University of Waterloo signed memoranda of understanding with two research-intensive institutions from South Korea today
The signings allow Waterloo to explore collaborations with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Korea Institute of Science and Technology on work integrated learning and possible research collaborations in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, chemical engineering and quantum computing and nanotechnology.
KAIST was recently ranked 51st in the world according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK firm that released an annual ranking of world universities last week.
“KAIST and the University of Waterloo have so much in common. Our Universities both pursue excellence in teaching and research, we attract some of the highest quality students and faculty alike, and we both seek out innovation that has the potential to change the world,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. “I am delighted to expand our partnership with KAIST.”
KAIST is the gateway to advanced science and technology and innovation in Korea and acted as the engine room for the economic development of Korea over the past four decades.
“KAIST has always been touted as Korea’s top-notch research university of science wunderkinds and world-famous faculty members,” said Nello Angerilli, associate vice-president, international at Waterloo. “The Republic of Korea has exemplified economic growth driven by innovation-led science and technology, so this partnership also affords Waterloo Region the opportunity for Korean investment in the technology ecosystem.”
The MOU with KAIST will provide additional opportunities for Waterloo co-op students to work in South Korea and KAIST exchange students to experience work-integrated learning while at Waterloo.
Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing also signed a new agreement with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) to expand research partnerships in the field of quantum information science.
“This agreement brings two internationally recognized institutions together to advance quantum science,” said Professor Raymond Laflamme, executive director, Institute for Quantum Computing at Waterloo. “Our researchers will work to accelerate the development of quantum technologies for the benefit of both countries.” IQC’s newest faculty member, Professor Kyung Choi, most recently senior scientist at KIST, will be among the main contributors to the research efforts in this agreement.
KIST is a national research institute located in Seoul. Founded in 1966, it was the first multi-disciplinary scientific research institute in Korea.
The Korean government supports the new agreements between Waterloo, KAIST and KIST. Namjoon Cho, director of the Americas & Asia Cooperation Division of the Korean Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning attended the MOU signings.
“Canadian-sourced research funding is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire,” said Angerilli. “Funding from informed government sources in countries such as the Republic of Korea will strengthen collaborative research outcomes and global recognition of those outcomes.”
