospheric, hydrological and earth sciences as well as spatial information. The HMPRC has
now mastered disaster prevention and risk assessment techniques while the Center for Bridge
Engineering Research (CBER) has the most comprehensive bridge database in Taiwan. The
RCADA is a relatively new organization but has already become a center for world-class
research under the leadership of academician Norden E. Huang. The GPSARC manages
research and planning applications for data from Formosat-3 as well as collaboration with top
foreign research organizations. The ENVC successfully integrated greenhouse gas monitoring
instruments into the planes of China Airlines and the ships of Evergreen Marine as part of an
international greenhouse gas monitoring program. The research and education efforts of the
NCU College of Earth Science encompass the space, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the
lithosphere. It is one of the best and most unique faculties in Taiwan in terms of scale, depth,
scope and ability. Earth Science has frequently published researches of the 921 Earthquake in
top journals. The unique studies on earthquake source-rupture mechanics and earthquake
precursors such as ionosphere anomalies have applications in earthquake disaster prevention.
Radar research in atmospheric science as well as atmosphere-ocean modeling in ocean science
has produced significant results as well. Due to the support of the College of Engineering, the
College of Electrical Engineering and the CBB over the past few years, the NCU Center for
Energy Research (CER) has now established an exceptional research foundation and has
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undertaken many important National Science Technology Programs (NSTP) on energy, National
Science Council (NSC) University-Industry Projects and Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)
Academic Technology Development Programs (TDP). Unique world-leading research has now
been carried out into clean coal technology, CO2 sequestration, transportation efficiency and
energy storage, low-carbon energy sources (wind power and biomass energy), and micro grids.
The NCU Lulin Observatory is currently working with the University of Hawaii on the
Pan-STARRS project that will be the largest international astronomical survey project within the
next few years. It is also involved with exo-planet science and exploration projects as well,
giving the observatory one of the most diverse and extensive research portfolios in the
international academic community. As for the field of space science, NCU has established solid
foundations in various areas ranging from scientific instruments and payload development to the
exploration and research of the space environment and Sun-Earth connection. Many of our
research topics have established international reputation and acclaim.
(2) Current Leadership Status in Taiwan and Internationally
The NCU CSRSR is a pioneer and the leader in remote sensing in Taiwan with many
outstanding accomplishments in satellite technology. It is also one of Asia-Pacific's leaders in
remote sensing research. The director of the RCADA is academician Norden Huang. Huang is
an internationally renowned researcher with many world-leading research accomplishments to
his name. The HMPRC's urban disaster prevention and risk evaluation technology as well as the
bridge inspection technology developed by the CBER both pioneered research in Taiwan and
were recognized as outstanding NSTP - Network Communications projects. In the field of
earthquake science, earthquake source studies and deep drilling have produced exceptional
publications on source-rupture processes and earthquake precursors that have been applied in
earthquake disaster prevention. Landslide and debris flow researches have now led to the best
potential analysis, monitoring and damage evaluation system in Taiwan. In atmospheric science,
radar research and assimilation simulation are now capable of predicting quantitative
precipitation with high accuracy. In the application of Formosat data we now have an R&D
capability that is up to date with the latest international developments. In ocean science,
continuous improvements have been made in atmosphere-ocean interaction and marine-river
pollution models. We are now one of the top UST universities and a world-class institution in
terms of the number and quality of papers published, the number of patents held or issued, the
breadth and depth of services and science education offered , as well as in terms of our
contribution to the nation and society. In carbon reduction and energy, the NCU CER has
established a solid research foundation over the past few years and secured numerous NSTP.
The teams working on clean coal, CO2 capture & reuse and CO2 sequestration are all carrying
out pioneering research in Taiwan. We are also a leader in high-temperature scrubbing
technology for gasification power generation systems. We also work closely with the Industrial
Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER). In
energy-saving and storage, we have solid research teams in green transportation,
transportation management technology, lithium battery technology, hydrogen storage
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technology, energy storage materials and fuel cells. Industry-university partnerships
have also been established with key industry operators in Taiwan. The NCU in particular
is the only organization in Taiwan with a long history of investing in lithium battery technology
and has made many important international contributions. For metal hydrogen storage, we have
developed and patented the technology for mass producing high-purity hydrogen storage alloys
in Taiwan and overseas. Micro grid technology will enable distributed power generation using
renewable energy sources. Micro grids can also operate independently to ensure that critical
applications remain unaffected by mass outages, greatly improving energy efficiency. The NCU
is now the lead institution for research into national smart grid and micro grid systems. The
NCU Graduate Institute of Astronomy is now the most important astronomical research institute
among universities in Taiwan due to the size and number of international projects at the Lulin
Observatory. Caltech is already planning to establish a close long-term partnership with NCU
due to Taiwan's technological and future potential. The "Thirty Meter Telescope" (TMT) which
is now planned for completion within ten years is to be a window of opportunity. In the field of
space science, NCU has been the sole leader in space education and research in Taiwan for
many years. Extensive experience and exceptional research results have been acquired in
various areas ranging from space instrumentation, sounding rocket experiments, satellite
missions and observations, monitoring and modeling the Earth’s plasma environment. Several of
the research topics are highly competitive and internationally well-known.
