Italian, Korean scientists meet for networking

Italian science attache Francesco Canganella

By Kang Hyun-kyung

Nearly 20 people working with research and science technology institutes gathered at the residence of Francesco Canganella, a science attache of the Italian Embassy in Seoul, on Feb. 27.

It was the first meeting of the Italy-Korea Science Club, a group launched by the Office of Science and Technology of the embassy to foster networking and sharing experiences and ideas about cultural and science technology among experts of the two countries.

“The club is the first initiative designed for science and technology cooperation between the Embassy of Italy in Seoul and Korea,” said Canganella.

He said the club is operating on a voluntary basis, meaning that any members are encouraged to bring any science and technology or cultural issues that interest them and talk about their topics during the gathering.

Canganella is a university professor of biotechnology and is now on a leave of absence from his university for the science attache job at the embassy in Seoul.

The Italian Embassy and the French Embassy have “real scientists” as science attaches. The science attaches at other embassies are mostly from related ministries.

He said science and technology cooperation between Italy and Korea is understated and few scientists are aware that there exists a strong partnership between the two countries.

The Italy-Korea Science Club is composed of both Italian and Korean scientists and those who are interested in science and technology.

Some of them already know each other as they have cooperated and some are newcomers who are interested in such activities.

Canganella said the club is in the making and welcomes new members. People who have general interest in science and technology will be welcome to join, he said.

The science attache said its members will meet every month on a regular basis to exchange their ideas and research interest with others.

Each meeting will feature a 30-minute talk by a voluntary speaker about his or her areas of research interest.