A Memorandum of Understanding was signed early this month between the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) and the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF), with a view to promoting joint research and technological activities in natural sciences and engineering. The memorandum was signed, on behalf of FORTH, by the Chairman of the BoD, Prof. Alkiviades C. Payatakes and on behalf of KOSEF by the Chairman of the Organisation, Prof. Oh-Kab Kwon.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding FORTH and KOSEF will realize joint research projects for a period of at least two years. Projects will include exchange of scientists, conferences and promoting of collaboration in other fields as will be agreed by both parties.

The memorandum of understanding will be valid for a period of 3 years and it will be automatically renewable, provided that both parties wish so.

The agreement in question was signed on the initiative of KOSEF, following the recent visit of the President of Democracy of Korea, Mr. Roh Moo-Hyan, in our country. In this framework the president of KOSEF, accompanied by the Director of European Projects, Byung Whan Ho and the Director of International Projects, Jong-Woo Kang, visited FORTH and received a tour through its facilities.

This initiative is an important step taken by FORTH towards the creation of collaborations of strategic importance with research centers active beyond European ground, ultimately aiming at attracting private investment in R&D projects. KOSEF is one of the largest Organizations for Research and Innovation Promotion in Korea, and has proceeded to similar collaborations with 36 international agents, realizing 57 international projects.

For more information please contact:
Mrs. Eleftheria Katsouli
Public Relations Office
Tel. 2810 391510, Fax: 2810 391513
E-mail: ekat@admin.forth.gr