On May 28, 2013, Konkuk University (KU) held a meeting with representatives of the central government, universities, companies, and research institutes located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The German delegation included Mr. Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg; Ms. Theresia Bauer, Minister of Science, Research and the Arts of Baden-Württemberg; Prof. Dr. h.c. Bernd Engler, Rector of University of Tübingen; Prof. Eicke R. Weber, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE); and representatives from the private sector. Visiting KU and the Konkuk University MAT-Fraunhofer ISE Next Generation Solar Cell Research Center (KFnSC) was the last part of the delegation's trip to Korea (May 24-28, 2013).
The KFnSC has been jointly operated by KU and Fraunhofer ISE of Germany, a globally renowned research institute in solar energy systems. Since 2009, R&D cooperation in sustainable new and renewable energy has been underway with a focus on next generation solar cells and building-integrated photovoltaics, with the support of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
KU President Heeyoung Song mentioned in his words of encouragement to the members of the institute, "Since the past five years of operation, the KFnSC has derived world-level research outcomes in the next generation solar cell field through the cooperation between KU MAT and Fraunhofer ISE." He also noted that "the Center is expected to be established as a global R&D hub that shares the vision of a sustainable society."
KU announced that it will expand mutual exchange and cooperation with Germany's largest industrial state. This venture will involve joint research, university-industry cooperation, and academic exchange in the area of new and renewable energy, and particularly in next generation solar cell research.
Posted by Eun Jin Cho