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Partnerships

Korea

Korea

The Leopoldina and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) are working together to increase the mutual visibility of the scientific communities and to intensify the dialogue between academics from both countries. The two institutions also work together to provide international policy advice, for instance by formulating science-based recommendations for the G20 summits.

A cooperation agreement signed in 2012 reflects the close and friendly collaboration. KAST fulfills the function of a national academy in the South Korean scientific community. In addition, KAST is an important link to the Asian region, as it hosts the secretariat of the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA).

Joint Leopoldina-KAST symposia are held regularly, alternating between Korea and Germany. These are often combined with Leopoldina-KAST Lectures, where academics present their subjects to a broader audience in order to increase the visibility of Korean and German scientists in each other’s countries. These events feature high-profile speakers and focus on a variety of topics, ranging from stem cell research to assistant robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Both academies work together to provide policy advice, for instance by preparing statements in the run-up to the G20 summit of Heads of State and Government. In addition, the Leopoldina is actively involved in the Inter-Academy Seoul Science Forum (IASSF). This series of events, hosted regularly by KAST in Seoul since 2012, aims to promote international interdisciplinary academic debate and to identify global trends in science and technology.