Joint Meeting of Science and Technology Committee on 17-18
Agreed on Collaborative Research and Personnel Exchange
The Ministry of Science and ICT discussed science and technology cooperation projects with the Canadian government and encouraged Korean scientists and engineers residing in Canada.
Hwang Seong-hoon, Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, and Lakshmi Krishnan, Vice Chair of the National Research Council, attended the 4th Korea-Canada Joint Committee on Science and Technology Innovation. [Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT]
On the 17th and 18th, the Ministry of Science and ICT jointly held the 4th Korea-Canada Science and Technology Innovation Joint Committee (STI Joint Committee) with the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the STI Joint Committee, the latest science and technology and research and development (R&D) innovation policies were shared, and new cooperation agendas between researchers and institutions of the two countries in advanced science and technology fields were discussed.
On the Korean side, Hwang Seong-hoon, Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, served as the chief representative, and on the Canadian side, Lakshmi Krishnan, Vice Chair of the National Research Council, served as the chief representative. Over the two days, more than 50 government, industry, academia, and research officials from both countries participated.
The two countries also shared achievements in existing cooperation areas such as AI, semiconductors, batteries, and agricultural science and technology. They proposed building cooperation partnerships in clean energy (CCUS, hydrogen), advanced bio, and quantum technology.
Regarding clean energy, the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) proposed operating a technology cooperation consultative body with Alberta Province and planning international joint research projects. The Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) signed an MOU with the University of Calgary for joint research and personnel exchange in the field of biomanufacturing.
Additionally, new discussions were held on the entry of digital innovation companies and Korean-style Small Modular Reactors (SMR) into Canada, and based on these discussions, the chief representatives of both countries agreed to establish a joint action plan for 2024-26.
Furthermore, Director Hwang participated in the Korean Canadian Scientists and Engineers Academic Conference held during the same period. He presented the Overseas Scientist and Engineer Award (Minister’s Award) and gave a lecture on Korea’s science and technology and ICT international cooperation policies.
This academic conference consisted of △ Sustainable International Joint R&D Cooperation Summit △ four forums on Science and Technology Innovation (STI), quantum technology, AI, and clean energy △ five technical sessions on bio, ICT, machinery, etc. △ and five special sessions including programs for young scientists and women scientists. About 500 scientists and engineers from Korea and Canada participated.
Director Hwang said, “Canada is a leading country in the field of science and technology and a like-minded country sharing democratic values. I hope that the new cooperation agendas discussed this time will continue to be discussed and yield good results.”
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