To foster understanding of Taiwanese society, culture, and politics among students and the academic community – that is the main goal of the Global Taiwan Chair project, whose launch was formalized at the end of July by the signing of cooperation agreement between Taiwan’s Representative to the Czech Republic, Liang-Ruey Ke, and the Rector of Palacký University, Michael Kohajda.
On 29 July, Rector Michael Kohajda and Representative Liang-Ruey Ke signed a cooperation agreement. The primary objective of this agreement was to initiate the implementation of the Global Taiwan Chair project. Palacký University in Olomouc will soon welcome Taiwanese scholars, while the project will also support research trips by scholars based in Czechia to Taiwan.
“ The initiative also includes courses and workshops focused on Taiwan. Their aim is to deepen understanding of Taiwanese society, culture, and politics among students and the academic community,” said the project’s principal investigator, Kristina Kironska from the Department of Asian Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Palacký University. She also recalled the existing Taiwan Corner at the university, which currently provides access to books and digital resources from Taiwan’s National Central Library and organizes activities that introduce Taiwanese culture and society.
“The Global Taiwan Chair project aims to further develop this cooperation, especially by broadening the academic focus on Taiwan. It should also motivate more students to engage with Taiwan-related topics,” added the social scientist, who specializes in Taiwan’s political system, human rights, and international relations, with particular attention to Taiwan’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific region. Under her leadership, the Global Taiwan Chair, which began in August and will run until June 2026, seeks to foster critical academic engagement with contemporary Taiwan, deepen institutional cooperation, and create sustainable frameworks for research and exchange initiatives.
Ing. Mgr. Kristina Kironska, Ph.D., Department of Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts, Palacký University. She is a board member of the European Association of Taiwan Studies (EATS) and served as the local organizer of the 2025 EATS annual conference, held this year at Palacký University Olomouc. Beyond her academic position, she also leads the EU–Taiwan Tracker project at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), an affiliated think tank focused on Asia. Her most recent publication, Contemporary Taiwan: More than a Flashpoint (Routledge, 2025), reflects her commitment to advancing understanding of Taiwan’s international standing.