(3) Important Contributions to Industry and the Social Development of the Country
Accomplishments in this domain include: the development of a unique geological and
slope hazard alert system; the development of a 3D geo-information architecture for urban
hazard mitigation; the development of advanced algorithms for retrieving aerosol and
ocean-atmosphere parameters that has been applied to the analysis and prediction of hazardous
weather systems; GPS-related research that has been applied to improve global and regional
weather assimilation analysis/forecasting, enhancing the capacity for meteorological disaster
prevention. Ionosphere parameters from Formosat-3 have also been used to construct a
time-space model of electron density irregularities in the ionosphere to safeguard the quality of
satellite communication, positioning and navigation. We set up the first mobile dual polarimetric
Doppler weather radar in Taiwan that can be used for predicting regional quantitative
precipitation in the field to help with disaster and flood prevention. Our research into earthquake
monitoring has been very successful. Papers on earthquake source-rupture mechanics in
particular have been published in Nature making us one of the leading international institutions
in earthquake source research. Researches into ‘full-waveform simulation’ of strong ground
motions and detailed mapping of active faults have generated the best earthquake disaster
prevention data in Taiwan. The data can also be used as a basis for earthquake damage
evaluation projections. Researches into earthquake precursors such as ionosphere anomalies and
changes in the gravity/magnetism systems can now be used to provide better early warning for
earthquakes. The completion of a comprehensive national landslide and debris flow database has
enabled early warning of landslides and damage assessment. The bridge management system
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allows all old bridges in Taiwan to be sorted in terms of repair priority. A real-time rainfall and
water level alert mechanism will also provide early warning for bridges in need of repair and be
of tremendous benefit to national planning and people's livelihoods. In carbon reduction and
energy technology, we are working in support of the NSTP-Energy Clean Coal Master Project.
Expected contributions include the development of clean coal and carbon capture and storage
(CCS) technology together with practical industry partnerships. Development is now under way
on low-carbon transportation systems and corresponding energy storage technology. The
development of the micro grid system along with low-carbon energy sources such as wind
power and biomass-energy will be used to establish industry-university partnerships and to
become the national benchmark for energy R&D. The development of carbon reduction-related
industries will generate economic and industrial benefits, allow a leading carbon reduction
technology center to be established and achieve international competitiveness. Important
progress has been made in astronomical observation, solar system research, the analysis of
scientific data from space missions and the development of scientific instrumentation. Advanced
data analysis and numerical simulation is now being systematically carried out as part of
astronomical research at the NCU in the Pan-STARRS project. Space science/technology is an
important national policy and the NCU team plays a key role in executing the Taiwanese space
program. Key contributions have been made and will continue to be made in every area from the
development of space instrumentation to the execution of scientific missions and the study of
solar-terrestrial interaction as well as the cultivation of talent.
(4) The Major Differences or Breakthroughs enabled by the previous phase of “Plan for
Developing Top Universities and Research Centers”
This domain was formed as a response to global climate change with environmental
protection and energy development being the key fields in this phase. The foundation was based
on previous accomplishments from the NCU's project phase 1 "Earth System Science and
Environmental Technology" and the acquisition of large-scale facilities that were then integrated
with low-carbon energy research. Key objectives were the utilization of Earth monitoring, the
acquisition of environmental change and disaster prevention data as well as the development of
new energy technologies to provide a basis for research into earthquakes, debris flows, extreme
weather, global warming and the development of renewable energy sources. An effort was also
made to achieve breakthroughs in a real-time response system for disaster prevention,
homegrown energy-saving and carbon reduction technologies as well as sea-land-air interaction
methods. During project phase 1, the Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project aimed to provide a
complete picture of earthquake source rupture from the 921 Earthquake. Of particular
importance were the establishment of control parameters used for earthquake source dynamics
studies over the world. Research into ionosphere anomalies as an earthquake precursor
has now been accepted by the international scientific community. Project phase 1 has not
only successfully achieved a breakthrough in international cooperation by establishing close ties
with many well-known international research organizations, but has also would lead to a
long-term partnership with Caltech, one of the leading astronomical institutions in the US. This
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particular breakthrough has paved the way for Taiwanese astronomers' participation in the
30-Meter Telescope (TMT) project. In space science and technology, we have set up the first
plasma chamber and photometer laboratory in Taiwan for simulating the space environment and
the development of scientific payloads. Efforts to promote international cooperation have also
been successful in securing the joint US-Taiwan COSMIC satellite program, a joint
Taiwan-Russia satellite, and Taiwan-Japan cooperation in launching space probes.
(5) Description of the Current Status of the Existing Resources in the Research Center and
Allocation of All Funding Sources
The NCU CSRSR receives approximately NT$170 million in research funding each year
from the NSC, the National Space Organization (NSPO), and in income from technical and data
services, other cooperation programs and international cooperation. The NCU College of Earth
Science, the ENVC and the GPSARC receive between NT$30 ~ 40 Million in funding each year
from the NSPO to promote data applications associated with Formosat-3. The Central Weather
Bureau (CWB) also provides NT$10 ~ 20 million in funding each year to promote earthquake
reporting, weather radar observation and data assimilation, and development of coupled
atmosphere-ocean climate models. The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)
contributes NT$10 ~ 20 Million a year towards the operation of the Lulin Atmospheric
Background Station as well as scientific research into Dongsha Island air quality and
atmospheric monitoring. The Ministry of Interior provided NT$40 ~ 60 million for three
successive years to fund continental shelf surveys establishing the national maritime border. The
ITRI and Taipower have for many years provided tens of millions of dollars each year to
evaluate nuclear waste disposal sites and R&D into CO2 geological sequestration technology.
