Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association
Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association
Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association
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Message from the Minister of Education, Science<br />
<strong>and</strong> Technology, Republic of Korea<br />
I would like to offer my congratulations to the <strong>Korean</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>American</strong> science communities on the US-Korea Conference<br />
on Science, Technology <strong>and</strong> Entrepreneurship (UKC) 2008.<br />
Since its inception in 1971, the <strong>Korean</strong>-<strong>American</strong> <strong>Scientists</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Engineers</strong> <strong>Association</strong> (KSEA) has fostered cooperation<br />
between the United States <strong>and</strong> Korea through a variety of<br />
activities such as up-to-date information exchange of science <strong>and</strong><br />
technology <strong>and</strong> its current trend <strong>and</strong> exchange programs for scientists <strong>and</strong> researchers.<br />
In particular, it gives me further pleasure that UKC, organized by KSEA on an annual basis since<br />
1994, is being recognized as a truly international conference encompassing the two countries.<br />
UKC has made remarkable contributions to promoting cooperation between our two countries by<br />
providing opportunities for scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, <strong>and</strong> other leaders from both<br />
countries to exchange their scientific achievements, establish professional networks, <strong>and</strong> provide<br />
practical policy ideas on improvement of R&D system in Korea.<br />
Throughout the human history, science <strong>and</strong> technology has not only led economic development<br />
but also provided the solutions to the issues of global concern including climate changes, food,<br />
energy <strong>and</strong> so forth. In addition, rationality <strong>and</strong> creativity that science <strong>and</strong> technology promotes in<br />
our society have been the source of both competitiveness <strong>and</strong> dignity of a nation.<br />
It is under such a conviction that the new <strong>Korean</strong> government created the Ministry of Education,<br />
Science <strong>and</strong> Technology (MEST) by combining the two former ministries, the Ministry of<br />
Education & Human Resources Development <strong>and</strong> the Ministry of Science & Technology. With a<br />
mission to develop Korea into an advanced society based on science <strong>and</strong> technology, MEST will<br />
utilize all the available means to promote creative talents <strong>and</strong> strengthen R&D capabilities.<br />
Especially, MEST plans to exp<strong>and</strong> international networks in science <strong>and</strong> technology through<br />
policies of encouraging international joint research projects <strong>and</strong> attracting prominent research<br />
centers <strong>and</strong> distinguished scholars abroad to Korea.<br />
At this moment international cooperation in science <strong>and</strong> technology become even more important<br />
for our future growth. I attach special significance to UKC 2008 as I have high expectation that<br />
UKC serves as a catalyst for bringing the cooperation between Korea <strong>and</strong> US in science <strong>and</strong><br />
technology to a higher level.<br />
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to President Kang-Wook Lee of<br />
KSEA, President Ki-Jun Lee of the <strong>Korean</strong> Federation of Science <strong>and</strong> Technology Societies<br />
(KOFST), <strong>and</strong> their members <strong>and</strong> staff including the Korea-US Science Cooperation Center<br />
(KUSCO) for their time <strong>and</strong> efforts for the organization of this conference. Finally, I hope that<br />
UKC 2008 will be more successful than ever <strong>and</strong> bring out the best results for all participants.<br />
Doh-Yeon Kim, Ph.D.<br />
Minister of Education, Science <strong>and</strong> Technology<br />
Republic of Korea<br />
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