EKC2026

Distinguished scientists and engineers, I am Kang Sang-wook, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Science and ICT. First of all, let me extend my sincere congratulations on the successful opening of the 18th Europe-Korea Conference on Science and Technology. It is an absolute pleasure to meet all of you in person today, especially our distinguished scientists who have traveled from all across Korea and Europe to be here. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Jong-wook Lee, President of the Association of Korean Scientists and Engineers in France, and the presidents of the nine other Korean scientists and engineers associations in Europe, for making this EKC event possible. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Oh-Nam Kwon, President of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies, as well as all the organizers for their hard work and dedication. This year’s conference is being held here in Toulouse - a city known as the heart of Europe’s aerospace industry, where a rich history meets cutting-edge science and technology. I am delighted that Korean and European scientists have come together in such a meaningful place to discuss the future. This year’s theme is “AI-Driven Future of Science and Technology.” Around the world, we are entering a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence. AI is no longer just another technology. It is reshaping the entire landscape of science full support so that our overseas Korean scientists can fully unleash their potential on the global stage and collaborate closely with European nations. I sincerely hope this conference serves as a meaningful opportunity for scientists from Korea and Europe to share their collective wisdom and take a collective leap forward together. Once again, I would like to congratulate you on the opening of EKC 2026, and I wish all of you continued success and happiness. Thank you. Kang, Sang-wook, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Science and ICT

Distinguished EKC 2026 delegates, It is my great pleasure to welcome all participants to the 18th Europe-Korea Conference on Science and Technology, EKC 2026, in Toulouse. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Association des Scientifiques Coréens en France for organizing this important conference. I also thank all the researchers, engineers, industry representatives, policymakers, and young scientists participating in EKC 2026. Over the years, EKC has developed into an important platform connecting the scientific communities of Korea and Europe. By bringing together experts from universities, research institutes, industry, and government, the conference has fostered professional networks, facilitated the exchange of ideas, and created new opportunities for international cooperation. The theme of this year’s conference, “AI-Driven Future of Science and Technology,” reflects the growing influence of articial intelligence across science, technology, and society. AI is opeining new possibilities for scientific discovery and technological innovation, while also changing the way people work, learn, communicate, and make decisions. Korea has placed AI at the center of its national innovation agenda, with a focus not only on developing advanced technologies, but also on expanding their use across science, industry, public services, and everyday life. In particular, Korea is placing strong emphasis on industrial applications, building on its strengths in digital technology and manufacturing to bring AI into factories. machines, and other real-world systems. In this context, EKC 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for Korean and European scientists, engineers, and innovators to exchange ideas, bring together their respective strengths, and explore new forms of cooperation. The year 2026 is also especially meaningful for relations between Korea and France, as our two countries celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Association des Scientifiques Coréens en France. While these anniversaries highlight the close ties between Korea and France, EKC 2026 also reflects the broader scientific and technological partnershop between Korea and Europe. Across Europe, Korean scientists and engineers have made important contributions to their respective fields while building connections among universities, research institutes, and industries in Korea and Europe. Their expertise and professional networks have helped advance scientific and technological exchange and cooperation. I hope that EKC 2026 will provide participants with opportunities to exchange valuable ideas, establish new contacts, and develop concrete research and innovation partnerships. I also hope that young scientists and engineers will discover new directions for their research and careers through dialogue with colleagues from Korea and Europe. I wish EKC 2026 every success and all participants a productive and rewarding conference. Kwon, Hyuk-woon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in France