Central Geological Survey (CGA) has a long-term contract with the NCU to establish a
landslide/debris flow database and incident model simulation to provide a model for landslide
disaster prevention. The NSC provides the NCU College of Earth Science with over NT$150
million in research funding every year, with a particular emphasis on large-scale joint
international projects such as the Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project (TCDP) and Taiwan
Integrated Geodynamics Research (TAIGER). In energy, the main sources of funding were
large-scale projects from the NSC, MOEA and industry-university cooperation. Over NT$100
million of funding was secured over the past year with NSTP-Energy providing significant
resources for carbon reduction and energy research. The NCU Graduate Institute of Astronomy
(ASTRO) receives approximately NT$30 million in NSC funding each year. The funds mainly
go to the Lulin Observatory's 40cm and 1-meter telescopes, the ALMA project, the
Pan-STARRS project, the optics lab and the international planetary space exploration project
team. The 2-meter telescope has received NT$95 Million in funding over 5 years. The NCU
Graduate Institute of Space Science (GISS) receives on average over NT$30 million in research
grants from the NSC and NSPO each year for research relating to space science and satellite
payloads.
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(6) Analyses of the Current Statuses of Research Centers in the Same Field and Plans for
Future Development for the Research Center
The NCU is the leader in environmental researches in Taiwan. Our ability to monitor the
Earth's environment and research capabilities are unmatched by any other university in Taiwan.
Future research developments will focus mainly on global change and new energy development
as well as space/astronomical science and technology. Plans for future development: Future
developments in this field will continue to build on the progress made by the NCU during
project phase 1 in Earth sciences, space science and astronomy. The concept of sustainable
development will also be incorporated as well. The integration of research into sustainable
environments and energy will hopefully provide an in-depth understanding of the environment
and help with its protection. This program will set up an integrated platform for environmental
monitoring and disaster prevention technology so the carbon reduction & energy technology
complement and the global change & Earth monitoring component can complement each other.
On the international front, we carried out a comparison with three international teams involved
in similar research: Tokyo University, the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology in Germany. As Tokyo University is ranked very highly in the field of
Earth science, its scale and R&D performance in environmental monitoring and disaster
prevention can be considered a benchmark for this field. Tokyo Tech is one of the top
institutions in Earth science as well, but its effort in environmental remote sensing is limited in
scale so in this field we may be able to catch up quickly. Tokyo Tech also has an energy
research team of around 42 researchers studying topics such as emerging energy sources (fuel
cells, solar cells, biomass-energy), nuclear energy, energy systems and energy materials.
Karlsruhe boasts nearly 300 researchers and scientists involved with energy and their research
covers a broader range of topics such as renewable energy, nuclear fusion, nuclear safety,
energy conversion efficiency and energy system analysis. The NCU team is ranked behind the
Japanese and German teams in these sub-fields but they can serve as an example that we can
learn from. In energy however the teams' publications in major journals show that each team has
its own strengths so it may be possible to take the lead with a determined effort. As compared to
other energy and environment centre, our team however has the uniqueness in the field of
space/astronomical science and technology which is international well known and has the
excellence in many of the scientific topics.
(7) Current Status of Cooperation or Integration with Research Centers in the Same Field
from Other Universities or Countries and Benefits after Integration
A joint cooperative model of four UST universities will be used in this program to become
an elite research center. Research at the National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) in this field
will focus on water resources and disaster prevention. The Yang Ming University (YMU) is
represented by the Institute of Environmental and Occupational Sciences (IEH) in the
environment and energy field while National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) will participate
through the joint university model as well. The research capabilities of the four participating
universities can hopefully be integrated to form a more competitive world-class research team.
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In environmental monitoring and hazard mitigation, in addition to inter- and
intra-university collaboration we have also cooperated with well-known scholars in the US,
Japan, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, India and Hong Kong to expand the depth of research and
increase our international profile. For atmospheric monitoring, we will be working with the US
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Texas A&M University (TAMU)
to jointly develop observation data analysis and applications, simulation of aerosol scattering
and radiation transmission models. In geoinformatics, we will be working with the Hong Kong
Polytechnic University on digital city applications, location-based services and spatial analysis.
