Event Report | 2025 Outstanding Paper Award for Female Researchers: Women in Research Driving Innovation and Sustainability

Joanne Hsu | Director, Corning Research Center

Corning Taiwan and the Taiwan Women in Science and Technology Association (TWiST) hope this award will continue to support women researchers, bring more outstanding achievements into view, and help more researchers shine on this stage. We sincerely hope to see you among the applicants for the 2026 Outstanding Paper Award for Female Researchers.

On the morning of December 7, the International Building at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology was filled with anticipation for exchange and discovery. Co-organized by Corning Taiwan and TWiST, this year’s Outstanding Paper Award for Female Researchers centered on the theme of “Innovation and Sustainability.” It was not only a stage for presenting research achievements, but also a welcoming space where women researchers could share their stories and the motivations behind their work.

Soon after submissions opened, the award received many outstanding entries from universities and research institutions across Taiwan. Each paper reflected the effort its researcher had accumulated through everyday experiments, setbacks, and breakthroughs. A judging panel composed of scientists from the Corning Research Center and Corning Asia Glass Technology Center evaluated the entries for innovation, sustainability value, and social impact, ultimately selecting three award recipients.

Twenty Minutes to Distill a Research Journey and Its Guiding Convictions

Each recipient delivered a 20-minute presentation in English, clearly explaining the research background, technical breakthroughs, and key innovations. Although brief, the presentations were substantive and well paced, allowing the audience to quickly grasp the core of each study.

The energy continued after the talks, as participants and speakers discussed research details, potential applications, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Conversations carried on even after the event ended, extending into a lively exchange of knowledge and reflecting the positive impact women researchers create within their communities.

🏆 Doctoral Student Category Recipient: Yi Fan Chen

Doctoral student, Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Paper: Hibiscus Mutabilis-Inspired Upcycled TPEE Films with Orthogonal Wavelength-Controlled Spiropyrans for Dynamic Anticounterfeiting and Photoswitchable Conductivity

Inspired by the color changes of the Confederate rose, Chen upcycled waste PET into functional TPEE films and developed a dual-wavelength photochromic technique for anticounterfeiting and photoswitchable conductivity, demonstrating both creativity and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Judges’ comments: The research is novel and shows strong application potential. The panel looks forward to further development that deepens the work and strengthens its distinctiveness and impact.

🏆 Faculty and Staff Category Recipient: Professor Shu-Ping Lin

Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University

Paper: Breakthrough in Smart Skin Technology: Artificial Merkel Discs in van der Waals Heterostructures for Bio-Inspired Tactile Sensing

Professor Lin pushed the boundaries of smart-skin technology by combining artificial Merkel discs with layered heterostructures, offering an innovative solution for tactile feedback systems in prosthetics and demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation across electronic engineering and biomedical technology.

Judges’ comments: The research aligns with Corning’s emphasis on innovation and social impact. The panel looks forward to seeing her advance smart biomedical technologies and contribute further breakthroughs to STEM.

🏆 Faculty and Staff Category Recipient: Professor Shu-Ping Tseng

Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University

Paper: Cracking the code of an urban invader: hidden invasion, egg-mediated feeding, and sustainable control in the black cocoa ant

Professor Tseng examined the black cocoa ant’s invasion strategies, egg-mediated feeding behavior, and sustainable control methods. Her work offers new insights for urban pest management by combining ecological mechanisms with environmentally sustainable solutions.

Judges’ comments: The research addresses a locally important ecological issue, demonstrates interdisciplinary expertise, reflects Corning’s core commitment to environmental sustainability, and establishes an important foundation for urban pest management and ecological conservation.

The Stories of Women in Research Continue to Be Written

The three recipients work in different fields, yet together they show that science can be compassionate: it is always searching for ways to make the world better. Corning Taiwan and TWiST hope this award will continue to support women researchers, bring more outstanding achievements into view, and help more researchers shine on this stage.

We sincerely hope to see you among the applicants for the 2026 Outstanding Paper Award for Female Researchers. Please follow announcements from TWiST and the Corning Taiwan Innovation and Care Facebook page as we continue supporting women in science and technology and welcoming new possibilities for innovation and sustainability.