Strengthening Australia and Republic of Korea’s research partnership

Australia and the Republic of Korea met on 3 December in Sydney for the sixth JCST meeting between the 2 countries. 

The first meeting since 2021, Australia and Korea reaffirmed its longstanding and productive partnership and our shared commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. The JCST meeting brought together Australian and Republic of Korea Government officials as well as academics engaged in bilateral projects from both countries. 

The meeting highlighted shared successes, discussed recent developments and explored potential areas for future collaboration. The meeting also increased respective understanding of: 

• priorities and the value of maintaining dialogue on emerging areas of mutual interest
• opportunities for joint research and talent exchanges; and
• innovation-driven partnerships.

The Republic of Korea will host the next JCST meeting in 2027.

Joint communique

Australia-Republic of Korea Joint Committee on Science and Technology

3 December 2025, Sydney

Australian and Korean representatives convened in Sydney, Australia, on 3 December 2025 for the sixth Australia-Republic of Korea Joint Committee on Science and Technology (JCST). The meeting was held under the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which entered into force on 5 April 2000. 

Delegates exchanged updates on national science and technology policy developments, shared priorities, and explored opportunities for future collaboration, especially in quantum and Al. The meeting featured presentations from leading researchers engaged in bilateral projects, highlighting the depth and impact of ongoing cooperation. 

Both sides reaffirmed their strong partnership and shared commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. They expressed interest in continuing to explore opportunities for joint research, talent exchange, and innovation-driven partnerships, and recognised the value of maintaining dialogue on emerging areas of mutual interest. 

The meeting was co-chaired by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).

• The Australian delegation was led by Mr Dom English, Head of Secretariat, Strategic Examination of R&D, with Ms Jo Fielding, Acting General Manager, International Science and Investment Branch, co-chairing on behalf of Australia.
• The Republic of Korea delegation was led by Mr Hwang Sunghoon, Director General for International Cooperation.

Looking ahead, Australia and the Republic of Korea will continue to share updates on topics of mutual interest and deepen collaboration where possible. The next JCST meeting is planned to be held in the Republic of Korea in 2027. 

Signed in Sydney on 3 December 2025 by

• Mr Dom English, Head of Secretariat, Strategic Examination of R&D, Department of Industry Science and Resources.
• Mr Hwang Sunghoon, Director General for International Cooperation, Ministry of Science and ICT, Head of Delegation, Republic of Korea.