In urban disaster prevention, we will step up our academic collaboration with Tokyo Institution
of Technology on earthquake disaster prevention and mitigation. For mountain disaster
prevention, collaboration with the Institute of Space and Earth Information Science at the
Chinese University of Hong Kong will focus on developing pioneering environmental
monitoring. Key areas include disaster monitoring and climate change in the Asia-Pacific
region. In the field of global change and Earth monitoring, the Lulin Atmospheric Background
Station set up in collaboration with Columbia University and NASA is recognized
internationally as a high quality monitoring station and is now a part of the global high
mountain atmospheric air quality monitoring network. In earthquake research, a joint effort
with the US-based Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), the Paris VI
University (Paris 6), Tokyo University and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and
Technology (JAMSTEC) is under way to conduct intensive sea-land seismic observations in
Southeast Asia and Taiwan as well as research into the geodynamics of seismogenic structures
in Taiwan. In the field of clean coal technology and CO2 capture, sequestration and reuse, the
NCU is cooperating with the ITRI and INER. Teams from National Cheng Kung University
(NCKU) and National Chung Cheng University (NCCU) have been brought together to
integrate the relevant domestic research resources to develop advanced techniques for
geological sequestration. On the international front, effective cooperation and exchange is being
conducted with the US Department of Energy's (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory
(NETL), the world’s leading researcher in gasification technology and CO2 capture/scrubbing
Michigan University, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which pioneered the
development of geological sequestration software. In energy-saving transportation, energy
storage and low-carbon energy, the NCU's collaborators include the INER, the ITRI, the
University of North Carolina (US) and Iowa State University (US). Other important
collaborators in this field include teams from UST universities such as the NCTU and NTHU as
well as overseas organizations such as the National Research Council Canada Institute for Fuel
Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI), Dalhousie University (Canada), the International Advanced
Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (India), Waseda University (Japan)
and Kyushu University (Japan). In astronomy and planetary exploration, over 500 new
transneptunian objects were discovered and a large-scale census of asteroid and near Earth
asteroid characteristics was undertaken; new, never-before-seen transient phenomena were
discovered and gravity wave sources found; we also took part in the first close-range
observation of a comet core (67P/Churyumov-Gerasamenko) and landing on a comet core
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surface in human history; and we developed a landing vehicle for the surface of the asteroid
1999 JU3 and received first-hand information on its surface structure. In space environment
exploration and research, the NCU has continued to build upon our existing international
cooperation to develop new partners. Our high resolution magnetometer instrument and plasma
detectors as well as outstanding scientific research capabilities have been leveraged to take part
in trans-national space programs such as the US-Taiwan Cosmic 2 satellite project. In payload
development and plasma detection, we have been working closely with Osaka University,
Tokyo University and Kyoto University in Japan as well as the University of Alabama, UC
Berkeley and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) etc.
(8) Plans for Integrating Resources from Research Centers to achieve the Aim for the Top
University
For environmental monitoring and disaster mitigation, campus resources will be
integrated in support of satellite remote sensing developments in the environmental domain as
well as application of 3D digital cities and spatial analysis techniques in environmental
monitoring for disaster prevention in the engineering domain. Inter-faculty cooperation will help
the university to become an elite research center for satellite remote sensing applications. For
global change and Earth monitoring, researchers from the university's research centers and
internal academic units will work together to formulate research projects, division of labor, and
resource distribution as well as organize regular conferences and exchanges. Research results
will be combined to realize the mission targets. Well-known scholars from outside the university
will also be recruited to take part in research projects as well. Observation, data modeling and
projection techniques will be developed to support disaster prevention decision-making by the
central/local governments and private-sector. We will also actively look for technical and data
exchange opportunities with local industry-university and international research teams in the
field. Key experts will be recruited and cultivated to strengthen our research capabilities in key
areas. Internationally renowned academics will also be used to strengthen international
cooperation and expand our research capabilities through trans-disciplinary and transnational
cooperation. In carbon reduction and energy technology, sustainable environment and energy
will be combined together from an environmental monitoring and disaster prevention
perspective. An integrated platform can then be set up so developments in carbon reduction and
energy technologies can complement and be integrated with global change and Earth monitoring.
The research team will be drawn from the NCU CSRSR, HMPRC, RCADA, GPSARC, ENVC,
CBB, the College of Earth Science, the College of Engineering, the College of Science, the
College of Management and the College of Electrical Engineering. Scope and depth will be
emphasized in research on carbon reduction, energy, global change and Earth monitoring. As
there appears to be no university research team with such an ambitious mission, we will look to
related foreign research organizations as our benchmarks. The innovative and top-notch goals of
this research team should see the NCU elevated to a top university. In astronomy and
planetary exploration, the NCU micro opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) team will
be incorporated into the research effort for R&D into visible-light optics and the fabrication of
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space astronomy instrumentation. Data analysis and processing for astronomical observation
will also work jointly with the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering to
develop pioneering technologies. In space environment exploration and research, space
science is a system science so this research center will be able to effectively integrate research
related to the NCU's theoretical and experimental expertise in science and engineering. The
systematic exploration and study of the Earth’s space environment and Sun-Earth connection
will help boost the NCU's strengths and features.
II. Project Content
This program is divided into five components: Environmental Monitoring & Hazard
Mitigation, Global Change and Earth Monitoring, Carbon Reduction and Energy Technology,
Astronomy and Planetary Exploration, and Space Environment Exploration and Research. The
components and their sub-projects are as shown in Fig. 1. A description of each component is
provided below.
Fig. 1 The five program components and their sub-projects
(1) Component 1: Environmental Monitoring and Disaster Mitigation
(Project Investigator: CHEN, Liang-Chien)
Typhoons, floods and earthquake induced hazards have become increasingly severe in
Taiwan. Except the extreme weathers, unrestrained land use is also the another reasons for the
increased severity of disaster damage. The importance of environmental monitoring is therefore
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continuing to increase. The areas where hazard mitigation efforts are most needed are fragile
slopes and densely populated urban regions. The program therefore proposes research into these
two areas. The research framework consists of data acquisition, monitoring and analysis. A
spatial information platform will be used as a basis for bringing together knowledge in different
application domains for pioneering research into environmental monitoring and hazard
prevention. For this research task, the NCU offers the following features:
1. Access to the most comprehensive collection of satellite remote sensing data, with
excellent satellite imagery receiving capability, and the most expansive geoinformatics
platform in Taiwan.
