UNIST has taken meaningful steps to enhance its international research and educational collaborations by establishing strategic alliances with prominent European universities. These partnerships are designed to expand UNIST’s global R&D presence and foster innovative research in key areas, such as environment, energy, and AI.
In a collaborative endeavor to develop a robust international cooperation network, UNIST signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Technische Universität Wien (Vienna University of Technology, TU Wien) in Austria and the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands. The initial agreement with TU Wien was formalized at TUtheSky, the networking hub located within Campus Getreidemarkt. The signing ceremony was attended by Vice President Hyun Sil Ahn for Research Affairs and Director KwanMyung Kim of the Office of Research Affairs at UNIST, alongside Peter Ertl, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs at TU Wien, as well as President Man Wook Han of the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association in Austria (KOSEAA) and Chair of the Europe-Korea Conference on Science and Technology (EKC).
This partnership emphasizes the establishment of formalized research exchange programs, the expansion of interdisciplinary joint research, and the creation of ‘Science Exchange Center‘ to serve as a collaborative platform for faculty and students. Additionally, the universities will jointly participate in major European Union research initiatives, such as Horizon Europe, with a focus on advancing innovation in environmental sustainability, energy solutions, and AI.
Vice President Ahn of UNIST highlighted the strategic significance of this collaboration, stating, “Partnering with TU Wien is a vital step in positioning UNIST as a global research hub. We are committed to accelerating the development of a comprehensive R&D platform that bridges Asia, Europe, and beyond.” Vice Rector Ertl of TU Wien expressed confidence that leveraging the strengths of both institutions would foster international joint research and create a vibrant environment for researcher and student exchanges.
Following this, UNIST and UT formalized their partnership through a signing ceremony at the UT campus in Enschede, Netherlands, on August 28, 2025. Vice President Ahn of UNIST and UT President Vinod Subramaniam signed the MOUs, which outline collaborative efforts across multiple domains, including research, education, student and researcher exchanges, joint interdisciplinary projects, faculty and staff visits, academic symposiums, short-term courses, and industry-academic partnerships.
Vice President Ahn emphasized, “This agreement marks a pivotal step in elevating UNIST’s global research capabilities. Through international collaboration and talent exchange, we aim to lead future innovations.” President Subramaniam added, “By leveraging our combined research expertise and commercialization strategies, we will develop sustainable models for industry-academic partnerships.”
As part of these initiatives, UNIST intends to intensify joint research efforts on pressing global issues such as environmental technology, energy innovation, advanced materials, and AI. The institution also aims to attract top European talent, fostering an integrated platform that unites research, education, and talent development.
Founded as a key European research hub, TU Wien is renowned for excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and information technology. The University of Twente, one of the most entrepreneurial universities in the Netherlands, specializes in nanotechnology, medical engineering, and ICT-driven collaborations. These strategic MOUs underscore UNIST’s commitment to building a vibrant international research ecosystem that fosters innovation, develops global talent, and advances science and technology to address global challenges.
