Okayama University of Science (OUS) in Japan and Minghsin University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Taiwan have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to establish a double degree program in semiconductor studies. The agreement, building on a 40-year partnership between the two institutions, will allow students to earn bachelor’s degrees from both universities. Under the program, students begin at OUS to learn semiconductor fundamentals and language skills before advancing to MUST, home of the world’s first Semiconductors School. The initiative aims to cultivate globally minded engineers and strengthen industry–academia collaboration in Okayama and Taiwan. At the signing ceremony held on October 23 at OUS, leaders from both universities and semiconductor companies expressed strong support for developing a joint talent base that will contribute to regional and global semiconductor innovation.

University of Freiburg researchers are involved in four funded projects. The University will receive a total of more than nine million euros.

The recipients of the grants are studying highly efficient solar cells, self-cleaning in body cells, the combination of diagnostics and therapy for cancer, and early medieval European communities.

The European Research Council (ERC) awards Synergy Grants to excellent international research teams.