On November 17, 2025, Prof. Zhang Xi, President of Jilin University, met with Seog-hyeon Ryu, President of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
Zhang Xi extended a warm welcome to President Seog-hyeon Ryu and his delegation and introduced the development and disciplinary strengths of Jilin University (JLU). He noted that the university's foundational disciplines—such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology—have been designated as national “Double First-Class” construction disciplines. He also emphasized that fields including archaeology, law, automotive engineering, bionics, and veterinary medicine continue to maintain significant advantages and influence nationwide.
Zhang Xi emphasized that Jilin University is actively advancing the deep integration and application of artificial intelligence (AI) across key areas, including scientific research, education, technology development, and management. He noted that JLU and KIMM share a strong foundation for cooperation and promising prospects for future development, and encouraged both sides to seize emerging opportunities and deepen practical collaboration. Taking the signing of the memorandum of understanding as a new starting point, he expressed the hope that the two institutions will further expand collaborative innovation in cutting-edge fields such as bionics, AI, and mechanical materials, and jointly open a new chapter of high-level cooperation by leveraging their geographical advantages and long-standing partnership.
Seog-hyeon Ryu expressed his appreciation for Jilin University's warm reception and outlined the development and research priorities of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM). As a leading national research institution in related fields in the Republic of Korea, KIMM focuses on strategic areas such as AI robotics, semiconductors, and bionics. The institute has maintained long-standing, close cooperation with JLU's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and in 2022 the two sides jointly secured approval for a national key R&D program. He expressed hope that JLU would continue to support the advancement of this project, further deepen collaboration in scientific research and technology transfer, and jointly contribute to technological and industrial innovation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Zhang Xi and Seog-hyeon Ryu jointly signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU), marking a further expansion of practical cooperation between the two sides.
Hyuneui Lim, Head of the Bionic Research Group at KIMM and a member of the Korean Academy of Engineering, along with representatives from relevant departments of both institutions, attended the meeting.
