“Expert in Aquatic Animal Diseases,” Dr. Chen Shih-Chu, the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), has been honored with the title of National Master in Industry-Academia Collaboration. With years of research focused on the “Prevention and Control of Diseases” in economically important fish, shrimp, and ornamental fish in Taiwan’s aquaculture, Dr. Chen has developed several novel diagnostic techniques. He has also established an electronic information system for the management of economic aquatic animal diseases, contributing significantly to disease management. Additionally, Dr. Chen has dedicated efforts to cultivate talent in the field of fish medical biotechnology vaccines and facilitated collaboration with a renowned global animal pharmaceutical company, leading to the establishment of the “Shih-Wei Che Animal Vaccine and Biotechnology Product R&D Center” at NPUST. This center has become the only “Animal Vaccine R&D Center” in the Asian region, situated in the Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park. Dean Chen’s outstanding academic research achievements have seamlessly connected with industry needs, making substantial contributions to Taiwan’s aquatic animal industry. This recognition from the nation highlights his significant contributions. The award ceremony for the “National Master in Industry-Academia Collaboration” for the year 2022 was held today (11/9) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, where Dean Chen shared this prestigious honor with everyone.
President Tai Chang-Hsien stated, “Firstly, congratulations to Dean Chen Shih-Chu on receiving the honor of National Master in Industry-Academia Collaboration. This achievement is undoubtedly well-deserved and comes from years of dedicated research and efforts to expand projects, leading colleagues to establish research centers, and gradually demonstrating influence on the nation and society. I also appreciate Dean Chen for nurturing talents over the years, making significant contributions to the prevention and control of fish and shrimp diseases in both edible and ornamental aquaculture in Taiwan.” Dean Chen Shih-Chu expressed, “From serving as a public veterinarian in the township office to entering teaching and research for the past 38 years, I have consistently upheld the diligence and steadfastness of a farmer’s child, along with the dedication and passion of research personnel to veterinary research, teaching, and services related to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of aquatic animal diseases in various counties and cities in Taiwan.” Dean Chen has played a crucial role in identifying the causes of infectious diseases that first broke out in more than 10 varieties in Taiwan, developing multiple highly specific and stable diagnostic technologies. These include different pathogen-specific primer sets for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection and discrimination of pathogens. He has collaborated with the Council of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, contributing to the digitization of economic aquatic animal disease management information, establishing a database, providing clinicians with disease management and epidemic alerts, and customizing a “Production Medicine Platform.” This platform incorporates disease prevention concepts and research results, enhancing the quality, quantity, and revitalization of aquaculture.
In 2015, Dean Chen formed the “Ornamental Fish Technology Teaching and Research Team,” focusing on superior aquaculture technology for ornamental fish, as well as aspects of ornamental fish transportation, marketing, disease prevention, and production medicine. The team collaborates with instructors from internationally renowned universities such as the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, the University of Stirling in the UK, Cornell University in the US, the University of Miyazaki and the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology in Japan. This collaboration led to the establishment of the “International Master’s and Ph.D. Program in Ornamental Fish Technology.” It has brought new opportunities to Taiwan’s sophisticated agriculture in “Ornamental Fish Technology.” Currently, the research laboratory attracts researchers and graduate students from 12 different countries and regions, including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Nepal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Dean Chen has been active in collaborating with businesses or research institutions in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, the United States, France, and other locations, enhancing students’ opportunities for international exchanges. He has also facilitated the establishment of the “Shih-Wei Che Animal Vaccine and Biotechnology Product R&D Center” at NPUST and the unique “Animal Vaccine R&D Center” in the Asian region in the Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park. Dean Chen Shih-Chu received the “Outstanding Agricultural Expert Award” in the 41st National Top Ten Outstanding Agricultural Experts Awards in 2017, adding to his long list of accolades.
