In Taiwan, approximately 3,000 women teach in STEM fields at colleges and universities, accounting for about 16% of all STEM faculty. Approximately 160,000 women study STEM subjects at the undergraduate and graduate levels, representing around 30% of all STEM students. Although individual professional associations serve specific disciplines, Taiwan had no cross-disciplinary organization for women in STEM. By contrast, many European and North American countries, as well as neighboring South Korea, established such organizations years ago, and these groups have grown with support from both society and government.

Taiwan Women in Science and Technology (TWiST) was founded in late 2011 to encourage women who remain underrepresented in STEM. Through the organization, members can connect and collaborate, advance their professional development, share their experience, and support the next generation.

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Our Purpose

• Encourage and cultivate women’s participation in STEM.

• Promote women’s professional development and advancement in STEM.

• Build networks for exchange, mentorship, and mutual support among women in STEM.

• Establish connections and exchanges with relevant international organizations and communities.

 

Our Objectives

• Serve as a global model for gender equality.

• Foster an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can fully develop and apply their expertise and strengths.

• Establish benchmarks and role models for future scientists.

• Showcase the diversity, inclusion, innovation, and leadership of women in STEM.

• Represent women in STEM and serve as a bridge connecting government and business.

 

Our Main Activities

• Hold an annual conference for women in STEM.

• Participate in international networks for women in STEM.

• Foster regional networking and exchange.

• Publish a monthly newsletter featuring articles by women in STEM.

• Promote STEM courses for female university and high school students.

• Provide career mentoring.

• Offer the Professor Chia-Li Wu Grant for Women in STEM.

• Work with government agencies and businesses to promote gender equality in STEM and gender-friendly workplaces.

• Organize seminars and forums, and publish interviews, articles, and other materials about women in STEM.