Amended and adopted by the 1st Research Center Management Committee Meeting on April 16, 2024

I. Legal Basis for Establishment

National Sun Yat-sen University (hereinafter referred to as "the University") has established the NSYSU Sustainable Ocean Governance Center (hereinafter referred to as "the Center") in accordance with the "National Sun Yat-sen University Regulations for the Establishment, Management, and Evaluation of Research Centers." These regulations are hereby formulated to serve as the basis for the management and operations of the Center.

II. Status of the Research Center

The Center is established as a university-level, first-level ad hoc (task-force) research center.

III. Objectives of Establishment

The Center aims to promote the sustainable development of Taiwan's marine "San Sheng" (Three Aspects of Sustainability). "Sustainable development" refers to meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the well-being (rights and interests) of future generations. It encompasses the three core elements of "San Sheng": Ecology, Production, and Life, which entail minimizing environmental and ecological damage, ensuring economic profitability in production, and fostering prosperity and fairness in social life. Combining robust academic and research capabilities across the natural and social sciences, the Center will leverage its unique strengths in marine research and integrate resources related to marine academic research and educational outreach both within and outside the University. Through the integration of theory and practice, the Center will assist central or local governments in promoting the sustainable development of marine "San Sheng" and cultivating professional talents.

IV. Primary Tasks

The Center framework is structured around three major pillars: formulating management and governance strategies for the marine environment, conducting surveys and assessments of ecological resources, and promoting environmental education and conservation. The Center shall fulfill the following tasks:

(1) Engage in governance, promotion, survey, and assessment efforts related to marine "San Sheng"; provide recommendations on governance and management regulations to central or local governments; assist in establishing ecological resource survey databases; and promote environmental and ecological conservation education.

(2) Plan and promote the management, operations, and relevant regulations of marine protected areas (MPAs) in various regions.

(3) Integrate research capabilities across diverse fields and establish domestic and international interdisciplinary research partnerships in marine studies.

(4) Promote horizontal and vertical collaboration between the public and private sectors.

(5) Promote marine ecological education on campus and organize public outreach activities for marine environmental education or ecological conservation.

V. Organizational Structure

The Center shall be staffed with one Director, as well as several Division Chiefs and Researchers. Depending on operational needs, the Center may appoint an Administrative Secretary and several Adjunct Researchers. Furthermore, administrative staff and various personnel may be contractually employed based on the requirements of undertaken projects.

VI. Personnel Allocation of the Research Center

(1) Center Director

The Center shall be staffed with one Director who shall oversee all affairs of the Center. The Director shall serve a term of three years and may be reappointed. Candidates for the Director position shall be full-time professors or researchers (or above) at the University. The appointment shall be concurrently held following review and approval in accordance with the "National Sun Yat-sen University Regulations for the Establishment, Management, and Evaluation of Research Centers," and upon final ratification by the President.

(2) Division Chiefs

Depending on operational needs, the Center may establish divisions to conduct business. Each division may be staffed with one Division Chief to assist the Director in executing various projects and promoting Center operations. Division Chiefs shall be contractually appointed by the Director, and their term of office shall align with that of the Director.

(3) Adjunct Researchers

The Center may appoint several Adjunct Researchers. Based on operational needs, the Director may contractually employ domestic or international experts and scholars in relevant fields to serve in this capacity, with the appointment renewed on an annual basis. Adjunct Researchers participating in projects may be remunerated with relevant expenses.

(4) Research and Administrative Support Personnel, and Performance Evaluation

To meet administrative management needs, the Center may appoint one Administrative Secretary to handle tasks assigned by the Director. Furthermore, depending on the requirements of undertaken projects, several research, administrative, or other categories of personnel may be employed on a project-by-project basis, and their employment shall be terminated upon the conclusion of the project. All aforementioned personnel shall be contractually appointed by the Director. The performance evaluation of such personnel shall be conducted in accordance with the "National Sun Yat-sen University Management Regulations for Research Project Assistants," the "National Sun Yat-sen University Regulations for the Recruitment and Management of Contract Employees," and the "National Sun Yat-sen University Implementing Regulations for the Performance Evaluation of Contract Employees."

VII. Membership Alignment and Outcomes

Faculty members or researchers of the University who engage in research within relevant fields may join the Center upon recommendation by an existing Center member and with the approval of the Director. Members of the Center are entitled to share the Center's resources and shall participate in and assist with the promotion of various operations. When publishing relevant research outcomes, the Center must be formally affiliated.

VIII. Sources of Funding and Space

(1) The funding of the Center (including personnel expenses) shall be self-sufficient, raised through commissioned/subsidized projects, as well as other self-raised funds or donations.

(2) The financial management of the Center shall be processed in accordance with the "National Sun Yat-sen University Regulations for the Establishment, Management, and Evaluation of Research Centers."

(3) The physical space of the Center is located in Room MA2038 of the Institute of Marine Affairs, College of Marine Sciences of the University.

IX. Evaluation Mechanisms of the Research Center

The Center shall conduct self-evaluations in accordance with the "Regulations for the Establishment, Management, and Evaluation of Research Centers of the College of Marine Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University." The key indicators for the Center’s self-evaluation require a minimum total annual project budget of NT$10 million and at least two academic papers per year. Upon completing three years of establishment, the Center shall undergo an official evaluation by the College, with the items and methods processed in accordance with relevant regulations.

X. Expected Outcomes

(1) Conduct surveys and assessments of the marine environment and ecology.

(2) Research and formulate governance, management, and operational planning recommendations for the marine environment (including marine protected areas).

(3) Assist relevant public and private sectors in promoting marine environmental management and operations.

(4) Advance educational outreach themed around marine protected areas or marine ecological conservation.

(5) Organize relevant activities, seminars, and academic presentations periodically, or publish via media outlets to enhance the University's visibility.

(6) Cultivate professional research talents in related fields.

XI. Termination and Dissolution

The Center shall be dissolved under the following circumstances:

When the original reasons for establishment cease to exist, or when the funding is insufficient to sustain operations, a proposal for dissolution may be initiated by the Director or the President. The proposal shall be submitted to the Management Committee of Research Centers, and the dissolution shall be executed upon approval by the President.

XII. Implementation and Amendments

These regulations shall be implemented upon approval by the Management Committee of Research Centers and final clearance by the President. The same procedure shall apply to any future amendments.