The University of Helsinki has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korean Yonsei University. The agreement promotes research collaboration between the two universities and marks an important step toward strengthening international partnerships.
The agreement was signed during Rector Sari Lindblom's visit to South Korea in September. Intensifying collaboration with Korean universities is a key part of the University of Helsinki's new global program, which aims to foster cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with South Korea and Japan.
"The agreement signed now is an important first step in our collaboration with Yonsei University," says Rector Lindblom.
"We also discussed a deeper strategic partnership between the universities, which we are now beginning to develop together," she continues.
South Korea will join the EU's research and innovation framework program Horizon Europe at the beginning of 2025. The connection to the EU's flagship research and innovation initiative makes South Korea an increasingly important partner for European universities and opens up new opportunities for joint research and innovation projects.
"The University of Helsinki has strong European connections through, among others, the Una Europa alliance and the League of European Research Universities (LERU)," notes Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman, responsible for International Affairs.
"We can also act as a bridge between Korean and European universities and promote our strong research fields," Snellman adds.
During her visit to South Korea, Rector Lindblom also met with leaders from two other top universities in the country, Seoul National University and Korea University. They, too, discussed intensifying cooperation and the opportunities provided by Horizon Europe.
The discussion continued at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Finland in Seoul, where Ambassador Jyri Järviaho emphasized the importance of university cooperation as part of solving major global challenges.
"Collaboration enhances our understanding of problems and helps us discover solutions," Järviaho stated.
