U.S.-Taiwan Next Generation Working Group

The Institute of East Asian Studies (IEAS) at UC Berkeley has for over two decades facilitated the dissemination of research on Taiwan through conferences, workshops, lectures, and publications. Keeping in that vein, IEAS, with generous support from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in San Francisco, hosts the U.S.-Taiwan-European Next Generation Working Group (formerly the U.S.-Taiwan Next Generation Working Group). The Working Group is an in-depth training program for scholars and policymakers with an interest in U.S.-Taiwan-European relations who show promise as future experts on foreign affairs in relation to Taiwan.

The U.S.-Taiwan-European Next Generation Working Group is a three-year program, through which a cohort of ten specialists participate in a series of meetings in Taipei, Europe, and Washington, D.C. At these meetings, participants will have opportunities to discuss issues of importance to U.S.-Taiwan-European relations with policymakers, government officials, business, and opinion leaders in Taiwan, Europe, and the United States. Under the guidance of the program’s Senior Advisors (Thomas B. Gold, UC Berkeley; Shelley Rigger, Davidson College; and Chun-Yi Lee, University of Nottingham), participants will be expected to develop a policy paper centered on Taiwan and an issue of importance to the bilateral or trilateral U.S.-Taiwan-European relationship, as well as submit short reflection papers after each of the three meeting series. The Senior Advisors will facilitate and participate in program meetings, and advise participants on how to effectively engage with the media, participate in the policymaking process, and expand their professional networks. When opportunities arise, members of the working group will be invited and encouraged to present their research findings at conferences and other venues throughout the project period in both the United States, Europe, and Taiwan.

Program Goals

The program aims to identify, nurture, and build a community of American and European public policy professionals across a wide range of sectors and facilitate spin-offs of policy-oriented research teams and projects. It is designed to facilitate deeper and more vigorous dialogue and research on topics of immediate concern for bilateral and trilateral relationships and on actions to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan-European coordination in global affairs. In doing so, it aims to contribute to the understanding of Taiwanese points of view in international venues and to support Taiwan, the United States, and Europe in promoting their key mutual ideas and values as leaders in the international community.

Program Benefits

Networking

Opportunities for in-depth dialogue and the cultivation of professional networks with scholars in Taiwan Studies, as well as, policymakers; industry leaders; and civil society organizations committed to advancing understanding and collaboration on Taiwan-related issues. 

Media Training

Comprehensive media training through intensive workshops on op-ed writing, interviews, and on-camera skills, designed to equip participants with the tools to confidently engage with the media and effectively communicate one’s expertise on Taiwan to a global audience. 

Public Engagements

Opportunities to share research and ideas on Taiwan at conferences and public panels. Working Group participants have given public talks at UC Berkeley, Academia Sincia, George Washington University, and the Association for Asian Studies Conference, among others.

Firsthand Experience

Engage with key stakeholders in the United States, Taiwan, and Europe to critically examine Taiwan’s strategic role within the global landscape, especially as political developments continue to unfold. 

Mentorship

Joining the program offers a unique opportunity to receive mentorship from distinguished leaders in the field of Taiwan Studies, providing critical guidance and support to deepen one’s expertise on Taiwan.

Application Procedures

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Be either (1), an American citizen or U.S. permanent resident; or (2), a citizen or permanent resident from a European country, including the United Kingdom.
• Hold a faculty, research, or administrative position at a U.S. or Europe based institution of higher education OR have equivalent experience as a mid-career specialist in the private or public sector.

Program Timeframe:

Three years, from June 2026 to June 2028.

Program Costs:

All travel-related expenses (economy class flights, lodging, and meals) will be covered by the grant. 

Program Expectations & Commitments:

Applicants must commit to attend all three in-person meetings, which typically occur over a one- to two-week period within the first two weeks of June. The meetings are as follows*:

• Virtual Meet and Greet (January 2026 or February 2026, half day).
• Taipei (June 2026, one week).
• Europe (June 2027, two weeks).
• Washington, D.C. (June 2028, one week).

*Note:  The first meeting is planned for Taiwan and will occur sometime between May 31 and June 14, 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed). While these dates are the current target, they may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, other opportunities to convene, publish, and/or participate in public engagements may arise throughout the program period. Though these opportunities are encouraged, they are not a requirement of the program. 

• Submit a 2-3 page reflection following each of the three meetings.
• Develop a short policy paper (3-5 pages) on a topic of the applicant’s choosing as it concerns U.S.-Taiwan, European-Taiwan, or U.S.-Taiwan-European relations. Participants will be expected to submit their policy papers for publication, and will be encouraged to seek out opportunities for publication/public appearances in newspapers, newsrooms, and/or with other media outlets. Participants will also be encouraged to develop longer papers in a format useful to their careers if they wish to do so. For example, a political scientist might write a research article for publication, then create a 3-5 page version that would be suitable for publication in Foreign Policy or a similar outlet. A policy professional might write a policy report, including a 3-5 page memo or executive summary. A journalist might do a long-form article, with a 3-5 page version. These papers will be developed over the course of the three-year period under the guidance of the Senior Advisors and submitted to TECO at the end of the program. 

Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume:
  • A detailed educational and professional curriculum vitae or resume that includes a summary of major publications, public presentations, relevant professional activities, and accomplishments.
• Contact Information for Three Professional References:
  • Please list the name, title, phone number, email, and affiliation of three references, as well as your relationship to each reference.
• Personal Statement:
  • 1-2 pages explaining your area of interest as it relates to Taiwan, what you hope to gain from the program, and potential topic(s) for the policy paper you plan to develop over the course of the program.

Application Deadline

Saturday, November 1, 2025 by 11:59 PM PST.

Questions?

Please send all applications, as well as any additional questions about the program or the application procedures, to our Program Coordinator, Ms. Skye VanValkenburgh 吳思凱, at ieas-taiwan@berkeley.edu