UK semiconductor researcher trip to Republic of Korea: applications open
Published 1 May 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-semiconductor-researcher-trip-to-republic-of-korea-applications-open/uk-semiconductor-researcher-trip-to-republic-of-korea-applications-open
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is inviting ambitious semiconductor researchers and organisations to participate on a trip to the Republic of Korea (RoK).
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to attend free of charge an:
- EU-RoK Semiconductor Researcher Forum, and
- Republic of Korea’s Global Conference of Innovation Materials 2025 conference
Successful, applicants will also receive reasonable support for travel and accommodation expenses.
Visit dates
14 to 19 June 2025.
Visit programme
This event will include:
- networking opportunities
- presentations from experts and industry leaders
- conferences and poster sessions
Who is invited to apply
We welcome applications from all stakeholders that would benefit from collaboration with the Republic of Korea and European Union. We are particularly interested in applicants interested in collaborating with Korea in the following areas of semiconductor research:
- heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging (including AI hardware)
- compound semiconductors and advanced materials (including photonics)
- neuromorphic devices
Eligibility
All UK-registered stakeholders with a research focus on semiconductors, that are interested in R&I collaboration and commercialisation are eligible to apply.
We want to include a variety of stakeholders, for example across different focus areas and UK geographical locations. DSIT is looking to attract stakeholders that are likely to successfully engage in collaborative R&I projects with the Republic of Korea in the future.
Application and deadline
Eligible stakeholders are invited to complete and submit an application form.
Applications from eligible stakeholders must be received by 9am on 16 May 2025. We expect to announce the successful applicants during the week commencing 9 May 2025.
Expected timeframes
The timeframe below may be subject to change.
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| Friday 18 April 2025 | Application window opens |
| Friday 16 May 2025 | Application window closes |
| Monday 19 May 2025 | Successful organisations announced |
| Saturday 14 June 2025 | Successful applicants depart for the Republic of Korea |
Background
The Republic of Korea is a natural partner for semiconductor collaboration due to its strong position in the international semiconductor ecosystem. The UK and Republic of Korea signed the UK-RoK Framework for Semiconductor Cooperation in November 2023 which commits both sides to facilitating semiconductor collaboration.
The UK’s recent association to Horizon Europe, continued participation in the Eureka programme, and bilateral R&D calls with Republic of Korea, enables impactful new opportunities for R&I research with Europe and the Republic of Korea. Providing funding to support UK researchers to travel to this event will help the UK to capitalise on these opportunities. More broadly, the Republic of Korea is a world leader in science, research, innovation and critical tech. In recent years, the South Korean semiconductor industry has seen significant growth, with major players like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix driving advancements. This strength in manufacturing is supported by a strong R&D ecosystem led by institutions such as the Inter-University Semiconductor Research Centre at Seoul National University and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). The UK also has particular semiconductor strengths in chip design/architectures, compound/new material semiconductors, silicon photonics and advanced packaging techniques. These complementary strengths are well suited to R&D collaboration and will be critical in developing the leading-edge semiconductor technologies of the future.