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What requirements need to be met so that the mutual and reciprocal recognition of academic degrees can be assured in South Korea and Germany? Answers to these and other questions were provided by representatives of the universities from both countries in October 2007. In Seoul, they agreed on important reforms and changes to dismantle bureaucratic obstacles. "The Framework Agreement on the Recognition of Academic Degrees will extend and consolidate cooperation between the universities and universities of applied sciences in both countries," said Professor Wintermantel, President of the German Rectors' Conference (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz – HRK).

Exemplary university cooperation

The agreements mark a further chapter in the success story of "Deutschland and Korea – Partners in Research and Development" – a campaign run by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The way in which the HRK and its South Korean partner, the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE), had driven university and research cooperation forward with their great commitment was also commendable. In numerous meetings, discussions focused particularly on questions of promoting young scientists and researchers, on excellence in research, and on the significance of the arts and humanities in both countries.

Expanding networks

Besides these developments, a focus was placed on three German-Korean research projects. Specifically, projects were funded in areas of "Biotechnology and its medical application" (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg) and "Machine or computational learning" and "Microelectronic packaging and system integration" (both at the TU Berlin). Much like these examples of best practice, numerous other initiatives highlight how the scientific-research networks are extending and expanding. Besides workshops and lectures for  scientists, researchers and students, these also include so-called "International Research und Training Groups" (IRTGs). Close cooperation between the Universities of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Pusan, under which the establishment of a branch office of the Bavarian university in Korea is planned, serves as a further example of the excellent collaboration.