A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is set to boost academic and research collaboration at both institutions, widely recognized for advancing STEM education.
The partnership facilitates student and faculty exchanges as well as research initiatives, with the goal of elevating the quality and impact of each university’s scholarship and research.
“This agreement opens new doors for our students and faculty, creating unparalleled opportunities to learn, innovate and solve global challenges alongside talented international peers,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly, the state’s only public university exclusively dedicated to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The new international effort establishes a foundation for students and faculty to build interdisciplinary groups and engage in joint research endeavors. The agreement also allows faculty from each institution to travel to the other for collaborative research, guest lectures, or academic projects.
“We are honored to join forces with Florida Poly to foster new ideas and create a global community of researchers and innovators,” said Dr. Kichul Lim, president of GIST.
Up to three students from each university can be selected annually to study at the other institution for academic coursework or research internships.
As part of this, Florida Poly students may be eligible to participate in GIST’s Global Intern Program, which invites students to join a research lab for an eight-week summer session.
“This is a transformative opportunity for Florida Poly students to immerse themselves in world-class research at an international level,” Stephenson said. “These experiences will help prepare them to lead in the global STEM workforce.”
With over $1.3 billion in annual trade between Florida and South Korea, the country has been recognized as the state’s seventh largest bilateral trade partner in the Asia and Middle East Region. The new cooperative agreement’s high-tech focus is expected to further support the growth of both economies.
“We look forward to building a vibrant and fruitful partnership with Florida Poly, advancing discovery and innovation in science and technology that benefits our institutions and the wider world,” Lim said.
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Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
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