2. Ability to leverage the best remote satellite sensing capacity and NCU's expertise.
3. Carefully selected topics in landcover/landuse and infrastructure monitoring in the
engineering and environmental domain to support preventive hazard mitigation and
management. Achieve integrated environmental monitoring for atmosphere and land.
Four sub-projects are therefore proposed for this program component: Atmospheric
environment and change monitoring; application of 3D geoinformatics to change detection and
monitoring, hazard mitigation; urban hazard prevention and mitigation; and mountain region
hazard monitoring. Satellite data will be used for retrieving atmosphere-ocean environment
parameters for studying regional atmospheric environment change and impact. Satellite data will
also be used to monitor landcover and landuse change and disasters in order to evaluate the risk
of future disasters. The information from the monitoring system will be also be used for
emergent disaster response. Earthquake, flood and slope hazard models will be constructed for
hazard analysis and risk assessment. Alert models will also be constructed for high-risk regions
and infrastructure development that impacts people’s livelihoods.
(2) Component 2: Global Change and Earth Monitoring
(Project Investigator: WANG, Chien-Ying)
For analyzing the mechanism of climate change and to carry out effective Earth monitoring,
five sub-projects are proposed for this program component: Center for Computational
Geophysics (CCG), GPS-ARC, atmosphere monitoring and simulation, earthquake and
landslide monitoring, and geological energy surveying. Planned developments include: (1)
Increase software and hardware investments to maintain CCG growth. (2) Establish an
independent processing capability for GPS data to improve numerical weather data assimilation
and forecasting techniques. (3) Improve the capabilities for radar data assimilation, quantitative
precipitation estimation and quantitative precipitation forecasting. Use various disdrometer
networks to carry out cloud physics research into the vertical structure of raindrop size. (4)
Explore the effects of natural and man-made pollutants on the environment and climate in
Taiwan and surrounding regions. (5) Set up the Taiwan coastal observation and assessment
station (TaiCOAST) to carry out coastal and wave research. (6) Construct a comprehensive
atmosphere-ocean coupling model suitable for Taiwan. (7) Use ground feature data and other
data to analyze the mechanism for earthquake source rupture. (8) Survey the orogenic structures
in Taiwan and the surrounding regions. (9) Strengthen research into earthquake precursors using
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satellite ionosphere data and gravity/magnetic field variations. (10) Use the landslide and debris
flow database to provide early warning and damage assessment for landslides. (11) Evaluate the
reserves of natural gas hydrates in Taiwan's waters and geothermal energy throughout the island.
Due to the uncertainties involved in the physical process there are difficulties associated with
physics-based climate forecasting. The RCADA is currently involved in developing a data-based
statistical climate forecasting technique and while this method is still problematic, the analysis
of data helps to increase understanding of climate change mechanisms.
(3) Component 3: Carbon Reduction and Energy Technology
(Project Investigator: CHEN, Jyh-Chen)
The NCU began focusing actively on energy-related research due to the increasing
depletion of non-renewable energy sources and the global warming crisis. Three sub-projects
have therefore been proposed for this program component: clean coal technology & CO2 capture,
sequestration and reuse, energy-saving transportation and energy storage, and low-carbon
energy and micro grids. Clean coal technology and CO2 capture, sequestration and reuse will
include: development of sustainable clean coal gasification and CO2 capture-related technologies;
surveying and assessing suitable CO2 sequestration sites in Taiwan and improving
sequestration-related techniques. Energy-saving transportation and energy storage will include:
development of energy-saving vehicles and transportation management model, proton exchange
membrane (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), lithium battery and hydrogen
storage-related technologies; the establishment of an experimental micro grid on campus and
participation in the planning of the Taoyuan Airport City micro grid demonstration; low-carbon
energy and micro grid will include: development of a laboratory and platform for wind turbine
testing and certification. The laboratory will improve wind turbine R&D by helping local wind
turbine manufacturers test their products and establish their performance curves. Research into
high temperature methane technology, new bio-energy bacteria strains/enzymes/DNA research
and applications will also be added. Current and future energy policies in Taiwan will be
evaluated as well to provide a reference for government decision-making. The core tasks in the
three sub-projects of this component are: (1) Clean coal technology and CO2 capture,
sequestration and reuse: coal gasification design optimization, high pressure synthetic gas clean
coal combustion technology, medium/high-temperature desulphurization systems, variable
pressure scrubbing technology for synthetic gas CO2 capture, clean coal gasification power
generation simulation platform, CO2 conversion into methanol, suitable CO2 geological
sequestration sites in Taiwan and post-injection safety monitoring. (2) Energy-saving
transportation and energy storage: modularization of energy-saving vehicles, smart vehicle
energy management system, transportation management model, high-power LiFePO4 battery
module for electric motorcycles, high safety lithium battery, power control and management
system for LiFe battery vehicles, LiFePO4/carbon composite cathode material reforming
mechanism, metal hydrogen storage technology, chemical hydrogen storage technology, PEM
fuel cell, solid oxide fuel cell and high-performance super capacitor technology. (3) Low carbon
energy and micro grid: wind turbine testing and certification, agricultural & industrial waste
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methane and biological desulphurization technology and optimization research, new bio-energy
bacteria strains and enzymes, experimental micro grid (core micro grid technology, 10K or
4kVA wind turbine, 6kVA solar power system, smart meter technology), and Taoyuan Airport
City micro grid demonstration.
