UK-Taiwan Partnership Accelerates Healthcare Innovation: NCKU and University of Glasgow Host Joint Workshop on Health Technology Assessment

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and the University of Glasgow today, March 23, 2026, officially launched a three-day joint workshop dedicated to advancing Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for innovative medical devices and digital health interventions. By bridging the expertise of Taiwan and the UK, this bilateral initiative seeks to refine the regulatory and evaluative frameworks that determine how cutting-edge medical technologies are integrated into modern healthcare systems to improve patient outcomes.

The workshop, titled "Advancing Health Technology Assessment of Innovative Medical Devices and Digital Health Interventions: A Bilateral Perspective," runs from March 23 to March 25. This strategic collaboration is supported by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

 

Bridging Policy and Innovation

As healthcare systems globally face increasing pressure to adopt digital solutions, this workshop serves as a critical platform for experts from Taiwan and the UK to align on standards for Health Technology Assessment (HTA). The discussions focus on the rigorous evaluation of medical devices and digital health interventions to ensure safety, efficacy, and economic viability.

Two distinguished Principal Investigators lead the initiative:

• Professor Fong-Ching Su (National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan)
• Professor Olivia Wu (University of Glasgow, UK)

High-Level Diplomatic and Scientific Support

The opening ceremony was marked by the presence of key dignitaries representing the scientific and diplomatic bridge between the two nations. Ms. Alison Li-Chen Wang, Director of the Science and Technology Division at the Taipei Representative Office in the UK, attended to underscore the vital importance of Taiwan-UK scientific cooperation.

Representing the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Mr. Alan Salonika, International Relations and Research Awards Manager, delivered the opening remarks. He highlighted the RSE’s steadfast commitment to fostering international research excellence and supporting the bilateral exchange of expertise in health technology and policy.

 

Key Objectives of the Workshop:

• Accelerate Clinical Translation: Create a "real-world" testing environment where innovative medical devices can be validated in clinical settings more rapidly.
• Standardize Digital Health Protocols: Align Taiwan’s burgeoning digital health sector with international standards, making it easier for local startups to enter global markets.
• Enhance Evidence-Based Policy: Provide robust data to healthcare payers and regulators, ensuring that high-value medical interventions reach patients faster and more affordably.

The three-day event includes intensive technical sessions, policy forums, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen the long-term partnership between NCKU and the University of Glasgow.