The University of Bologna in Asia: new opportunities for collaboration in South Korea and Singapore
Research ties between the University of Bologna and strategic partners in East Asia continue to grow
The University of Bologna has recently concluded an institutional visit to South Korea and Singapore, carried out by Rector Giovanni Molari and Vice-Rector for International Relations Raffaella Campaner,, with the aim of strengthening existing relationships and further expanding areas of scientific cooperation with some of the world’s leading universities, both in Asia and internationally.
The visit provided an important opportunity for dialogue with a number of outstanding partner institutions. In South Korea, the delegation met with Seoul National University (SNU), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Kyung Hee University, Ewha Womans University and Sogang University. During the Singapore leg of the mission, the delegation met with institutional representatives from National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU).
The meetings confirmed a strong strategic alignment on several high-impact research areas, particularly artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, sustainability, biomedical sciences, environment and energy. A shared commitment also emerged to encourage direct collaboration among faculty members, researchers and doctoral candidates in the development of joint scientific initiatives, including through the involvement of Italian and international companies and the creation of co-funded mobility schemes.
In the field of education, alongside a renewed commitment to increasing student mobility in both directions, several partners also expressed interest in promoting dialogue on teaching innovation and the advanced use of AI in education. Further collaboration opportunities will also be explored, including the development of double degree programmes, particularly at Master’s level, and the organisation of joint workshops.
The visit also strengthened ties with Italian diplomatic representatives in both countries through meetings with the Ambassadors and scientific attachés, offering further insight into the local socio-economic and political contexts and the role of universities within them. The University of Bologna will continue working to transform these institutional and academic exchanges into concrete, long-term projects addressing some of the most current and pressing scientific challenges.