UNIST has taken a momentous stride towards advancing carbon-neutral technology through a new partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 31, 2023, marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and expanding the scope of joint research projects in the field of carbon neutrality.
During a ceremony held at the NREL’s headquarters in Denver, Colorado, UNIST President Yong Hoon Lee expressed his optimism regarding the potential of this partnership, stating, “I envision international cooperation as the catalyst to unlock breakthroughs and achieve global outcomes in critical technology domains, such as carbon neutrality.”
From left are Director Martin Keller of NREL and President Yong Hoon Lee of UNIST.
As part of the agreement, UNIST and NREL have outlined plans to facilitate the exchange of researchers and promote joint technology development. This collaborative endeavor will focus on crucial research areas, including the development of technologies for the replacement of fossil fuel-based plastics, the reduction of waste plastics, and the large-area modulization for next-generation solar cells. Furthermore, preparations are underway to jointly host international academic conferences in related fields and establish an international consortium, solidifying the impact of this partnership.
NREL, a renowned research institute under the U.S. Department of Energy, brings extensive expertise and resources to the collaboration. Leveraging NREL’s knowledge and UNIST’s innovation-driven approach, both institutions aim to make significant contributions to the advancement of carbon-neutral technologies on a global scale.
In yet another strategic move towards globalization, on November 1, 2023, UNIST signed an exchange agreement with the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) Austin, Texas. This agreement will effectively facilitate student and researcher exchange programs, further accelerating international collaboration and expanding UNIST’s extensive global network.
From left are Dr. Sonia Feigenbaum, Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Chief International Officer at the University of Texas at Austin, and President Yong Hoon Lee of UNIST.
With a vision to be ranked among the world’s top 100 research-oriented universities by 2027, UNIST remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering global innovation across various fields, including research, education, and international cooperation. The university has implemented a short-term faculty dispatch program to encourage direct exchanges with leading research-oriented institutions worldwide. This strategic collaboration with renowned research institutes and universities in the United States, widely acknowledged as the talent powerhouse, will solidify UNIST’s position within the international academic landscape.
President Lee emphatically underscored the university’s unwavering determination, stating, “We will persistently promote international exchanges, ensuring that young researchers at UNIST have the invaluable opportunity to study at esteemed global research institutes and tackle complex technical challenges, alongside leading scholars from around the world.”
