In today’s fast-moving world of science, discoveries can happen anywhere. But shaping how those discoveries are shared, recognized, and translated into real-world impact still depends heavily on who is part of the global conversation. For many years, much of that conversation was led by institutions and researchers in North America and Europe. That is beginning to change, and I believe faculty in Asia, including here in Taiwan, have an important role to play in shaping the future of science on a global scale.

We are not just contributors of data or collaborators on large studies. We are leading teams, writing papers, organizing conferences, reviewing grants, and setting research agendas. And we must continue to expand that influence, especially in fields like cancer biology, where innovation and diversity of thought are critical.

From Regional Research to Global Impact

At China Medical University, I have worked closely with our faculty to encourage greater participation in international scientific platforms. Our researchers publish in high-impact journals and regularly present at major international conferences. But more importantly, we are helping them take on leadership roles, serving as journal reviewers, editor board, scientific association members, and research advisors in global networks.

This transition is important. Publishing results is only one part of the equation. Shaping scientific discourse means being involved in how research is framed, how questions are asked, how funding is allocated, and how policy is guided. Asian scientists must be more visible and vocal across all these areas.

Building Faculty Capacity Through Development

One way we foster this kind of leadership at CMU is through strong faculty development systems. Our Teacher Development Center offers a range of support tools, from teaching workshops to mentorship programs.

We hold lectures and symposiums that promote international collaborations and encourage faculty speak at global forums.

International Collaboration as a Starting Point

For many faculty in Asia, international collaboration is often the first entry point into global research. At CMU, we have active partnerships with institutions in the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. These partnerships range from student exchanges to dual-degree programs and joint research projects. Faculty involved in these initiatives often find themselves invited to join editorial boards, speak at symposia, or help plan future research agendas.

I personally encourage early-career faculty to build genuine relationships with their peers abroad. It is through these connections that opportunities to co-author, co-lead, and co-host events begin to emerge. Science is not just about individual excellence. It is about connection, credibility, and contribution.

Representation in Editorial and Review Roles

One area where I hope to see more Asian faculty step forward is in scientific publishing and peer review. Serving on editorial boards or as peer reviewers allows us to shape what gets published and how scientific standards are upheld. It also provides insight into the review process, which helps improve our own writing and mentorship.

At CMU, I help mentor faculty who have the expertise and experience to take on these roles and encourage them to engage with journals that align with their research focus. I also advocate for international editorial opportunities that allow Taiwanese researchers to contribute to both regional and global literature.

Positioning Institutions for Visibility

It is not only individual researchers who must step up. Our institutions must also position themselves as global contributors. This includes improving the visibility of university research through high-quality websites, English-language content, accessible publication databases, and active participation in international academic networks.

We must also support faculty who attend international conferences, not only by funding their travel but also by preparing them to present their work clearly and effectively. At CMU, we offer guidance on communicating impactful science, writing compelling abstracts, and connecting with potential collaborators.

Mentoring the Next Generation to Lead Globally

As a mentor, I believe we must also prepare students and young researchers to think globally from the beginning. I regularly talk to my students about scientific communications, applying for international fellowships, and thinking about how their work can make a broader impact. We create opportunities for them to present to international audiences, even if virtually, so they can grow comfortable with cross-cultural scientific dialogue.

It is a joy to watch a student go from hesitantly presenting their research to confidently answering questions from international experts. That transformation is the first step toward global leadership.

A Shared Responsibility

Asian faculty have both the expertise and the responsibility to help guide the future of science. We bring cultural diversity, clinical insights, and research questions that are deeply relevant to populations often underrepresented in global studies. When we take our place in the broader scientific conversation, we enrich it.

We must move beyond simply contributing data and move toward shaping how knowledge is created, shared, and applied. That requires stepping outside the lab and into the lecture halls, conference rooms, editorial boards, and policy discussions that influence science worldwide.

At CMU and across Asia, I see a growing generation of researchers ready to take on that role. My job is to help them find their voice and use it, not only in Taiwan but across the world.