The Environmental Biotechnology and Biorefinery Laboratory (EBB Lab) at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), Taiwan warmly invites outstanding international graduate students to join our 2026 Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) for a six-month research exchange program.

This year’s program focuses on the development of next-generation high-barrier biobased polyester (PEF) from agricultural and forestry residues. By integrating biomass conversion, green monomer synthesis, polymerization, material characterization, and application validation, the project aims to establish a complete and sustainable technology platform for advanced bio-based materials.

As the world faces growing challenges related to plastic waste, fossil resource depletion, and climate change, the demand for renewable and low-carbon materials continues to rise. PEF (Polyethylene Furanoate) is widely recognized as one of the most promising bio-based alternatives to conventional PET because of its excellent gas barrier performance, mechanical strength, and thermal stability, making it highly attractive for applications such as food packaging, medical products, and engineering plastics.

Through this program, participants will gain hands-on research experience in sustainable polymer development while contributing to cutting-edge work that supports the circular economy, carbon reduction, and next-generation green materials innovation.

Program Overview

This research program is designed for students who are interested in:

• Sustainable materials

• Green chemistry

• Biomass valorization

• Polymer science

• Circular economy

• Environmental innovation

Participants will work closely with faculty members, researchers, and students in EBB Lab and become part of an international research team dedicated to transforming renewable resources into high-value materials.

This year, the program is expected to host three international graduate students for a six-month stay in Taiwan, with a strong emphasis on research exchange, academic collaboration, and talent cultivation.

Research Focus

1. Biomass Conversion and Bio-based Monomer Synthesis

Agricultural and forestry residues such as rice straw, corn cobs, and sugarcane bagasse will be used as renewable feedstocks for the production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), the key monomer for PEF. The project explores efficient and low-carbon synthesis routes, including the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) and green catalytic processes to improve conversion efficiency and purity.

2. PEF Polymerization and Process Optimization

Participants will engage in the systematic optimization of polymerization conditions to improve molecular weight, crystallinity, and film-forming ability. The project also investigates how different synthesis and copolymer strategies influence final polymer performance.

3. Material Characterization and Application Development

PEF films and advanced materials will be prepared and evaluated for their gas barrier properties, mechanical behavior, thermal stability, and recyclability. These studies are intended to support real-world applications in sustainable packaging and other high-value material sectors.

4. International Collaboration and Talent Development

The program promotes close collaboration between international students and the local research team. Participants will take part in laboratory work, academic discussions, and joint research activities, while also developing cross-cultural communication and international research experience.

Why This Program Matters

This program addresses one of today’s most important sustainability challenges: how to turn underutilized biomass resources into high-performance materials that can reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics.

By joining this program, you will be part of research that aims to:

• Create value from agricultural and forestry residues

• Develop low-carbon and scalable material production routes

• Support circular economy strategies

• Advance sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics

• Strengthen international cooperation in green materials research

The project also aligns with broader goals in new agriculture, circular economy, and net-zero carbon development, highlighting both academic significance and industrial relevance.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from Master’s and Ph.D. students in areas such as:

• Environmental Engineering

• Materials Science

• Chemical Engineering

• Polymer Science

• Biotechnology

• Energy

• Sustainable Technology

• Related fields

We especially encourage applications from students who are motivated, research-oriented, and passionate about sustainability, bio-based materials, and green innovation.

Join Us

If you are interested in developing advanced bio-based materials from renewable resources and want to contribute to meaningful research for a more sustainable future, we warmly welcome your application.

Join the Environmental Biotechnology and Biorefinery Laboratory at National Sun Yat-sen University and become part of an international research journey that connects science, sustainability, and innovation.