South Korea's path to global research collaboration: opportunities in the EU Horizon Europe program

In 2024, the South Korean government's research and development budget cuts sparked significant concerns in the scientific community, prompting increased interest in international research funding opportunities. In this regard, South Korea's upcoming participation as an Associated Country in the European Union's (EU's) Horizon Europe offers a timely opportunity. Horizon Europe is the EU's flagship research and innovation program, running from 2021 to 2027 with a budget of €95.5 billion. It is structured on three key pillars: 1) excellent science; 2) global challenges and European industrial competitiveness; and 3) innovative Europe. South Korea's direct benefits will focus on Pillar II, which emphasizes global challenges across six clusters, including health, climate, and digital innovation. It should be noted that participation in the program mandates international collaborations, typically involving consortia with diverse expertise. Meanwhile, the National Contact Points network has been expanded to support Korean researchers, offering the necessary resources to facilitate engagement with EU counterparts. By leveraging these opportunities, South Korean researchers aim to collaboratively address global challenges, thus enhancing the nation's scientific standing.