Trinity and South Korean Government Agree Collaboration
Posted on: 07 July 2016
Trinity College Dublin has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sejong City Government to explore opportunities for collaboration in education and research between Trinity College Dublin, South Korean academic institutions, and industry.
The partnership will explore and promote the establishment of a joint campus with South Korean universities in Sejong, South Korea’s new administrative capital. Key disciplines for collaboration in education and research are health and biomedical sciences, as well as humanities and social sciences. In addition to academic collaboration, the possibilities of fostering partnerships with industries in biotechnology will also be explored.
The signing took place during a visit to South Korea and Japan by Trinity’s Provost, Patrick Prendergast who said: “This strategic relationship will enable Trinity to explore new and meaningful opportunities for world class research collaborations and industry partnerships here in South Korea, potentially leading to work on a joint campus. We look forward to further consideration on the potential for delivery of Trinity programmes here as well as joint programmes with South Korean universities.”
The Provost also announced at the signing that a South Korean student has received a fully funded Master’s scholarship to undertake the M.Phil in Creative Writing at the Trinity Oscar Wilde Centre for Creative Writing this September. The scholarship was awarded as part of the Government of Ireland’s International Education Scholarship Scheme under the provisions of the Irish Government’s international education strategy, 2010-2015.
Trinity’s Vice President for Global Relations, Juliette Hussey said: “We look forward to deepening our relationships in South Korea and have identified many areas for potential collaboration in education and research. In addition, this visit has also allowed us to expand the opportunities for Trinity students to study in South Korea through new exchange agreements with South Korea’s top institutions.”
The strategic partnership and the visit by Trinity’s Provost builds on a series of over 20 research collaborations between Trinity and universities in South Korea, including graphics research for the film industry with Seoul National University and Disney Research. Trinity is also currently working with Seoul National University in the areas of chemistry and nanotechnology and materials to set up a bio nanotechnology centre.
The partnership with the South Korean Government reflects Trinity’s commitment to deeper engagement with South Korea, building on existing links and providing opportunities for increased collaborative research opportunities. During the visit, Trinity’s Provost will be meeting with a number of Trinity alumni who work in South Korea in various sectors including academia, technology, public relations and English language training.