Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology - Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Sign Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Marine Environmental Radioactivity

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (President Hee-Seung Lee, KIOST) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the field of marine environmental radioactivity with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (President Han-Kyu Joo, KAERI) on October 29 at KIOST's Busan headquarters (located in Yeongdo-gu, Busan).

Signing of a business agreement between the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. (From left) Joo Han-kyu, Director of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, and Lee Hee-seung, Director of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology.

This MOU was established to provide KAERI with ocean current information around Korea through KIOST's operational ocean forecasting system (KOOS) and to contribute to creating a safe sea using advanced radioactivity technology. KOOS stands for Korea Operational Oceanographic System.

In 2013, KIOST developed the operational ocean forecasting system (KOOS) through the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' national research and development project, producing marine environmental prediction information such as sea temperature, salinity, tides, ocean currents, and tidal currents around the Korean Peninsula.

This system has been transferred to national institutions and private companies and is operated in real time. Its research achievements were selected as one of the 'Top 100 National R&D Achievements' by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning in 2015.

Through this agreement, the two institutions plan to establish a close cooperative relationship in areas including ▲exchange of professional research personnel ▲scientific and technological development and joint research ▲joint use of facilities and related research equipment ▲exchange of technology and research information ▲joint discovery of research projects.

KIOST President Hee-Seung Lee stated, “We will strengthen cooperation with related organizations to provide accurate marine environmental information and contribute to protecting our seas from radioactivity.”