Forest Management
Research Field
**Jan-hang Chen, Ph.D.**
Professor, Department of Forestry
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST)
I am a Professor and doctoral faculty member within the Department of Forestry at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. My academic career is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional silviculture and modern technological applications to address the pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century.
My primary research focuses on **forest carbon sequestration** and the implementation of **UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) remote sensing** in forest management. By leveraging high-resolution aerial data and advanced geospatial analysis, my lab develops precise methodologies for calculating carbon sinks and monitoring forest health. This work is critical in the global effort to mitigate climate change and achieve carbon neutrality goals.
Beyond the laboratory, I am deeply committed to the **University Social Responsibility (USR)** framework, leading initiatives that integrate academic research with local community development and sustainable land-use practices. My professional background also includes significant experience in public administration, which allows me to approach forestry issues with a comprehensive understanding of both ecological science and policy implementation.
I actively pursue international research collaborations—specifically in the realms of remote sensing and forest ecology—to foster a global exchange of knowledge. Whether through lecturing, mentoring doctoral candidates, or spearheading technical research projects, my goal remains to advance the field of forestry through innovation, precision, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
Our research team focuses on the intersection of forest ecology, precision technology, and climate change mitigation. We aim to provide data-driven solutions for quantifying the environmental impact of forest ecosystems in an era of global ecological transition.
### **Research Focus Areas**
* **Precision Carbon Sink Quantification:**
Utilizing multi-source data to develop rigorous methodologies for calculating forest carbon sequestration, supporting international goals for carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions.
* **UAV & Remote Sensing Applications:**
Employing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellite imagery for high-resolution forest inventory, health monitoring, and biomass estimation.
* **Smart Forestry & Digital Integration:**
Developing innovative workflows that combine AI-driven analytics with remote sensing data to enhance forest resource management and disaster prevention.
* **Sustainability & USR Initiatives:**
Translating academic research into actionable community projects through University Social Responsibility (USR) frameworks, focusing on forest conservation and local ecological resilience.
### **Our Mission**
Our mission is to pioneer "Smart Forestry" solutions that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical policy application. By fostering a collaborative environment for doctoral candidates and researchers, we strive to advance the scientific understanding of forest dynamics and provide the technical foundation for the next generation of sustainable forest management.
### **International Collaboration**
The lab actively engages in cross-border academic exchanges, partnering with global institutions to address transboundary environmental issues. We welcome collaborations that push the boundaries of remote sensing technology and enhance the global capacity for forest-based climate solutions.
### **Laboratory Capabilities**
* High-precision UAV aerial survey and multispectral analysis.
* Advanced GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and spatial modeling.
* Carbon stock assessment and forest growth modeling.
* Technical consultation for forest policy and USR implementation.
### Research Interests
* **Forest Carbon Sinks:** Quantitative analysis and sequestration modeling.
* **Remote Sensing:** Application of UAV and satellite imagery in forest inventory.
* **Smart Forestry:** Integration of AI and IoT in sustainable forest management.
* **Forest Policy:** Bridging academic research with administrative execution.
Prof. Chen has established himself as a leading authority in Remote Sensing, Urban Forestry, and Forest Resource Monitoring.
* **Extensive Publication Record:** Authored and co-authored over **176 academic papers**, including **66 high-impact journal articles (indexed in SCI/EI)** and 110 conference papers.
* **Top-Tier Contributions:** Regularly publishes in world-renowned journals such as *Remote Sensing of Environment*, *Journal of Biogeography*, and *Arboriculture & Urban Forestry*.
* **Research Funding Leadership:** Successfully secured and led over **41 research projects** with total funding exceeding **NTD 64 million**, supported by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
### **II. Professional Leadership & Administrative Service**
His career is marked by a unique blend of academic rigor and high-level public administration.
* **Departmental Leadership:** Served as the **Chair of the Department of Forestry** at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST).
* **Public Policy Authority:** Former **Director-General of the Agriculture Bureau**, Kaohsiung City Government, where he integrated scientific research into regional agricultural and forestry policies.
* **Corporate Governance:** Currently serves as the **Chairman of Dalian Jingyan**, demonstrating versatile leadership across academic and private sectors.
* **Government Consultant:** Appointed as an expert committee member for over **130 government advisory boards**, influencing national decisions on forest protection and urban greening.
### **III. Key Areas of Expertise**
* **Smart Forestry:** Pioneer in utilizing UAV LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for forest volume estimation.
* **Urban Forest Management:** Expert in non-destructive testing and tree risk assessment technologies.
* **Biogeography & Climate Change:** Specialized in long-term monitoring of subtropical forest responses to environmental shifts.
### **IV. Mentorship & Talent Development**
* **Doctoral Faculty:** As a Professor and Doctoral Advisor at NPUST, he has mentored numerous PhD and Master’s students who now hold key positions in governmental environmental agencies and academic institutions worldwide.
> **Summary Statement:**
> Prof. Jan-Chang Chen is a distinguished scholar whose career bridges the gap between **advanced geospatial technology** and **practical forest management**. His massive portfolio of 176 publications and his history of executive leadership in both government and academia underscore his status as a premier expert in the field of Forestry and Remote Sensing in Taiwan.
Ph.D. from the Graduate Institute of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation at NPUST, a unique program that emphasizes global agricultural perspectives and advanced research methodologies. His Master’s degree from the Department of Forestry at National Taiwan University (NTU) provided him with a prestigious foundation in traditional and modern forestry sciences. This combination of elite academic training from Taiwan’s top institutions has equipped him with the expertise to lead complex research projects and hold significant administrative roles in both academia and government.