Professor Yung Chang of Chung Yuan Christian University’s Department of Chemical Engineering was honored with the 30th Distinguished Achievement Award by the Phi Tau Phi Scholastic Honor Society on August 21, making him the only recipient from a private university this year.
Professor Chang has long specialized in biomedical materials and polymer engineering, driving the advancement of Taiwan’s high-end materials and biomedical industries. He successfully translated his “biomedical membrane” research into practical applications, founding PuriBlood, Taiwan’s first advanced blood medical materials company. His patented dual-ion polymer membrane technology enables precise leukocyte removal—filtering 500 mL of whole blood in just 7 minutes with 99.99% efficiency—benefiting over one million patients and revolutionizing transfusion safety.
Professor Yung Chang of Chung Yuan Christian University has led 76 interdisciplinary industry–academia projects, partnering with major companies such as the Formosa Plastics Group and Germany’s Sartorius, driving the establishment of Taiwan’s first blood bag factory and advancing biomedical industries. These collaborations have attracted over NT$130 million in research funding, strengthening Taiwan’s biomedical and materials technology capacity and demonstrating the real-world impact of academic research.
Graduating top of his class from CYCU’s Department of Chemical Engineering, Professor Chang earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from National Taiwan University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Washington. Returning to his alma mater in 2006, he has since trained over 160 graduate and undergraduate researchers, while also serving as Director of CYCU’s Industry–Academia Operations Office and Film Technology R&D Center.
Professor Chang has consistently set benchmarks for private universities, receiving numerous national honors, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ National Industrial Innovation Award (2024), National Invention and Creation Award, National Innovation Award, Outstanding Polymer Research Award, the TECO Award, the Executive Yuan Outstanding Science & Technology Contribution Award, and the NSTC Outstanding Research Award.
With a deep sense of gratitude and mission, he emphasizes applying research to benefit society. In receiving the Phi Tau Phi Distinguished Achievement Award, Professor Chang expressed thanks to the Honor Society, his research teams, and CYCU for providing an environment that fosters both exploration and practical application. He pledged to continue innovating in biomimetic membrane technology, advancing industry collaboration, and promoting health and well-being.
CYCU emphasized that Professor Chang’s achievements not only represent personal honor but also embody the university’s core values of holistic education and the mission of using expertise to serve humanity, setting a model of academic excellence, social impact, and industry innovation.
