The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI, Acting President Kim Nam-kyun), a government-funded research institute under the National Science and Technology Research Council of the Ministry of Science and ICT, was recognized by Korean scientists in Canada for its role as a bridge in science and technology cooperation between the two countries by leading corporate support and regional development through artificial intelligence (AI).

The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute announced on the 11th that it received the '1st Collaboration Award' from the Association of Korean Canadian Scientists and Engineers (AKCSE) in recognition of its contributions to leading the development and innovation of science and technology between Korea and Canada through leading international cooperation achievements.

This award was introduced for the first time this year by AKCSE, and KERI was awarded it as the sole recipient in recognition of its contributions to the development of local governments (Busan and Changwon) through science and technology and the performance of joint Korea-Canada research over many years.

The awards ceremony was held at the closing ceremony of the recently concluded '2022 Canada-Korea Conference on Science and Technology (CKC).'

AKCSE is in electrical and electronics, software, robotics, semiconductors, nanotechnology, geological engineering, biomedical, It is an association that possesses a solid network of over 3,000 Korean scientists and engineers in various fields, including the environment. Since signing a mutual cooperation MoU with AKCSE in November 2019, KERI has faithfully served as a channel for scientific and technological communication between Korea and Canada.

In particular, through collaboration with professors from the University of Waterloo among the scientists and engineers affiliated with AKCSE, big data-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology was utilized to support companies in Busan and Changwon, leading to significant effects such as improved work efficiency, better working environments, and enhanced product quality and productivity. Above all, the efforts to maintain mutual networking by establishing 'AI Center' and 'AI Hub' infrastructures in Korea and Canada, respectively, even amidst the challenging environment of COVID-19, were notable.

Michael Danagher, the former Canadian Ambassador to Korea who visited KERI last year, also praised the successful convergence of AI and manufacturing and offered his encouragement.

Since the COVID-19 situation improved this year, research teams from AKCSE and the University of Waterloo began visiting Korea to inspect industrial sites, and last month, a delegation led by the AKCSE President and Vice President visited companies in the Changwon region to provide support for resolving business difficulties. In addition, KERI is continuously working with AKCSE to expand scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries through personnel and information exchanges and support for joint research.

Kim Jong-wook, Head of Strategic Policy at KERI, stated, “We are engaging in practical exchanges that provide real benefits to companies through effective science and technology, rather than merely formal exchanges between Korea and Canada.” He added, “We will do our best to ensure that this exemplary cooperation with AKCSE elevates our national prestige and leads the Korean Wave in science in Canada.”