Park Inkyu: "Korea–US Cooperation Essential in the Era of AI and Space"... Strengthening Science and Technology Diplomacy at UKC 2026

Highlighting Cooperation in AI, Space, and Quantum Strategic Technologies
Visit to Kennedy Space Center to Review Collaboration in Space Exploration

Park Inkyu, Director-General for Science and Technology Innovation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, attended the "2026 Korea–US Science and Technology Conference (UKC 2026)," the largest scholarly event for Korean scientists in North America, and emphasized the need to expand Korea–US cooperation in strategic technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), space, and quantum technology.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on August 9 that Director-General Park attended UKC 2026, held in Orlando, Florida, USA, where he encouraged Korean-American scientists and engineers and discussed ways to enhance collaboration and promote science and technology innovation between the two countries.

Group photo of the UKC 2026 opening ceremony. Provided by the National Research Council.

Now in its 39th year, UKC is a flagship event aimed at collaborative research and academic exchange between scientists and engineers from Korea and the United States. This year, under the theme "From Imagination to Innovation—Into Reality," various academic sessions focusing on strategic technologies such as AI, aerospace, biotechnology, and semiconductors were held.

In his congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony, Director-General Park stated, "The role of Korean-American scientists as an important bridge in Korea–US science and technology cooperation is more crucial than ever," adding, "We will actively support UKC so it can become a venue that enhances trust between researchers from both countries and fosters scientific and technological innovation."

Expanding the Use of AI Research Data and Cooperation in Space Exploration

Director-General Park also participated in signature forums on AI, space, and quantum technology, stressing the necessity of international joint research to secure national competitiveness.

He noted that research data utilization will become a core competitive factor in the era of the AI transformation, introduced the government-enacted "National Research Data Management and Utilization Promotion Act," and pledged to further expand Korea–US cooperation in AI-based basic science research and in the use of research data.

After the main event, he visited the Kennedy Space Center in the United States to review the status of space exploration projects such as the Artemis Program, in which Korea is participating.

At this site, Director-General Park explained the government's commitment to fostering aerospace as a key field within national strategic technologies by expanding support for reusable launch vehicles, satellite systems, and space exploration.

Director-General Park said, "Innovation that changes humanity's way of life cannot be achieved by the efforts of a single country alone. Especially at a time when Korea–US cooperation in science and technology is more important than ever, we will actively support joint research and personnel exchanges so that the experiences and achievements of Korean scientists and engineers overseas can be brought back to domestic research fields."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.