Korea–Europe Research Centre (KERC) successfully carried out a series of strategic activities during its mission to Austria from August 25 to 29, 2025. Centered on participation in the EKC 2025 conference in Vienna, the visit provided an important opportunity to showcase KERC’s role in supporting Korean researchers and to further expand collaboration with European partners, particularly through Horizon Europe.
During the conference, KERC contributed actively to the Horizon Europe session, presenting Korea’s major support mechanisms and activities, as well as future opportunities for cooperation.
KERC also organized the second G-KIC One-Roof Council Meeting, which brought together six Korean Offices in Europe, along with representatives from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), to discuss global R&D strategies, Horizon Europe helpdesk initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration.
In parallel, KERC and NRF jointly operated a promotional booth over three days, welcoming more than 200 visitors. The booth served as a key platform to raise awareness of Horizon Europe and to present the major programmes of NRF and KERC, supported by the distribution of case studies, policy and research trend reports, brochures, and promotional leaflets.
In addition, the KERC team attended various sessions throughout EKC, including a special session on European funding schemes such as the ERC and MSCA programmes, an advisory committee meeting of KE-QSTCC, and a roundtable with IIASA young researchers.
KERC also hosted a KERC Supporters’ meeting on August 28, which gathered young researchers and senior representatives from NRF. Discussions highlighted factors influencing researchers’ choice to pursue careers in Europe, such as work–life balance and strong research environments, while also pointing to the need for more diverse exchange programs. Participants stressed the importance of expanding international collaboration projects to further activate researcher mobility and joint research opportunities.
The mission concluded with a Korea–Austria NCP meeting at FFG headquarters on August 29. The meeting brought together Korean NCP delegates and Austrian NCPs to exchange information on national NCP systems, share research support mechanisms, and discuss practical avenues for cooperation. The session deepened mutual understanding of each country’s R&I ecosystem and opened the door for joint initiatives such as training programs, researcher matchmaking, and co-organized events within Horizon Europe.
Through this week-long program of conference participation, promotional outreach, institutional meetings, and bilateral exchanges, KERC strengthened its role as Korea’s primary hub for Horizon Europe engagement. The mission reaffirmed the importance of building sustainable partnerships and laid the groundwork for new initiatives that will support Korean researchers and institutions in their efforts to collaborate with Europe.
With more than 900 registrants and 800 participants, this year’s EKC was the largest to date. Together with Korea’s Association to Horizon Europe, the EKC has become a central platform for Korea–EU research cooperation.
