The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER, President Geum Hanseung) under the Ministry of Environment and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)* in Japan (President Kimoto Masahide) will sign a memorandum of understanding on March 19 in the afternoon at the NIES in Japan (located in Tsukuba, Japan) to cooperate on waste-related research.

* National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) in Japan, serving a role similar to that of the NIER, is actively pursuing diverse waste-related research, including resource circulation policy, safety assessment of recycling, and waste management technology research.

This memorandum of understanding is established to strengthen the international cooperation between the two countries in the field of waste management by identifying joint research projects for addressing current issues and formulating policies, as well as exchanging information on waste policy areas. Additionally, immediately after signing the memorandum of understanding, a joint seminar will be held at the same venue to share the current status and key findings of waste-related research in both countries. 

The main contents of the memorandum of understanding mainly include cooperation in waste management research, such as 1) identifying joint research topics for promoting recycling and energy recovery of waste, 2) collaboration on expert exchange and educational programs, and 3) sharing waste treatment technologies.

Meanwhile, the NIER plans to participate in the 'Europe-Korea Conference on Science and Technology (EKC2024)' to be held at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom in July this year. This participation serves as a measure to fulfill the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed in June 2023 with the D?chets Eaux Environnement Pollutions* in France, for cooperation in waste research. During the conference, joint presentations between Korea and France will be conducted, sharing research results in the field of waste recycling between the two countries.

* The D?chets Eaux Environnement Pollutions (DEEP) located in Lyon, France, is the sole research institution in France conducting research in the field of waste. It carries out various environmental research activities.

Jeon Tae-wan, Director General for Environmental Resources Research Department at NIER, stated, "South Korea possesses research capabilities in the field of waste management that are at a global level." He further mentioned, "Through continuous exchange with outstanding research institutions abroad, we will strengthen our international cooperation system and contribute to advancing towards becoming a carbon-neutral nation."

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

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