A new era in the relationship with Brazil began when agencies in Korea and Brazil committed their resources to a “partnership without borders.”

Brazil and Korea’s first Joint Science and Technology Committee Meeting set up the fundamentals for synergistic collaboration.

For Brazil Ambassador Edmundo Fujita, the joint committee meeting paved the groundwork for a new phase in the relationship, where the knowledge and innovation potential of both nations can be integrated.

“Brazil and Korea are enjoying a period of high maturity in distinct areas of knowledge, with strong opportunities for convergence,” he said.

The meeting addressed collaboration in research and development, academic exchanges, science and technology policy planning and cooperation in metrology.

Other topics discussed included innovation projects at different levels between both countries.

Two memoranda of understanding and letter of intent was signed between Brazilian and Korean agencies looking to advance science and technology policy, in support of joint calls for scientific projects and collaboration in bio and nanotechnologies.

During the meeting, the “Science without Borders” program was introduced, which for the first time includes the most prestigious Korean universities and the international exchange circuit of Brazilian scientists and students.

KAIST, Postech and Yonsei University signed memoranda of understanding with the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development and Seoul National University is expected to sign in the coming weeks.

The National Institute of International Education (NIIED) also signed an MOU with Brazil to support the training of Brazilian engineers and scientists in Korea.

“The integration of these competences will result in important creative synergies for both countries,” said Fujita.

The next meeting will be held in 2012 in Brazil.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldcorp.com)