Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Visits KRISS

- Discussion on Korea-U.S. Research Collaboration in Key and Emerging Technologies - 

▲ Group Photo with the Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State’s Delegation

On July 10, 2024 (Wednesday), Jennifer Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, along with her delegation of four representatives, including those from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul (hereinafter referred to as the "Acting Assistant Secretary of State's Delegation"), visited KRISS.

The Acting Assistant Secretary of State was in Korea to attend the 4th Korea-U.S. Environmental Cooperation Commission (ECC) and Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) meetings, which took place from July 11 (Thursday) to July 12 (Friday). During her visit, the delegation also engaged in discussions on Korea-U.S. scientific and technological cooperation in key and emerging technologies, including quantum technology.

* Environmental Cooperation Commission (ECC): Based on the Korea-U.S. Environmental Cooperation Agreement (signed in 2012), the ECC reviews and oversees the implementation of environmental cooperation projects between the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State.

** Environmental Affairs Council (EAC): Based on the environmental chapter of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (signed in 2011), the EAC monitors the implementation of the environmental provisions of the FTA between the Korean Ministry of Environment and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

▲Overview of KRISS and Global Research Collaboration Status

KRISS introduced its institutional status and key research areas, and explained its long-standing collaborative relationship with NIST*. Since its establishment, KRISS has received extensive support from the U.S. NBS (the predecessor of NIST). In the Korea-U.S. Joint Committee on Science and Technology, the two institutions have consistently formed joint delegations to attend and present updates on their cooperation, building a long-term partnership. Recently, KRISS has significantly expanded its collaboration with NIST in key and emerging technology fields such as quantum technology, semiconductors, biotechnology, and next-generation communications, aligning with national R&D policy directions.

* NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology

* Related Articles: "U.S. NIST Delegation Visits KRISS" (June 8, 2023), "11th Korea-U.S. Science and Technology Joint Committee Meeting" (June 8, 2023)

Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer Littlejohn listened attentively to the presentation on Korea-U.S. cooperation in key and emerging technology areas. During the subsequent discussion session, she expressed a keen interest in KRISS's quantum computing system research and advanced technology protection policies, asking questions about KRISS's research progress and achievements.

▲Tour of Sejong Hall in Progress

▲Quantum Laboratory Tour in Progress

Following the tour of Sejong Hall, which showcased the history and major achievements of KRISS, the delegation visited the quantum research laboratories located in the Advanced Technology Building. They toured the Center for Superconducting Quantum Computing Systems Laboratory (led by Dr. Yong Ho Lee) and the Atomic Quantum Sensing Laboratory (led by Dr. Won Kyu Lee), engaging in discussions and exchanging various questions and opinions related to quantum technology research.

This visit to KRISS was initiated by the Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State’s delegation with the aim of discussing Korea-U.S. research collaboration in quantum technology, marking the first visit by an Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State to KRISS. As KRISS continues to enhance its status as a leading government-funded research institution and a national metrology representative, this visit is anticipated to strengthen joint research collaboration between KRISS and the U.S. in quantum technology and other major scientific fields.