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Science thrives on the exchange of knowledge, including across and beyond oceans and time zones. The collaborative research projects between Germany and South Korea, as presented within the scope of the research marketing campaign, provide an outstanding example of this. With its Science Tunnel, the Max Planck Society (MPG) served as a science ambassador for Germany and for what it has to offer as a centre of knowledge and innovation.

Interactive exhibits in the "Science Tunnel"

The 15 metre long Science Tunnel is a multimedia exhibition of a very special kind. In excess of 300 poster images and more than 150 video clips present the very latest German research projects. 50 exhibits, of which many are interactive, invite visitors to try them out. In so doing, the Science Tunnel delivers an impressive impression of top-class German research from the Max Planck Institutes, universities and other research institutions and organisations.

The Max Planck Society (MPG) vigorously sought direct contact with the Korean colleagues, especially in the research fields of "materials and biological sciences". Hence, the MPG organised a high-ranking scientific symposium attended by three Nobel laureates and several Leibniz Prize Holders at the Seoul National University (SNU) in October 2007.

Intensifying knowledge transfer

The combination of Science Tunnel and symposium achieved its goal. "The mutual and reciprocal research and development activities between Germany and South Korea were consolidated," said Dr Michaela Zimmermann, responsible for international relations at the MPG. The level of exchange has increased, particularly in plant science, molecular biology, and the materials sciences.

So far, there are 22 projects in which scientists from both countries collaborate, in particular in the field of materials sciences. For example, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research and the Nano Systems Institute (NSI) from the SNU are developing electronic components together on the basis of organic compounds. The Max Planck Society is optimistic that these contacts will lead to further research collaborations in the future.