Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: NPUST Holds Exhibition Honoring its Great Ones

As NPUST celebrates its 100th anniversary this November (2024), it is paying tribute to some of the heavyweight professors it has cultivated over the years with a special exhibition entitled “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”. The exhibition, which has been set up at the university Library and Exhibition Hall, puts a spotlight on each of the school’s pioneering academics who have been named among the “Top Ten Outstanding Agricultural Experts” by the Taiwan Outstanding Agriculturists Association, by showcasing their professional leadership and the outstanding contributions that they have made in various agricultural fields.

Through the exhibition, which was kicked off by university president Chin-Lung Chang, NPUST hopes to inspire its students to follow in the footsteps of these giants in the pursuit of greater heights. In his speech, President Chang said “‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ means benefiting from the wisdom and innovative research of our predecessors, and constantly transcending ourselves as we move towards higher places. These experts in their fields have taken a lifetime of precious academic experience and paved a path for us, so that we can fearlessly explore the unknown. This exhibition presents the achievements of their hard work—not only highlighting their contributions to the academic world, but also the profound impact they have had on the entire society.”

A total of 10 outstanding professors are being showcased at the exhibition, including: Professor Liang Chou Hsia, “the authority on livestock breeding”; Professor Chung-Ruey Yen, “the father of emerging tropical fruit trees” ; Professor Fure-Chyi Chen, “the orchid king”; Professor Tzou-Chi Huang, “the champion of pesticide free lemons”; Professor Niann-Tai Chang, “the plant doctor”; Professor Mei-Hui Chen, “the navigator of under forest economies”; Professor Shih-Chu Chen, “the expert on aquatic animal diseases”; Professor Jung-He Wang, “the godfather of organic agriculture”; Professor Win-Ton Cheng, “the expert aquaculturist”; and Professor Pao-Chuan Hsieh “the father of soy sauce”.

A commemorative video premiered during the opening ceremony, highlighting the professor’s contributions. They were also each invited to personally share some of their rich experiences and offer a word of encouragement for the future.

The Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Honorary Exhibition will remain on display on the first floor of the NPUST Library and Exhibition Hall until February 7, 2025, during which time visitors are welcomed to come learn about these outstanding professors and find some added inspiration to pursue great things.