(4) Component 4: Astronomy and Planetary Exploration
(Project Investigator: IP, Wing-Huen)
The primary scientific purpose of the Lulin Observatory and Pan-STARRS project is to
observe and track small asteroids and comets that pose a threat to the Earth. The Rosetta comet
probe space program is another important project for studying small objects that affect the
Earth's environment. The Caltech Palomar Transient Factory (PTF), the Rosetta comet mission
and "Hayabusa" asteroid missions all direct research efforts towards the study of small objects in
the solar system. NCU involvement will elevate our research efforts in optical and near-infrared
astronomy and planetary science to world-class standards. The component consists of 3
sub-projects: (1) Pan-STARRS 1 observation and follow-up observations at Lulin Observatory;
(2) Palomar Transient Factory (PTF and PTF2); (3) Rosetta comet mission and "Hayabusa"
asteroid missions. Scheduled for completion are: PS1 data processing analysis; fabrication of
near-Earth asteroid infrared spectrometer; fabrication of visible-light optics for PTF-PTF2;
design, testing and purchasing of CCD detector for SED Machine instrumentation; design and
development of data processing software for SED Machine (Spectral energy distribution)
instrumentation; design, procumrement and testing of PTF-2 10cm x 10 cm CCD; simulation
and scientific data analysis for the Rosetta comet mission; design of miniature launcher for
Hayabusa II. Anticipated results: (1) Discovery of more than 500 new transneptunian objects
and a large-scale census of asteroids and near-earth asteroids' physical characteristics; (2)
Discovery of never-before-seen astronomical transient phenomena; extensive visible-light
observation and identification of asteroid/near-Earth asteroids; discovery of gravity sources; (3)
Participation
in
the
first
close-range
observation
of
a
comet
nucleus
(67/P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko) and comet nucleus landing in human history; (4) Development
and construction of a small landing vehicle to collect first-hand data on surface structure from
the asteroid 1999 JU3.
(5) Component 5: Space Environment Exploration and Research
(Project Investigator: HAU, Lin-Ni)
Three key areas of research are proposed for this program component: Space
instrumentation and scientific payloads, space environment exploration, and space plasma and
Sun-Earth connection. These research areas will build on the NCU's existing foundation in space
science and technology to help continue upgrading facilities for space instrumentation and
scientific payloads. An aggressive effort will also be made to expand the capability to
independently develop space scientific instrumentation for use in satellites, space probes and
ground observation experiments, so changes in upper atmospheric and space environments can
be measured even more precisely and extensively. For research into the space plasma
environment, observation data from national/international satellites, probes and ground
12
observations will be used to study plasma phenomena in the Earth's ionosphere, magnetosphere,
solar wind and Sun-Earth connection to establish related theoretical and numerical models.
III. Overall and Annual Objectives
(1) Overall Objectives
1.
Environmental monitoring and disaster mitigation: Use satellite remote sensing to
achieve an in-depth understanding of aerosol types, the regional distribution of atmospheric
pollutants in the Asia-Pacific and their long-distance transmission characteristics, as well as
the application of satellite derived ocean-atmosphere parameters to the analysis and
forecasting of heavy rainfall during the typhoon and monsoon seasons. An integrated
satellite data and numerical models for atmospheric environment change in Taiwan will
also be defined. A risk assessment model for transportation infrastructure site selection that
takes extreme climate into account will be constructed along with a 3D urban city
application model for urban hazard mitigation and prevention.
2.
Global change and Earth monitoring: Set up a mobile dual-polarimetric Doppler
weather radar tailored to the unique geography of Taiwan for regional quantitative
precipitation forecasts. Independently develop an advanced GPS observation data inversion
algorithm and GNSS occultation data processing system. Plan and carry out the Pacific
Greenhouse Gases Measurement project. Construct a world-leading integrated weather and
ionosphere sensing system. Set up coastal trestle bridge observations to construct a
complete ocean model. Develop earthquake source rupture analysis to understand the
mechanism for seismogenisis. Make use of satellite ionosphere data and assimilation
analysis with gravity/magnetism data to establish a pioneering earthquake precursor
analysis technique. Use the landslide and debris flow database to provide early warning and
damage assessment for landslides. Evaluate the reserves of natural gas hydrates in Taiwan's
waters and of geothermal energy throughout the island.
3.
Carbon reduction and energy technology: Establish the most advanced technologies
related to clean coal gasification and high-temperature synthetic gas in the world.
Strengthen R&D and innovation in lithium battery, fuel cell and energy storage
technologies. Establish our international academic position in carbon sequestration
technology. After the integration, the number of publications in the top 30% of journals is
expected to increase by 20%, the number of industry-university cooperation projects to
increase by 30% and the number of patents to increase by 50%. We also expect to have 90
papers published in the top field journals within 5 years.
4.
Astronomy and planetary exploration: The NCU aims to become one of the most
comprehensive and advanced centers for solar system research in Asia. We will become the
leader in solar system exploration and promote Taiwan's participation in various large-scale
international astronomy projects. The two target areas will be solar system space research
along with planetary and exoplanet observations. We expect to publish 10 papers in the
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academic journals Science or Nature within 5 years.
5.
Space environment exploration and research: We will enhance and establish the
self-developing capability for space instrumentation and scientific payloads to become the
calibration and certification laboratory for domestic/foreign space environment magnetic
field and plasma instruments. We will develop world-class high-resolution space
magnetometer, photometer and plasma detector as well as take part in national/international
space probe and satellite science experiments. Observations, theories and simulations will
be used for studying plasma phenomena in the space environment in order to develop a
specialized line of inquiry into the ionosphere, magnetosphere and Sun-Earth connection.
