Professor Cheng-Ying (Gary) Chen’s Laboratory at NTOU (Visiting Scholar Program) PI website: https://omt.ntou.edu.tw/p/412-1064-7631.php?Lang=zh-tw https://www.instagram.com/cychen0111/ https://x.com/cychen0111 NTOU DAILY ODYSSEY International Students Daily Life https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=205594262626318 Discover NTOU: The Journey Sails from Here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=7585235094821940 National Taiwan Ocean University’s main campus in Keelung. Professor Cheng-Ying (Gary) Chen’s Laboratory at National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) is a leading research group focusing on semiconductor thin films and their applications, advanced solar cell technologies, and photoelectrochemical water splitting for sustainable energy. Prof. Chen is an experienced scientist in these fields – he has published over 65 papers with more than 2,200 citations to date citation: http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=y-c_CogAAAAJ – and he welcomes international M.Sc. and Ph.D. students to join his lab as visiting researchers. This introduction outlines the lab’s research areas, the visiting program (2–6 months), benefits for scholars, and how to apply, encouraging talented students from around the world to collaborate with us in Taiwan.

Research Focus Areas
• Semiconductor Thin Films & Applications: Development of novel thin-film materials (e.g. chalcogenides and oxides) and device structures. The lab explores the physics of thin-film interfaces and harnesses these materials in optoelectronic devices and sensors.
• Solar Cells: Design and fabrication of high-efficiency solar cells, including thin-film photovoltaic technologies (such as CIGS, CZTSSe, perovskites, etc.). Our goal is to improve solar energy conversion and develop next-generation photovoltaic devices for clean energy.
• Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Solar fuel research using semiconductor electrodes to split water into hydrogen. The team works on photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells that convert sunlight into renewable hydrogen fuel, tackling materials and interface challenges to advance solar-driven water splitting. (These interdisciplinary focus areas position the lab at the forefront of sustainable energy and semiconductor research, providing visiting students a rich learning experience.)

Visiting Scholar Program:
Duration & Research Experience International visiting scholars (Master’s and Ph.D. students) can join Prof. Chen’s lab for short-term research internships ranging from 2 to 6 months. This is a non-degree research program – visiting students work on a research project under Prof. Chen’s supervision and do not take courses during their stay. You will be fully integrated into the lab’s ongoing projects, receiving mentorship and hands-on training in techniques such as thin-film fabrication, device characterization, and advanced material analysis. Throughout your visit, you’ll participate in group meetings, collaborate with lab members, and potentially contribute to publications or conference presentations. The flexible 2–6 month duration allows you to align the visit with your own academic schedule while gaining intensive research experience in a new environment.

Benefits for Visiting Scholars
• Monthly Research Scholarship: Visiting researchers are supported with a monthly stipend of up to NT$20,000 (New Taiwan Dollars) to help cover living expenses. This scholarship enables you to focus on research and training during your stay.
• Accommodation Provided （NEED Dormitory Fee）: NTOU provides on-campus housing for visiting students, arranging a dormitory room for the duration of your visit. https://stu.ntou.edu.tw/p/412-1023-7831.php?Lang=en Living on campus offers convenience and immersion in student life (with easy access to labs, library, cafeterias, etc.), ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Advanced Facilities & Collaboration: You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment. The lab and department are equipped with modern thin-film deposition systems, characterization tools (e.g. optical spectrometers for photoluminescence, Raman analysis, etc.), and microscopy/analysis instruments. Working in Prof. Chen’s lab also opens opportunities to collaborate with experienced faculty and researchers at NTOU, fostering valuable academic connections.
• Cultural & Academic Exchange: Beyond research, visiting NTOU offers a rich cultural experience. The campus is located at the scenic Keelung harbor – “at the foot of a mountain and beside the sea”, with beautiful ocean views and green surroundings. You will experience Taiwan’s friendly culture and cuisine, join campus events and seminars, and can explore nearby attractions (Keelung City and Taipei are nearby). This program promotes meaningful cultural exchange and personal growth, as you work and interact with Taiwanese students and faculty in a vibrant academic setting.

Application and Contact Information
We encourage interested international students to apply and join us in advancing research in thin-film semiconductors and renewable energy. Interested applicants should contact Prof. Cheng-Ying Chen to discuss potential research topics, the timing of the visit, and application procedures. Please reach out via email: chen.chengying.cyc@gmail.com. In your email, you may introduce your background, research interests, and attach a CV or transcript. Prof. Chen can provide guidance on formal application steps (through NTOU’s Office of International Affairs) and answer any questions about the visiting scholar program. For more information, you can also visit the lab website https://sites.google.com/view/ntou-omt-co-lab/%E9%A6%96%E9%A0%81?authuser=0 and view Professor Chen’s research profiles online. His Google Scholar profile lists publications and research impact http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=y-c_CogAAAAJ, and his ResearchGate profile provides an overview of his work and contributions https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cheng_Ying_Chen2. These resources offer insight into the lab’s recent projects and achievements. Join us at NTOU for a rewarding research internship – gain new skills, expand your professional network, and experience Taiwan’s unique blend of innovation and culture. We look forward to welcoming motivated visiting scholars to Prof. Chen’s laboratory. Feel free to contact us with any inquiries, and take the next step in your research journey with our team at NTOU!