University of Helsinki Strengthens Research Ties with Yonsei University, Eyes Expanded Collaboration in South Korea

University of Helsinki Strengthens Research Ties with Yonsei University, Eyes Expanded Collaboration in South Korea

(IN BRIEF) The University of Helsinki has entered into a partnership with South Korea’s Yonsei University through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to foster research collaboration and is a key step in Helsinki’s broader strategy to enhance partnerships with Indo-Pacific universities, particularly in South Korea and Japan. Rector Sari Lindblom emphasized the significance of this first step toward deeper collaboration. South Korea’s upcoming participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe program in 2025 presents further opportunities for joint research initiatives between European and Korean universities. The agreement was formalized during Lindblom’s visit to South Korea, where she also met with leaders from Seoul National University and Korea University to discuss additional collaboration. Finnish Ambassador Jyri Järviaho emphasized the role of university partnerships in addressing global challenges.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 30-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Helsinki has taken a significant step in expanding its international academic collaborations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea’s Yonsei University. This new agreement sets the foundation for joint research initiatives between the two institutions and marks a crucial development in the University of Helsinki’s efforts to strengthen ties with universities in the Indo-Pacific region, with a particular focus on South Korea and Japan.

The agreement was formalized during Rector Sari Lindblom’s visit to South Korea in September, where she met with Yonsei University President, Dong-Sup Yoon. Rector Lindblom emphasized the importance of this collaboration, describing it as “an important first step” in what both universities envision as a deeper strategic partnership moving forward.

The partnership comes at a pivotal time, as South Korea is set to join the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation framework in 2025. This new status will enhance the role of South Korea as a valuable research partner for European universities, creating expanded opportunities for collaborative research projects.

Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman highlighted the University of Helsinki’s prominent European ties, including through the Una Europa alliance and the League of European Research Universities (LERU), positioning it as a potential bridge between Korean and European academic institutions.

In addition to signing the agreement with Yonsei University, Rector Lindblom met with leaders from Seoul National University and Korea University, discussing potential collaborative projects and further opportunities linked to the Horizon Europe initiative.

The importance of academic partnerships was also underscored by Finland’s Ambassador to South Korea, Jyri Järviaho, at a reception in Seoul. He emphasized that cooperation between universities plays a vital role in addressing global challenges and discovering innovative solutions.

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SOURCE: University of Helsinki