The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Polymer Society of the Republic of China was grandly held on January 15, marking the most significant event in Taiwan’s polymer science community. Professor Chang Yong from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Chung Yuan Christian University once again made history by receiving the 2024 “Outstanding Polymer Application Award.” He is the only scholar in the nation to have won all three major awards of the Polymer Society, demonstrating exceptional contributions to both academic research and industrial applications in the field of polymer science and technology.
Chung Yuan Christian University highlighted that Professor Chang Yong’s research team has achieved groundbreaking innovations in biomedical polymer technology, with particular acclaim for their “anti-coagulant leukocyte reduction filtration technology.” This innovation has applications in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Key outcomes include a leukocyte reduction filtration system that enhances transfusion safety and significantly lowers the risk of complications, a micro-membrane filtration technology that improves the accuracy of sepsis diagnosis, and a platelet purification and concentration technique offering novel therapeutic solutions for arthritis patients, improving their quality of life.
These research achievements have been successfully transferred into technology and industrialized. Under Professor Chang Yong’s leadership, his students established the campus-derived enterprise “PreBioTech,” which has enhanced transfusion safety for over 500,000 individuals. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Science Council’s “Outstanding Research Award,” the Chinese Institute of Engineers’ “Outstanding Engineering Professor Award,” the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ “National Invention Award,” and the Executive Yuan’s “Outstanding Contribution to Science and Technology Award.”
Professor Chang emphasized that with the advent of an aging society, the demand for advanced human blood processing systems is rapidly increasing. Globally, over 100 million blood bags undergo leukocyte reduction procedures annually. His vision is clear: “To create life-saving products and free Taiwan from dependence on foreign technology.” Chang reaffirmed his commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation to enhance societal health and well-being.
Chung Yuan Christian University stated that Professor Chang Yong’s research has not only advanced academic frontiers but also contributed significantly to societal well-being, making him a role model in the field of polymer science and technology. His contributions have propelled Chung Yuan to surpass top universities in the fields of chemical engineering and polymer science. Professor Chang’s relentless dedication to academia-industry collaboration has resulted in 41 invention patents, 54 industrial R&D projects, 21 intellectual property licenses, and 12 technology transfers. He also serves as the Director of the Office of Industry-Academia Collaboration and the Director of the Film Technology Research and Development Center.
As both an alumnus and faculty member of Chung Yuan Christian University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, Professor Chang expressed deep gratitude to his alma mater for providing an excellent environment for research and innovation. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the Polymer Society for its recognition. Looking forward, he remains committed to pioneering advancements in polymer science, striving to elevate Taiwan’s position in this critical field.
