The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Sang Beom Lim, welcomed DFG President Professor Dr. Katja Becker to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Berlin on 17 September. The main aim of the meeting was to exchange views on bilateral relations.

The two sides emphasised the vital importance of cooperation as “like-minded countries” in times of geopolitical challenge, saying that scientific exchange was a fundamental pillar of relations between the two countries and must continue to be strengthened. Particular emphasis was placed on the close collaboration between the DFG and its Korean partner organisations, as well as the joint calls that were regularly issued for German-Korean research projects.

Becker and Ambassador Lim also highlighted the importance of curiosity-driven basic research, saying that the latter was not only essential in order to achieve scientific breakthroughs, but was also an indispensable resource for the technological and economic development of societies. 

With regard to maintaining excellence in research, Becker stressed the need to provide young researchers in particular with the freedom and space required for independent and creative thinking.

The two sides concluded by affirming their commitment to further expanding research cooperation in the future.

South Korea is one of the DFG’s key partner countries in Asia. The DFG has offered joint funding programmes with the National Research Foundation of Korea and its predecessor organisations since 1977.