Fostering German-Korean cooperation in Marine Research
Korean Ambassador visits GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Germany referred often immodest as high-tech country where much emphasis is placed on high-quality education and research. Nevertheless, compared with South Korea, we are still a developing country. With 4,29% of the GDP Korea spends the highest percentage worldwide on research and technology development. Also in absolute terms of the expenses the country ranks in sixth place of more than 200 countries. This is also evident in the field of marine and climate research. With the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) South Korea has a major international research centre, that also collaborates closely with GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel for years. For example, both centres work closely together in the field of marine resources as well as in the area of climate modelling.
During the visit of the South Korean ambassador Kyung-soo Lee in Kiel GEOMAR Director Professor Dr Peter Herzig underlined the importance of the cooperation with the Asian country. "Korea has recognized that we can only meet global challenges, in particular in the field of marine research, through intensive research and innovation. Together we have to take leadership in technology to ensure that also in future our economies remain successful and innovative in the international competition", Herzig continued. "Our Korean colleagues are our role models for motivation, innovation and positive visions of the future", the GEOMAR director praised.
At GEOMAR currently two scientists work in the field of Ocean circulation and climate dynamics. One of them is the climatologist Dr. Wonsun Park. He currently acts this year as chairman of the Europe-Korea Conference on Science and Technology (EKC) in 2016 (www.ekc2016.org) to be held from 27th to 30th of July in Berlin. Furthermore he is also president of the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association in Germany.
His Excellency Kyung-soo Lee was impressed by the achievements of the marine research at GEOMAR in Kiel. "I am very pleased for the opportunity to visit this important marine research centre," the Korean diplomat stated. He underlined that through the cooperation in the field of marine research of both countries provides an important contribution to the welfare of future generations. "We still know very little about our oceans, however their preservation, but the resources that they provide, are of fundamental importance for mankind. Only together we can answer the important questions and develop methods for a sustainable use of our oceans", Kyung-soo Lee concluded.
High-resolution images:
Contact:
Dr. Andreas Villwock (GEOMAR, Communication & Media),
Phone: +49-431 600-2802, presse(at)geomar.de
