CSC and South Korea's KISTI sign research cooperation deal

CSC – IT Center for Science and Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration in the fields of high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing, research data management and Arctic connectivity. The MoU enables joint development of competences via promoting research collaboration between Finland and South Korea utilizing advanced research infrastructures, as well as information exchange, sharing best practices and solutions in data life-cycle management and platforms, and promoting Arctic connectivity for research communities.

“South Korea is a rising, influential actor in the field of science and technology, as shown by the EU's efforts towards closer cooperation. We share many of our ambitions with KISTI, and the collaboration helps CSC ensure that we stay at the cutting edge of technology globally. This MoU enables us to discuss future roadmaps of developing services for research and plan ahead engagements in EU-funded projects with our South Korean colleagues to provide the best possible services to the Finnish research community", states Kimmo Koski, managing director of CSC.

“Finland is the European country closest to Korea. CSC and KISTI are institutes with a common mission in supercomputing, research networks and data. KISTI is currently preparing a 600 PetaFlops supercomputer and is also involved in quantum computing. We are delighted to be collaborating with CSC, a European leader in both supercomputing and quantum computing. We believe that this MoU will enable a wide range of collaborations, which will be of great mutual benefit”, states Jaesoo Kim, president of KISTI.

The signing took place during the Finland-Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting, which is a science and technology cooperation structure related to the state treaty cooperation between Finland and South Korea. The Joint Committee Meetings allow state actors from the two countries to discuss recent national developments in S&T policy, as well as mutually explore potential areas for collaboration. On behalf of the national communities, CSC and KISTI presented topics related to supercomputing and quantum computing, and the MoU was signed at the end of the event.

In addition to national structures, the MoU also leverages the EU-South Korea political framework for cooperation in research and digital technologies. EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy aims to deepen engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, under which a European Union – Republic of Korea Digital Partnership was signed in November 2022. South Korea has also entered formal negotiations to become an associated country to the EU’s Horizon Europe funding programme at the end of May 2023.

This article was first published on 16 June by CSC.