On Monday, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it has chosen four joint research projects for support over the next decade, as reported by Yonhap. These projects involve collaborations with leading global research institutes as part of the country’s initiatives to advance scientific innovation.
One key initiative is a partnership between Seoul’s Institute for Basic Science and Tokyo’s National Research and Development Agency. This project focuses on developing technologies for producing rare isotopes using RAON, a heavy-ion accelerator designed by South Korea.
The ministry will also back joint research on hydrogen technologies by Seoul National University and Stanford University in the U.S. Additionally; it will support a project to establish an advanced lab for testing autonomous driving technologies led by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Another notable initiative involves the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology partnering with Belgium’s Rega Institute for Medical Research. This project aims to develop vaccines and treatments for viruses that could cause pandemics.
These collaborations are part of South Korea’s broader strategy to support international scientific cooperation and enhance its research capabilities. The country aims to drive technological advancements and address pressing global challenges by partnering with top-tier global research institutions.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of South Korea, which succeeded the former Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning, is responsible for overseeing these international collaborations. The MSIT focuses on advancing science and technology, including information and communication technology (ICT).
Initially headquartered in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, the ministry relocated to Sejong City in 2019. In 2021, new buildings were constructed in Sejong City to support the ministry’s expanded role and activities.
In other news, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) has announced an investment of 380.8 billion won (approximately $274.8 million) over the next seven years to develop three dedicated industrial parks for the space sector. This funding will be allocated to constructing a specialized industrial complex focused on space vehicles alongside two additional parks aimed at advancing civilian satellite technology and training professionals in the space industry.
These initiatives are part of KASA’s broader strategy to enhance South Korea’s capabilities in space exploration and technology. The new facilities are expected to support the growth of the domestic space industry, driving innovation and fostering expertise in key areas of space development.
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