Korean Research Teams to Join About 35 Horizon Europe Projects; Joint Research to Expand in 2027

Ministry of Science and ICT to Support Field-Specific Call Strategies in AI, Biotechnology and Climate
Strengthening Support for Identifying Leading European Research Institutions and Joining International Consortia

Korean research teams will participate in about 35 projects under the European Union (EU)'s large-scale research and innovation program, Horizon Europe. Ahead of the 2027 calls for proposals, the government will support expanded joint research with European research institutions in strategic technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced biotechnology, and climate and energy.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it would hold the "2027 Horizon Europe Participation Strategy Forum" on November 4 at the Korea Conference Center in Seoul, with attendees including the National Research Foundation of Korea, National Contact Points (NCPs) for various fields, and domestic researchers.

Official promotional image for Horizon Europe, the European Union (EU)'s research and innovation program.

Horizon Europe is the world's largest multilateral research and innovation program, run by the EU from 2021 to 2027. South Korea joined as the first associate member in Asia in 2025 and is participating in international joint research on equal terms with European research institutions in key fields such as advanced biotechnology and medicine, digital technology and industry, and climate and energy.

To date, domestic research teams have confirmed their participation in about 35 projects. Major examples include the development of generative AI technology linking cloud, edge, and high-performance computing, and research to build healthcare systems that can respond to climate change.

Strengthening Cooperation with European Research Institutions Ahead of the 2027 Calls

The forum was organized not only to share experience from previous project selections but also to provide strategies for participation in various fields ahead of the 2027 calls for proposals. It will focus on helping researchers learn about European research and development trends and proposal topics in advance, and identify opportunities for joint research.

In the first part of the forum, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea will introduce South Korea's participation in Horizon Europe to date and the government's support system. Domestic researchers whose projects have been selected will also share their experience and know-how from participating in international joint research.

In the second part, National Contact Points for advanced biotechnology and medicine, digital technology and industry, climate and energy, and food and the bioeconomy will provide information on the 2027 call topics, participation requirements, and points to consider when preparing research proposals. National Contact Points are field-specific experts who support researchers with call information and participation procedures.

The government plans to strengthen practical cooperation support, going beyond providing call information and facilitating exchanges among researchers to include identifying leading European research institutions, participating in international research consortia, and planning joint research.

Hwang Seonghun, the Ministry of Science and ICT's Director General for International Cooperation, said, "Horizon Europe is an important opportunity for our researchers to draw on Europe's outstanding research capabilities and networks to produce world-class results. We will strengthen our support so that, beyond simply expanding participation, South Korea can achieve tangible cooperation outcomes with leading European research institutions in strategic technology fields where we have strengths."

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