Daejeon: The state-run Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has entered into an agreement with the University of Missouri to collaborate on nuclear energy research initiatives, as announced by the science ministry on Monday. This partnership aims to foster joint research projects in the nuclear energy sector.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the agreement was signed at KAERI's headquarters in Daejeon, establishing a foundation for enhanced cooperation in nuclear energy research. This collaboration builds upon a previous agreement in April, where a consortium comprising KAERI, Hyundai Engineering Co., and U.S. nuclear engineering firm MPR partnered with the University of Missouri for the initial design phase of the Next Generation Missouri University Research Reactor (NextGen MURR) project.

The current agreement will facilitate academic exchanges, joint research, and the sharing of expertise and infrastructure between the two institutions. KAERI President Joo Han-gyu emphasized the significance of the visit by the university delegation, noting that it will create a sustainable cooperation model following the export of the research reactor design.

First Vice Science Minister Koo Hyuk-chae highlighted the importance of this partnership, pointing out that South Korea, which previously received nuclear energy technology support from the United States, is now collaborating as an equal partner with Washington in the development of next-generation research reactors.