On October 26, 2022, Interim Associate Director Ian Oates joined the National Bureau of Asian Research and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle as a discussant on a forum entitled, “Unlocking the Future: Science and Technology Diplomacy between the United States and the Republic of Korea.” The panel included the CleanTech Alliance’s Director of Programs and Communications, Jennifer Audet, Port of Seattle Commissioner, Sam Cho, and Interim Director of International Relations and Protocol for the Office of Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Geoff Potter.
Oates discussed the relationship between academia and education in the US-South Korea alliance. Briefly presenting historical institutional developments which fostered much of how South Korea and the US interact in the science and technology academic spheres today, Oates stressed the importance of education as an arena for diplomacy. While the relationship between the two nations is strong, Oates highlighted areas for improvement where continued cooperation and collaboration will benefit each nation independently including expanded language education, improving K-12 education equality and teacher support networks, and expanding funding opportunities for scholars, researchers, and students.