The University of Strathclyde and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea, have agreed to work together on the research and development of new manufacturing technologies.

The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding during an online meeting to enhance their respective research and teaching capabilities and facilitate global collaborations with partners in South Korea and the UK.

The agreement will also create opportunities for staff and student exchange programmes, overseas internships and the joint use of equipment and facilities.

Tremendous synergy

Founded in 2009, UNIST is one of four nationally-funded research institutes in South Korea and has already grown to become a world-class university. UNIST aims to be ranked within the top 10 science and technology universities in the world by 2030.

Strathclyde operates the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities that is transforming skills, productivity and innovation and helping to make Scotland a global leader in advanced manufacturing.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “We are delighted to work with UNIST, one of South Korea’s leading technological institutions, on this new partnership to advance manufacturing research, education and technology.

There is a tremendous synergy between our two organisations and, by working together, we can provide global leadership in advanced manufacturing by transforming skills, productivity, and innovation. In doing so, we can contribute to the revitalisation of the domestic manufacturing industries in our respective countries and help companies to expand into global markets.

Yong Hoon Lee, President of UNIST, said: “We are delighted to cooperate with the University of Strathclyde, which has abundant experience in developing manufacturing technology that meets the needs of industry. Starting with today’s partnership, we expect to secure competitiveness in AI-based manufacturing innovation technology, and furthermore, lay the foundation for core technology development that can realise carbon neutrality in the manufacturing industry environment.”

Professor Keith Ridgeway, Executive Chair of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), who played a leading role in the development of the partnership, said: “The MoU with UNIST will facilitate discussions on where both of our institutions might be able to work together on the development of advanced manufacturing technologies and engineering. We very much look forward to exploring opportunities together.”