Taiwan Master's student, 24, takes own life after 20-hour days & difficulties with research supervisor

A 24-year-old Master's student at the National Taipei University of Technology took his own life after reportedly facing difficulties with his research supervisor.

His thesis topic was purportedly modified four times within a month, and he also received threats of being booted from the Master's programme.

The student reportedly worked as long as 20 hours a day and did not take breaks, even during holidays.

Difficult supervisor

According to Taiwan's CNA, Mirror Media and SETN, news of the student's passing broke on May 19 when his family publicly shared records of his notes and conversation recordings.

The family attributed the student's death to the high-stress environment at the research lab as well as pressures from his professor, who repeatedly modified the direction of his research.

The student claimed in his notes that his work was thrown off course in January 2026 after the research content was modified.

His research plan was cancelled at the last minute, and he was told to work on a challenge topic.

Apart from being asked to change his thesis topic four times in a month, the student claimed that he was also threatened with being kicked out of the programme due to slow research progress and disagreements with his supervisor.

Worked long hours

The student apparently also spent as much as 20 hours on his work each day and did not take time off even during public holidays.

The student's father told the media that his son was usually jovial.

However, his mood shifted throughout the year.

He also said that he hoped his son would be the last "fool".

Responding to the incident, Taipei University said in a statement that they have been in contact with the student's family.

Investigations are ongoing, and the professor involved has since been suspended from teaching duties.