Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute's (KAERI) SMART Comprehensive Effect Test Facility / Courtesy of KAERI

Ambassadors from key countries including Sweden, Finland and the European Union (EU) visited two of Korea's premier research institutes on Nov. 26, as part of Global R&D Friends Day. The event, hosted by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), aimed to showcase advanced research facilities and foster international collaboration.

The visiting dignitaries commenced their tour at KAERI, where they explored the SMART Comprehensive Effect Test Facility and the ATLAS Comprehensive Thermal-Hydraulic Test Facility for pressurized water reactors. These state-of-the-art facilities are integral to Korea's advancements in nuclear research and technology.

Following their visit to KAERI, the ambassadors moved to ETRI. Here, they were introduced to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence-driven cultural heritage transformation and the next-generation digital broadcasting standard ATSC 3.0. Additionally, the visitors had the opportunity to experience ETRI's autonomous driving technology firsthand by riding the AutoVe shuttle.

"It is an honor to introduce the research achievements and advanced facilities of Korea's leading institutes to global partners. We hope this opportunity will lead to new international cooperation and joint research endeavors, resulting in significant achievements," KAERI President Joo Han-kyu said.

ETRI's history museum offered the ambassadors a glimpse into Korea's information and communications technology (ICT) evolution, showcasing significant milestones including the TDX electronic switching system, DRAM semiconductors, the CDMA digital mobile communication system and WiBro, a wireless broadband internet technology. In the ICT Experience Hall, the ambassadors encountered futuristic technologies, including 6G mobile communication capable of functioning in extreme environments, 360-degree digital holograms and digital portraits rendered in the style of Vincent van Gogh.

The event facilitated dialogues between the ambassadors and Korean researchers about the accomplishments of government-funded research institutes and future plans for global research and development (R&D) collaboration. This initiative aligned with Korea's efforts to join Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship R&D program, as an associate member, thereby seeking to build beneficial international research partnerships.

"This occasion allowed us to showcase the dedication and efforts of our researchers to both ambassadors in Korea and the global community, while discussing future joint research initiatives. Collaborating with KAERI to host this meaningful event made it even more special," ETRI President Bang Seung-chan said.