EKC2025

Distinguished colleagues and esteemed guests, It is my profound honor to welcome you to the 17th EU-Korea Conference on Science and Technology in Vienna, a city that has long stood as a beacon of scientific excellence and cultural synthesis. This marks Vienna's fourth time hosting EKC, following our successful gatherings in 2010, 2014, and 2019. My deepest gratitude extends to Dr. HAN Man Wook, President of the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association in Austria, and to all partner organizations whose dedication has made this conference possible. Since 2008, EKC has evolved into a premier platform for transformative dialogue among Korean and European scientists, engineers, and policymakers. It has become a catalyst for groundbreaking research collaborations and a nexus for innovations that are reshaping our world. This year's theme, "Global Innovative Frontiers: Bridging Research and Industry, Exploring Fundamentals and Driving Prosperity," reflects the challenges of our time. We stand at an inflection point where artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced semiconductors, and bio-health technologies are no longer distant trends but central drivers of global progress. The most profound scientific breakthroughs today require international collaboration. Korea's participation in the Horizon Europe programme reflects our commitment to this collaborative approach. The partnership between Europe and Korea represents a particularly promising convergence. Europe's tradition of fundamental research and strong ethical frameworks aligns naturally with Korea's excellence in rapid innovation and commercial application. As we begin this conference, I invite you to embrace the spirit of bold inquiry and collaborative discovery. The conversations that begin here will contribute to a future where science serves humanity’s highest aspirations. I sincerely hope that EKC 2025 will become a defining moment in Korea-Europe scientific collaboration, a story of shared discovery and collective progress toward a more innovative and prosperous world. Thank you for your commitment to advancing the frontiers of human knowledge. HAM, Sang Wook, Ambassador Embassy & Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea in Austria