The Korea–EU Research and Innovation Day (R&I Day) 2026, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on March 24, 2026 marked a significant step forward in strengthening structured and sustainable research collaboration between Korea and the European Union.
The event brought together over 700 participants, including researchers at all career stages, research managers, National Contact Points (NCPs), and representatives from EU Member State embassies—demonstrating a strong and growing commitment to deeper bilateral engagement within the global research and innovation ecosystem.
High-Level Engagement
High-level participation from H.E. Ugo Astuto, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Korea; Koo Hyuk Chae, 1st Vice Minister of Science and ICT; Wonhwa Hong, President of the National Research Foundation of Korea; and Maria Cristina Russo, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, highlighted the strategic importance of Korea–EU cooperation.
Their contributions reaffirmed a shared vision of fostering long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships grounded in excellence, openness, and international mobility.
Focus on Horizon Europe & MSCA Opportunities
In line with the objectives of the MSCA-GLOPOL initiative, the event placed particular emphasis on enhancing awareness, capacity, and practical engagement with Horizon Europe opportunities following Korea’s association.
Dedicated sessions provided targeted guidance on participation pathways, with a strong focus on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), including:
- Doctoral Networks
- Staff Exchanges
- COFUND
These sessions contributed to strengthening institutional readiness and equipping participants with the knowledge needed to actively engage in collaborative, transnational research projects.
Networking & Collaboration
Extensive one-on-one networking sessions further demonstrated the value of mobility-driven collaboration and peer-to-peer exchange. These interactions not only reinforced existing connections but also helped initiate new partnerships aligned with shared research priorities.
Overall, the R&I Day 2026 served as a catalyst for advancing the MSCA-GLOPOL objectives of strengthening global research cooperation, promoting researcher mobility, and enhancing participation in MSCA and Horizon Europe.
The strong engagement observed throughout the event provides a solid foundation for continued collaboration, with a series of targeted follow-up activities expected to further consolidate Korea–EU research and innovation ties.
Please access the presentation of MSCA-GLOPOL Regional Liaison Officer Tomasz Wierzbowski here.
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