UW, State of Wyoming Sign New Agreements with Entities in Taiwan, Japan

The University of Wyoming and the state of Wyoming have strengthened partnerships with several entities in Taiwan and Japan through formalized collaboration agreements.

As part of a follow-up trade mission led by Gov. Mark Gordon, a delegation of UW and state officials traveled to Taiwan and Japan to sign four separate memoranda of understanding (MOU) with National Central University, the National Atomic Research Institute, Industrial Technology Research Institute and Japan Coal Frontier Organization.

The new MOUs build on decades of collaborative pursuits and promote the exploration of joint research for carbon capture and storage, next-generation nuclear reactors, advanced energy technologies, critical minerals and related research for students and faculty across the university.

In a joint statement with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, Gordon expressed the desire to expand collaboration on energy security and resilience.

"We strive to identify opportunities that can lead to joint investment, long-term export and mutual prosperity," Gordon says. "Our shared hope is that, through robust dialogue, information exchange and careful study, we will identify concrete projects that our governments and industries can pursue together."

In 2025, the governor and a team of advisers spent late April traveling to Taiwan and Japan to expand relations and opportunities for Wyoming. This second trade mission is part of his ongoing effort to expand markets for Wyoming's core industries. The Wyoming trade delegation will continue to promote the state's natural gas, coal and rare earth minerals and foster relationships with universities, companies and government leaders.

Joining Gordon on the Wyoming trade delegation are Rob Creager, executive director of the Wyoming Energy Authority; Scott Quillinan, acting executive director of UW's School of Energy Resources; Randall Luthi, policy director in the governor's office; and other representatives from energy companies operating in Wyoming.

"The School of Energy Resources is pleased to be a part of these important conversations to strengthen energy resilience and opportunities for our state with our Asian partners," Quillinan says. "Recognizing that we are a part of the wider campus ecosystem, we are grateful for the contributions of the UW Office of Global Engagement to formalize these opportunities with Taiwan for energy-related research, as well as other program offerings and joint research activities."