Vice Minister Cho met with COO of the US National Science Foundation
- Strengthening global R&D through enhanced bilateral cooperation in joint research as a follow-up measure to the last summit
On December 9th (Sat.), Cho Seong-Kyung, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT (hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") held a meeting with Karen Marrongelle, the Chief Operating Officer of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF), to discuss cooperation measures between the two institutions.
First, they reviewed the current progress of preparations for the upcoming joint research programs in the fields of semiconductor and bio-economy, scheduled to commence from 2024. In the case of semiconductor research, MSIT plans to select new projects, while NSF plans to provide additional support for international cooperation costs for previously selected projects. As for bio-economy research, a multilateral consortium program involving research institutions from various countries, including Korea and the US, will be put forward. MSIT and NSF agreed to collaborate more closely to ensure that these programs succeed in creating exemplary cases for global research and development (R&D).
Next, Vice Minister Cho proposed the establishment of a separate research personnel exchange program between Korea and the US, utilizing the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) program already in operation by NSF, with the aim of supporting students from both countries to grow into world-leading scientists by offering international joint research experiences. In addition to the semiconductor and bio-economy sectors, MSIT and NSF discussed opportunities for future cooperation in the field of quantum science and technology as well. They formed consensus on exploring and developing trilateral cooperation initiatives among Korea, the US, and Japan, as the significance of the tripartite cooperation in advanced technology continues to increase. Finally, to facilitate the close collaboration between the two institutions, including what was discussed above, and bolster the overall level of cooperation, an in-depth consideration for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was made.
Vice Minister Cho Seong-Kyung stated, "The US National Science Foundation is the Ministry of Science and ICT's key partner in Korea's pursuit of world-leading global research and development. Through close collaboration, we will strive to create exemplary cases in international joint research."
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.
Please refer to the attached PDF.