(From left) Teruo Fujii, president of the University of Tokyo, Hong Lim Ryu, president of SNU, Paul Alivisatos, president of the University of Chicago, and Jesus Mantas, global managing partner of IBM Consulting

On January 18th, 2024, amidst the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the university inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo, marking a significant commitment to academic exchange and joint research initiatives in the quantum field.

This strategic move follows Seoul National University's earlier engagement, as in December of the preceding year, when they signed a letter of intent with IBM, a global leader in quantum computing, and four prominent Korean and Japanese universities (Yonsei University, University of Chicago, University of Tokyo, and Keio University). The focus then was on collaborative education efforts in the quantum domain. Building upon these international partnerships, the recent MOU establishes dedicated channels for academic exchanges and joint research endeavors with the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo.

The dual signing of these letters of intent holds paramount significance, laying the groundwork for Seoul National University to foster comprehensive cooperation in educational and research exchanges with leading quantum institutions globally.

In a collective statement, the National Security Offices of the United States, South Korea, and Japan extended their congratulations on the MOU signings. They emphasized the leadership of these three nations in research and development (R&D) investment, foreseeing the agreements as catalysts for further advancements.

Seoul National University is poised to translate these agreements into action by organizing joint symposia later in the year with the University of Chicago and the University of Tokyo. These collaborative initiatives align with the objectives outlined by the Seoul National University Quantum Initiative, established in December 2023.

Expressing its commitment to advancing education and international research capabilities in quantum science and technology, Seoul National University remains dedicated to positioning Korea as a frontrunner in the dynamic field of quantum technology.

Translated by
Seulki Yeo (Department of Russian Language and Literature)