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In
this issue of AAPPS bulletin, we report on the current
activities in astronomy and astrophysics in Taiwan. The modern
era of astronomical developments in Taiwan started with the
establishment of the Institute of Astronomy at the National
Central University (NCU) in 1992 and the Institute of Astronomy
and Astrophysics at the Academia Sinica (ASIAA) in 1993. The
earliest and largest investments of government resources in
astronomy have flowed through the Academia Sinica, the leading
research organization in Taiwan. In the intervening years,
astronomy has also received substantial support from the
Ministry of Education, National Science Council, and the
National Space Organization, in order to stimulate the
developments of university efforts. As a result, the population
of Ph.D. scientists working in astrophysics has grown from about
15 to about 120 in the last 16 years. This rapid buildup of a
research community has been accompanied by the construction of
astronomical instrumentation and collaboration with
international partners on large telescope projects.
Facilities have now been constructed both on island in Taiwan
and at overseas sites. These efforts have been successful
because of the help of our colleagues from all over the world.
Astronomy is a rapidly advancing field within physics. Our
laboratory consists of the entire universe, extending outward
from the surface of our Earth. The restart of astronomy in
Taiwan allows our young scientists and our public to join and
participate in this adventure.
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