南大報導

The National University of Tainan (NUTN) received the top prize in the Industry Co-Creation Category at the 2026 (7th) University Social Responsibility (USR) Awards, organized by Global Views Monthly (遠見雜誌). The award, presented on April 9, recognizes the university’s integrated efforts in sustainable technology, industry collaboration, and social engagement.

The awarded project, “Recycling and Reuse of Decommissioned Solar Panels for Sustainable Green Energy Education,” is led by Yaw-Shyan Fu (傅耀賢), Ph.D., Professor and Dean of the College of Environmental Sciences and Ecology. The team has developed low-carbon physical separation techniques to recover key materials from used photovoltaic (PV) modules—including glass, silicon, EVA, and backsheet components—while advancing scalable models for circular reuse.

Through the NUTN Circular Economy Industry Alliance of Solar Cells, led by Prof. Fu, the project brings together from partners across diverse industrial sectors, such as recycling, materials, construction, and energy, to support technology validation and real-world applications. It has also contributed to policy development and assisted enterprises in obtaining Taiwan’s first solar panel reuse permit, helping to establish a practical framework for PV recycling and reuse.

The initiative further extends into teaching and public engagement. Research outcomes are incorporated into academic courses and outreach programs, bringing renewable energy and circular economy concepts into communities and educational settings. This approach reflects NUTN’s commitment to linking knowledge with societal needs.

The USR Awards are among Taiwan’s key platforms recognizing university engagement with societal issues. Building on previous recognitions in 2025, NUTN’s latest achievement marks its third major USR award within two years, underscoring its sustained efforts in advancing sustainable development.

NUTN continues to integrate teaching, research, and social engagement through interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening connections with industry and local communities while contributing to the transition toward a more sustainable future.