Sustainability Science is defined as an emerging field of research that addresses the interactions between natural and social systems and how these interactions influence the challenges of sustainability. Its goal is to meet the needs of present and future generations while significantly reducing poverty and protecting the Earth’s life-support systems.
To promote sustainability science and advance sustainable development, Academia Sinica established the Research Center for Sustainability Science (RCSS) in 2012. The Center is an interdisciplinary institution aimed at fulfilling one of Academia Sinica’s key missions: “to carry out social responsibility in critical areas.”
Unlike research confined to a single discipline, the Center is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary sustainability science research to address contemporary sustainable development challenges. Recognizing that many sustainability issues are transboundary in nature, the Center’s work extends beyond Taiwan and actively engages with the international community.
Three Major Missions of the Center
Mission 1. Promote and manage Academia Sinica’s Sustainability Science Research Programs
- Assist in advancing Academia Sinica’s sustainability science research programs by planning themes for research calls and proposals.
- Plan and organize program management activities, including public forums, research seminars, and research outcome workshops.
Promote the core principles of sustainability science research: problem-oriented approaches, transdisciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
Mission 2. Promote international collaboration in sustainability science
- Serve as the Taiwan Office for global sustainability science initiatives, including Future Earth, IRDR ICoE (Integrated
- Research on Disaster Risk – International Centre of Excellence), and the Belmont Forum.
Assist Taiwanese sustainability researchers in connecting with the global sustainability research community.
Mission 3. Promote sustainability research, policy recommendations, and other sustainability transition initiatives
Organize seminars on key sustainability issues.- Facilitate discussions on critical sustainability topics and assist in drafting and editing policy recommendation reports, such as the “Taiwan Net-Zero Technology R&D Policy Recommendations” released by Academia Sinica in 2022.
- Support the Academia Sinica Committee on Sustainable Development in promoting sustainability transformation within the institution.
- Assist Academia Sinica in advancing net-zero technology R&D programs and establishing the Academia Sinica Net-Zero Program website.