【Article by College of Education】

The 12th International Higher Education Research Forum, hosted by National Chengchi University (NCCU), was successfully held on March 26, 2026, at the College of Education, attracting more than 45 participants from across institutions and regions. Centered on the theme “Research Capacity Building and Publication,” the forum brought together leading scholars, journal editors, and graduate students for a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise.

Co-organized by National Taipei University of Technology, National Chung Cheng University, National Chiayi University, and the Taiwan Higher Education Society, the forum continues a long-standing inter-university collaboration that has provided a biannual platform for strengthening graduate research capacity and fostering academic networks since 2021. The forum opened with remarks from Professor Joy Hu (NCCU), Dr. Andy Fu Yuan Chih (National Taipei University of Technology), Professor Aaron Koh (National Chung Cheng University), and Professor Jason Yang Cheng Cheng (National Chiayi University), highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing doctoral education and research excellence.

A key highlight of this year’s forum was the combination of two distinguished keynote speakers and six graduate student presentations, creating a rich and balanced program that bridged expert knowledge with emerging scholarship. The keynote speakers, Dr. Jisun Jung (University of Hong Kong) and Dr. Kevin Kester (Seoul National University), both Editors-in-Chief of leading Q1-ranked journals, delivered insightful talks on global publication standards, editorial expectations, and strategies for producing impactful academic work.

Equally significant were the six presentations by graduate students from NCCU, the University of Hong Kong, Seoul National University, National Chung Cheng University, National Chiayi University, and National Taipei University of Technology. These presentations showcased diverse research topics and innovative methodologies, reflecting the high quality and growing international scope of doctoral and master’s research in higher education.

A distinctive feature of the forum was the Editors’ Feedback session, where keynote speakers and senior professors actively selected presentations of particular interest and provided detailed, constructive commentary. This interactive format allowed participants to receive direct feedback from journal editors and experienced scholars, offering rare insights into how research is evaluated, refined, and positioned for publication in leading international journals. The event concluded with closing remarks by Professor Angela Yung Chi Hou (NCCU), Professor Jason Yang Cheng Cheng (National Chiayi University) and collaborating institutional partners, reaffirming a shared commitment to empowering emerging scholars and enhancing international academic cooperation. The next event will be hosted by National Chiayi University.

Overall, the forum successfully provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and scholarly development, equipping graduate students with the skills and insights needed to navigate the global academic publishing landscape and strengthen their long-term research capacity.