Plans to establish IBS-KU Science Park at Korea University Sejong Campus

The IBS and Korea University have agreed to join forces to conduct accelerator research and provide quality human-resources training for emerging industries.

The IBS and Korea University announced on April 11, 2013 that they had signed an MOU to establish IBS-KU Science Park at Korea University Sejong Campus. The MOU also sets out joint projects to establish and operate the Graduate School of Accelerator Science and the Rare Isotope Accelerator R&D Laboratory (also known as the RAON R&D Lab).

The agreement outlines how the two institutions will collaborate on the establishment of the Graduate School of Accelerator Science at Korea University Sejong Campus, which is to be located in the Functional Districts of the International Science and Business Belt. The MOU also directs that the RAON R&D Lab will open by 2014 to provide excellent human-resources education for emerging accelerator-based industries, and sets out joint-research activities to promote industry-academy cooperation.

The Graduate School of Accelerator Science is to open in March 2014, making it the first educational institution devoted to the field of accelerators. The school is expected to cultivate first-rate human resources for accelerator-related industries, academies, R&D institutions, and government agencies nationwide.

The graduate school will develop its Dual Degree Program with prestigious overseas universities, where students will be required to complete half of their courses. The graduate school will significantly contribute to the country's efforts to train international talent, and to establish global networks in accelerator science.

Construction of the RAON R&D Lab is also due for completion at Korea University Sejong Campus in 2014. The lab will feature the cutting-edge Vertical Test Stand (VTS), which can conduct tests running three accelerator devices simultaneously.

The VTS will be critical not only for the establishment of the nation's rare isotope accelerators, but also for R&D on next-generation accelerators that will serve as the country's major infrastructure facility used for breaking into accelerator markets in the US, Europe, and elsewhere.

Korea University plans to take advantage of the agreement by expanding its involvement in accelerator-related research and education, and by fostering emerging industries in the field of accelerators.

Korea University will collaborate with Sejong Special Self-Governing City, located in the Functional Districts of the International Science and Business Belt. The purposes of the collaboration are to attract companies (in the field of accelerators) to relocate to the area, and to promote the development of a complex specializing in accelerator science. Pursuing these objectives will significantly contribute to the development of Sejong City, Korea's newest.