16/06/2026
On 11 June 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Farnesina, in Roma hosted the 13th Italy–Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Science and Technology Cooperation, a key bilateral forum held within the framework of the Agreement signed in 2007 to coordinate and promote joint research activities between the two countries.
The meeting took place in the context of the official visit to Italy of the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung, underscoring the strategic importance of scientific diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. The Joint Committee brought together high-level institutional representatives and leading researchers to review ongoing collaborations, share results, and define future priorities.
The National Research Council of Italy was prominently represented. Dr. Virginia Coda Nunziante, Head of International Relations at CNR, contributed to the discussion on cooperation frameworks and future perspectives, highlighting the role of the CNR in fostering international partnerships. Dr. Giorgio Contini (Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Cnr-Ism) participated in the thematic session on advanced technologies, including AI and semiconductors, while Dr. Gabriella Pocsfalvi (Istituto di Bioscienze e BioRisorse, Cnr-Ibbr) presented outcomes and perspectives in the field of biotechnology, building on recent experience from the bilateral research project EV-C@p (KR23GR03) and the Horizon Europe MSCA Staff Exchange project FarmEVs (Plant Extracellular Vesicles Farming, Grant Agreement 101131175).
The scientific agenda focused on priority areas of common interest—including artificial intelligence, climate change, and biotechnology—reflecting shared global challenges and opportunities for innovation. Particular emphasis was placed on the results of joint research programmes and on identifying new avenues for collaboration, including interdisciplinary approaches and emerging technologies.
The Italian and Korean delegations were led respectively by Mauro Battocchi (MAECI) and Sunghoon Hwang (MSIT), confirming the strong institutional commitment to scientific and technological cooperation.
The meeting reaffirmed the value of the Italy–Korea partnership as a dynamic platform for scientific exchange and innovation, with the Cnr playing a pivotal role in advancing collaborative research and contributing to evidence-based solutions to global challenges.
Per informazioni:
Gabriella Pocsfalvi
Cnr-Ibbr
Via P. Castellino, 111 80131 Napoli
gabriellakatalin.pocsfalvi@cnr.it