President of University of Zurich takes photo with SNU Faculty
On October 1, the Graduate School of Environmental Studies hosted a workshop in collaboration with the University of Zurich titled “Factor PI: Observing Extreme Environments On and Beyond Earth.” The workshop focused on the progress in space satellite programs and their implications for research on astrophysics and climate change.
The event was organized by Professor Yoo Jaiyul (Center for Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology (CTAC), the Institute for Computational Science (ICS) and the Physics Institute at the University of Zurich), who explained that the purpose of the event was to “intensity research collaboration between Switzerland and Korea.”
The workshop consisted of two main lectures: Professor Yoo, who spoke on “Astrophysics in Zurich & Seoul,” while a discussion of “The Arctic as Hotspot of Climate” was led by Professor Jeong Sujong (Graduate School of Environmental Studies). Other lecturers included academics from Pohang University of Science and Technology and the Korea Polar Research Institute.
In an interview during the event, Professor Yoo discussed his work and his experiences living in Zurich. “I believe that everybody at some point is fascinated about this field,” he said. “I continued my passion from my childhood through my career.” He also discussed his life in Switzerland at the University of Zurich as the only Korean professor. “I enjoy every moment in my life and work in Zürich.”
The workshop was part of “Zurich meets Seoul - A Festival of Two Cities,” that took place from September 28 to October 5. This is the fifth such inter-city collaboration that the City of Zurich has organized, with previous partnerships with New York, London, Hong Kong and San Francisco. These global exchanges were created to promote and exchange art, culture, and science and technology through events such as exhibitions, concerts, and other academic workshops.
Written by Yu Young Jin, SNU English Editor coin1234@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Professor Travis Lamar Smith, Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, tlsmith@snu.ac.kr