We will enhance domestic R&D capability for space science/technology, pursuing for
excellence in space science research, build up our international reputation and actively
participate in joint international exploration mission and scientific projects.
(2) Annual Objectives
2011:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Develop and integrate satellite remote sensing for retrieving ocean-atmosphere
environment parameters. Develop a 3D spatial information platform, large-scale parallel
processing numerical simulation analysis system and 3D fluid/solid coupling analysis
program. Analyze the link between hazard and environmental parameters in transportation
infrastructure to identify the hazard-causing environmental factors. Improve existing
landslide prediction model and develop a database for rock and soil parameters.
Develop occultation data assimilation techniques, carry out research into severe
precipitation characteristics, improve the ocean-atmosphere coupling model, and carry out
observation and research of atmospheric carbon and air pollution trans-regional
transmission. Analyze and carry out deep structure surveys on earthquake source fracture
and related earthquake precursors for major earthquakes in Taiwan and overseas. Set up an
automatic warning system for landslides and debris flows. Conduct planning on geological
energy survey equipment.
Develop critical technologies for clean coal components and carry out surveys of natural
gas vents on the coastal seabed in Taiwan's southwestern waters. Set up standard
specifications for energy-saving transportation, set up a medium-sized wind turbine
demonstration system, and develop bio-methane and micro grid interface technologies.
Activate a partnership with Caltech., continue Cassini and Rosetta data analysis and sign a
payload contract for Hayabusa II.
Set up equipment/facility for the space plasma environment laboratory, develop space
payloads and carry out research on the Sun-Earth environment.
2012:
1.
Establish a 20-year multi-scalar land cover database for Taiwan, as well as a 2D/3D urban
change analysis for use in relevant applications. Set up a dynamic 3D analysis capability
required for hazard prevention and disaster mitigation efforts when mountains, rivers and
life-sustaining infrastructure are affected by a compound disaster. Examine historic satellite
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2.
3.
4.
5.
imagery, meteorological and geographical data to identify trends in disaster-causing factors
against a background of extreme climate.
Improve occultation data assimilation analysis and carry out research into the vertical
structure of raindrops during orographic rain. Develop coastal environmental observation
modeling and analysis techniques. Take part in international research into ocean/ground
earthquake source fracture and related earthquake precursors. Set up an exhibition of a
standardized landslide & debris flow automatic warning system. Conduct a systematic
survey of underwater natural gas compounds and terrestrial geothermal heat sources in
Taiwan.
Construct and develop a coal gasification experiment platform and low-NOx burner for
synthetic gas. Carry out a geological survey of Taiwan's southwestern waters. Set up a
homegrown mass production technology for high-power lithium batteries and develop the
technology for critical large wind turbine components.
Construct scientific instrumentation for PTF, carry out Cassini and Rosetta data analyses
and fabricate payloads for Hayabusa II.
Develop and fabricate space instrumentation and scientific payloads; conduct observational
and theoretical study of Earth’s space environment and Sun-Earth connection physics and
develop related models.
2013:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Parameter retrieval of aerosol characteristics and aerosol type classification. Develop a site
risk assessment model based on disaster prevention and sustainability. Decision support on
reconstruction/refurbishment/new construction of transportation infrastructure. Develop a
database on distribution of potential geological hazards to provide an important reference
for disaster prevention/response and public infrastructure planning.
Develop occultation data inversion techniques, develop quantitative precipitation
estimation methods using dual-polarimetric radar, develop numerical statistical forecasting
techniques and set up an international observation network for carbon cycle and air
pollutant transmission. Completely develop initial coastal observation and numerical
simulation technology and forecasting capability. Analyze the activeness of geological
structure. Gather data using towed sonar array and towed magnetometer s to learn
more about the characteristics of the coastal seabed.
Develop and design the high-temperature gas filter used in clean coal systems, develop a
variable pressure CO2 scrubber and undertake surveys of natural gas vents on the seabed in
Taiwan's southwestern waters. Develop technology for a commercial high-efficiency
hydrogen storage system and establish the technology for high-efficiency methane
production.
Construct scientific instrumentation for PTF, carry out Cassini and Rosetta data analyses
and fabricate payloads for Hayabusa II.
Set up a ground observation network for magnetic field and airglow emission, take part in
national and international rocket/satellite projects and establish the theory and numerical
15
model for the Earth’s space environment and solar-terrestrial physics.
2014:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use satellite data to analyze the distribution characteristics and long-term transmission of
air pollutants in East Asia as well as examine the radiation effects of aerosol. Combine the
monitoring data with landslide, debris flow and earthquake disaster potential. Use a 3D
visualized information platform to present monitoring information and provide hazard
alerts. Establish a basic database for disaster risk analysis in sample digital cities, set up a
disaster response resource database and a system for real-time analysis and prediction of
slope landslide during heavy precipitation. Integrate the slope landslide database and
prediction system with the CSRSR 3D spatial information platform to create Taiwan's
leading cloud computing center for disaster mitigation and prevention technology.
