Gu Hyeok-chae (구혁채), first vice minister at South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, met Australia's Chief Scientist Tony Haymet in Seoul on Monday and discussed shared Asia-Pacific challenges and ways to boost multilateral research cooperation.
Haymet is a physical chemist and oceanographer who has long taken the lead in tackling cross-border issues such as responding to marine plastic pollution and conserving fisheries biological resources. Since his appointment as chief scientist of the Australian federal government in January 2025, he has been advising the Australian prime minister on science and technology policy.
Gu and Haymet shared views on solving Asia-Pacific problems including environmental pollution, climate change, resource depletion and poverty, and on new multilateral research cooperation options.
Gu said, "I hope science and technology cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened based on today's communication."
Jin-ho Lee
jhlee26@d-today.co.kr