The Center for Science Education under the College of Science has received long-term sponsorship from Merck Taiwan to execute the "Chemistry On the Go" program. This initiative brings chemistry experiments to schools across Taiwan, particularly small schools with limited teaching staff, and teaches chemistry to elementary and high school students. Merck’s global SPARK program has donated over NT$17 million over the past ten years. This achievement attracted the attention of Global Views Monthly Magazine (GVM), which, on September 22, featured an interview on the "ESG GVM Collaborative Circle" podcast, discussing how both parties have collaborated to consistently provide high-quality science education to primary and secondary schools.

The podcast was hosted by Fang-Yen Lin, an alumna from the Department of Business Administration and General Manager of Marketing at GVM, who invited Mia Kuo, Senior Manager of Communications and Public Affairs at Merck Taiwan, and Dr. Hsien-Chang Kao, CEO of the "Chemistry On the Go" program, to discuss how the long-term science education program has inspired Taiwanese students' interest in science.

Dr. Kao explained that the program was initially launched in 2011 by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, with the United Nations declaring it the International Year of Chemistry. Professor Bo-Cheng Wang, Director of the Science Education Center and a professor in the Department of Chemistry, secured funding for the project. The enthusiastic response from both teachers and students, along with the surprising state of chemistry education in some areas, prompted the team to seek continued support after the one-year project ended. In addition to NSTC funding, they sought and received backing from multiple companies. Germany's Merck Group quickly joined forces with our university and, since 2012, has provided long-term support through funding, materials, and personnel for the "Chemistry On the Go" program.

"Chemistry On the Go" assists local education bureaus in organizing science education activities and invites professionals and scientists to interact with students in rural areas, expanding their awareness of future careers. The team from the Science Education Center travels to schools across Taiwan, especially in remote areas, driving the "Chemistry Van" — a modified truck carrying chemistry experiment equipment and various chemicals. Through demonstrations and explanations, they guide students to participate in hands-on chemistry experiments. Dr. Kao expressed his gratitude to Merck for providing funds, chemicals, experimental equipment, volunteer support, and expanding the fleet by donating an "Analysis Vehicle" aimed at senior students and high schoolers. This allowed students to delve deeper into the process of chemical research, helping them better understand their future academic goals. "Merck’s contribution to science education has been pivotal in igniting curiosity among younger generations, and their decade-long commitment is truly remarkable."

Kuo remarked that Germany's Merck, with its 356-year history, values curiosity as a driving force behind human progress. Curiosity fuels innovation and breakthroughs. She expressed her honor in collaborating with Tamkang University’s Science Education Center and thanked her colleagues for volunteering, developing various teaching plans, and immersing students in the world of chemistry. "The focused and engaged expressions of the students deeply moved me. I hope that through science education, we can spark a small flame of curiosity in these students’ hearts."

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