Opening of Marine@UGent Branch in South Korea: A Significant Step Forward in Marine Research

Ghent University proudly announces the opening of a new branch of the interfaculty consortium Marine@UGent on its campus in South Korea in 2024. This expansion not only strengthens the university's position in Incheon but also addresses the South Korean government's call to translate the university's internationally recognized expertise in marine and maritime research into practical solutions for regional challenges.

Addressing Regional Challenges

With South Korea being a peninsula with an extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity, the country is particularly suitable for advanced marine research. The broad expertise of Marine@UGent will serve as the core of the newly established research institute on the UGent campus in South Korea. The South Korean government not only supports the establishment of this institute but will also provide funding for it. The South Korean branch of Marine@UGent will collaborate closely with national and local industries, governments, and knowledge institutions.

Key Features of the New Branch

On the campus in South Korea, laboratories and office space will be provided to further develop the South Korean hub of Marine@UGent. At the outset, 15 UGent employees, including researchers and administrative and technical staff, will collaborate with researchers and professors from the home base in Ghent. This collaboration will enable the research institute to address complementary themes such as biomaterials, sustainable aquaculture technology, and renewable energy, as well as provide expertise in transdisciplinarity.

Collaboration with the South Korean Government

The South Korean government is investing over 5 million euros in the brand-new research center on the UGent campus in Incheon. This center, set to open in the spring of 2024, will collaborate closely with researchers and professors in Ghent. The South Korean government has long advocated for the translation of UGent's internationally recognized expertise in marine and maritime research into regional research.

A Leading Marine Research Institute

With the opening of this branch, Marine@UGent will become the leading marine research institute in the region. This milestone builds on the success of the consortium, established ten years ago, currently comprises more then 70 research groups across 10 faculties, with over 500 researchers. Marine@UGent plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and food provision.