Use Taiwan-owned satellites to carry out space weather monitoring and applications. Carry
out research into the vertical raindrop structure of Mei-Yu Rain precipitation and use
existing data to calibrate the results of statistical forecasting. Carry out seasonal forecast
testing and calibration of the ocean-atmosphere coupling model forecasting system.
Complete the construction of coastal observation and analysis hardware. Continue with
earthquake monitoring and research in earthquake precursors to understand the orogenic
structure and seismogenic mechanism. Establish an experimental earthquake prediction
system. Determine the distribution of geothermal energy in mountainous regions.
Develop technology for coal gasification, synthetic gas application and CO2 conversion for
reuse. Also carry out geological surveys in Taiwan's western coastal waters. Develop
high-performance energy storage material, establish technology for up high-power/density
fuel cells, set up a wind turbine testing and certification platform, construct a pilot plant for
methane gas and develop smart micro grids.
Commence coordinated 2m and Pan-STARRS observations, carry out scientific work and
manufacture instrumentation for PTF, conduct Cassini and Rosetta analyses and begin
observations for Hayabusa II.
Complete the ground observation network for magnetic field and airglow, develop the
payloads for rocket/satellite missions and projects and conduct the observational study and
theory as well as numerical modeling for the Earth space environment and Sun-Earth
connection physics.
2015:
1.
2.
Establish a numerical model for evaluating the effect of environmental change in Taiwan.
Implement a high-performance visual-enabled geoinformatics system and a simulation of
disaster effects for emergency response and hazard management. A 3D evacuation model
and disaster relief resource allocation/dispatch model will also be developed. Establish a
prediction model for landslides and debris flow after region-wide rainfall. Develop a
downstream sand and rubble prediction model from precipitation events.
Apply GPS observation data to strengthen research into weather and climate anomalies.
Develop data assimilation techniques to improve precipitation forecasting. Use an
16
3.
4.
5.
ocean-atmosphere coupling model to carry out seasonal forecasting, environmental change
modeling and regular seasonal/annual weather forecasting. Use coastal environment
observation equipment to carry out research into the mechanisms of coastal dynamics.
Refine theory on the seismogenic mechanism. Complete the simulation of the
orogenic structure and tectonic movement model. Propose a development plant for
geothermal energy throughout Taiwan and natural gas compounds in Taiwan's
southwestern waters.
Set up a small-scale integrated experimental clean coal system. Complete geological
inspections of potential CO2 sequestration sites in Taiwan's coastal regions and the
development of the geological risk assessment technique. Establish an energy saving and
carbon reducing transportation management model and methane demonstration plant.
Integrate these with low-carbon energy technology, economic carbon calculations and
carbon credits.
Continue coordinated 2m and Pan-STARRS observations, carry out scientific work and
manufacture instrumentation for PTF, conduct Cassini and Rosetta analyses and perform
scientific data analysis for Hayabusa II.
Collect ground-based magnetic field and airglow observational data, carry out
national/international sounding rocket/satellite projects, analyze Earth’s space environment
data and carry out a systematic theoretical and numerical study of solar-terrestrial physics.
IV. Response and Improvements to Initial Review Opinions
Initial review opinion:
Response:
1. Due to the limit on the number of full-time faculty staff, the NCU is now offering additional
teaching and research positions on a special case basis in a bid to attract talented young
researchers. The NCU has also set up "chair professor" and "distinguished professor"
schemes to persuade renowned foreign academics to carry out research at our university on a
long-term or regular basis. This initiative has helped promote international cooperation.
2. Our program is already working closely with Defense agencies. The polarimetric radar for
example was developed in conjunction with the Chungshan Institute of Science and
Technology (CSIST) and the partnership in remote sensing is particularly close. As for
seeking funding from non-government agencies, we currently have multi-year projects with
Taipower, CPC, ITRI, Sinotech and BES. We will push for cooperation with major energy
industry operators in the future to jointly develop products that will improve the livelihood
of people.
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3. The comparison against overseas benchmark research organizations is described in Section
I.(6): "Analyses of the Current Statuses of Research Centers in the Same Field and Plans for
Future Development for the Research Center" on page 6. For detailed description please
refer to Section 3, Item 6 of the full version of our proposal on the website:
http://pine.cc.ncu.edu.tw/~ncutop/index.php?lang=2.
Initial review opinion:
NCU has made excellent progress during Phase 1 of the ATU project, particularly in their niche
areas such as remote sensing, space and earth sciences, digital technology/data analyses, optics
and optoelectronics. These areas will have increasing societal impact as global warming is
becoming more severe. The proposal calls for building on their strengths in Phase 2 of ATU.
Detailed year-by-year plans are outlined for each center in the proposal, and they are realistic
and achievable. They are also building a Low-Carbon Energy Center which has had a good start.
NCU has also made good progress to further strengthen their educational programs. The faculty
and administration have worked hard to establish international collaboration. The proposed
budget is modest
Response:
We thank the reviewers for their affirmation. We will endeavor to develop a reasonable and
practical budget in this domain and commit ourselves to becoming a top international institution.
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Website Link for the Full Version of the Aim for Top University
Project Proposal and Related Attachments
http://pine.cc.ncu.edu.tw/~ncutop/index.php?lang=2
Step 1：Login.
1
Step 2：Login with user account：ncu7020
Password：ncu57025
Step 3：Select “Achievements & Future Plans”
3
2
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Step 4：Select 「The Aim for Top University Project Proposal」
4
Step 5：Browse for the attachments of the project proposal of each key field.
5
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