Germany and Korea Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Basic Sciences
-Research cooperation between Germany and Korea has been fully initiated, including plans for the establishment of the IBS-MPG Center in Korea.
-A strategic cooperation plan for basic sciences was outlined, and two MOUs were signed to enhance research collaboration.
Germany and Korea are set to enhance their cooperation in advancing basic sciences, ranging from academic exchanges to talent development and the establishment of joint research centers.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as 'MSIT') announced that a'Global Science Leaders Forum' was held jointly by Germany's Max Planck Society (President Patrick Cramer, hereinafter 'MPG') and Korea's Institute for Basic Science (President Noh Do Young, hereinafter 'IBS'), along with Yonsei University (President Yoon Dong-sup) on April 11th at Yonsei University.
This forum marked a pivotal advancement in solidifying cooperation between the leading basic science research institutions of both countries in areas such as strategic field identification and collaboration, shared use of research facilities, and development of young researchers. Plans also include expanding cooperation to establish a joint research hub in nanomedicine, a talent development system, and ultimately, the IBS-Max Planck Center* in Korea.
*Max Planck Center: Established and operated by MPG for intensive collaborative research with top global institutions (currently operating 17 centers across 9 countries, with Japan's RIKEN Center being the only one in Asia).
The Max Planck Society, founded in 1948 to pioneer basic research for humanity, has been a global leader in basic sciences, producing 39 Nobel laureates. Recently, Chief Investigator Cha Meeyoung of IBS was appointed as the first Korean director of a Max Planck Institute (MPI), marking a significant milestone.
*Currently, the Max Planck Society operates 84 MPIs in Germany, with an additional five institutes abroad and 17 research centers worldwide.
At the forum, global science leaders from Germany and Korea gathered to emphasize the crucial role of science in society and discussed strategic approaches to expand cooperation in basic sciences. The event featured in-depth discussions and the signing of MOUs to further enhance collaboration.
Vice Minister Lee Chang Yune of MSIT, present at the forum, stated, "Korea plans to strengthen its scientific and technological cooperation with Europe, including joining 'Horizon Europe.' We hope that Germany and Korea will not only strengthen their scientific and technological capabilities but also deepen their friendship through expanded strategic research cooperation, jointly addressing global challenges."
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
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