Opening a Platform for Future Science and Technology Exchange… ‘SKKU-Oxford Undergraduate Forum’ Successfully Concludes

- Sharing research achievements in global nano and quantum technology fields 

and conducting industrial and research site visits to Samsung Electronics and KIST

- Presenting a new model of undergraduate-centered international exchange, 

linked with SAINT research internships

▲ Group photo commemorating the joint semiconductor tour at 

Samsung Electronics by SKKU and Oxford undergraduate students

The ‘SKKU-Oxford Undergraduate Joint Forum & Industrial Tour: Frontier Nano-Quantum Technology,’ co-hosted by the RISE Project Group Q-GAIA Center, Sungkyunkwan Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan Global Research Center (SGRC), College of Engineering, and the International Affairs Division, was successfully held for three days from Wednesday, March 25 to Friday, March 27 at the Natural Sciences Campus.

This forum was made possible through a direct visit by 24 undergraduate students from the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford, a world-renowned institution in the United Kingdom. Approximately 50 undergraduate students from SKKU also participated, making the event a valuable opportunity for students from both universities to share research achievements in the advanced fields of nano and quantum technologies and to build global networks.

On the first day of the forum, March 25, the ‘SKKU-Oxford Research Forum’ was held, where undergraduate students from both universities presented and discussed their research findings in English. In particular, Professor Jason Smith of the University of Oxford’s Faculty of Engineering delivered a keynote lecture on “Nanodiamonds and Quantum Communication,” providing deep inspiration to the students. Through poster sessions and icebreaking programs, participants exchanged academic perspectives and built friendships that transcended national boundaries.

On March 26 and 27, participants took part in field visits that allowed them to experience Korea’s advanced science and technology firsthand. Students visited Samsung Electronics’ Nano City Memory Division and the Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center (KANC), where they toured semiconductor and nanofabrication facilities. They also attended a CEO seminar by SDT, a quantum computing startup, and visited leading national research institutions including the Quantum Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Center for Two-Dimensional Quantum Heterostructures at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), gaining direct insight into Korea’s cutting-edge industries.

Professor Jeon Il, Vice President of the International Affairs Division and Director of SGRC, who oversaw the overall planning of the event, stated, “This forum is particularly meaningful in that it expands international exchange, which had previously been centered on graduate students, to the undergraduate level.” He added, “We hope this experience will serve as a foundation for students to develop global communication competencies and grow into global leaders by engaging with world-class research and industrial environments.”

▲ Group photo in front of the SAINT building

Notably, some of the Oxford students who participated in this visit are expected to continue as research interns in laboratories at SAINT, indicating that the program will extend beyond a one-time event into substantive academic collaboration. Building on the success of this forum, SKKU plans to further expand undergraduate exchange programs with leading universities worldwide to strengthen its global competitiveness.