Labex Korea Colletion

By Gilberto Silber Schmidt
Labex Korea – The new format of Labex Korea Collection provide our readers more facilities to identify and read the titles of interest without having to go through the entire page. The PDF document includes the TOP10′s for each month. This version includes the articles published in January, February and March. Enjoy

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Technical Cooperation Project between Embrapa and RDA

By  Gilberto Silber Schmidt

The RDA and Embrapa have established two (TCP) evolving three actions, exchange of plant genetic resources, development and/or cryopreservation protocols and Breeding, Large Scale Cultivation and Use of  Sweet Sorghum for Bioenergy, as described below:

Technical Cooperation Project – Exchange of Plant Genetic Resources

This Project of Technical Cooperation (TCP) is centered in exchange of plant genetic resources and sharing of information of interest to both parties and will be involving the International Technology Cooperation Center and the National Institute of Agrobiodiversity from RDA and Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Center from Embrapa. The objective of it are: a) Promotion of cooperation between RDA and Embrapa in the area of genetic resources and related technologies, on the basis of national and/or international norms and regulations; b) Promotion of exchange of plant genetic resources and sharing of information of interest to both parties; c) Creation of a stable channel for exchanges of experts and dialogues between scientists for further cooperation.

Technical Cooperation Project – Development and/or validation of Cryopreservation protocols

This Project of Technical Cooperation (TCP) is centered in development and/or cryopreservation protocols and sharing of information of interest to both parties, and will be involving the International Technology Cooperation Center and the National Institute of Agrobiodiversity from RDA and Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Center from Embrapa. The main objective of this project is the training of Brazilian Scientists on Cryopreservation techniques and the establishment of collaboration on the theme between RDA and Embrapa. The major expected impact (outcome) of this project is the establishment of partnerships in the theme of cryopreservation to help implement long term conservation of genetic resources of target species and also encourage the active engagement of researchers of both RDA and Embrapa in networking and collaboration to help safeguard genetic resources and ensure their availability for future generations.

Technical Cooperation Project – Breeding, Large Scale Cultivation and Use of Sweet Sorghum for Bioenergy

This Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) is centered in the promotion of cooperation between RDA and Embrapa in the area of sweet sorghum generated bioenergy and related technologies, on the basis of national and/or international norms and regulations; establishment of ethanol production technology for the first and second generation bioethanol using sweet sorghum; promotion of exchange and characterization of sweet sorghum germplasm and sharing information of interest to both parties; creation of a stable channel for exchange of experts and increased dialogues between scientists for further cooperation. The TCP will be involving the International Technology Cooperation Center and the National Institute of Crop Science from RDA and Embrapa Maize and Sorghum an Embrapa Agroenergy from Embrapa.
It will be conducted in form of two Work Plans, one concentrating activities on exchange and agronomic characterization of genetic resources and the second in chemical and biological evaluation of sweet sorghum bagasse for first and second generation ethanol production. Both work plans have a strong focus on scientists exchange and collaboration and contemplate technical visits of RDA staff to ethanol production industry in Brazil.

For more information, please contact labex.korea@embrapa.br
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Brazil-Korea Workshop on Mushroom Production

Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, one of 45 units of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, and the Rural Development Administration (RDA), of South Korea, have jointly organized, on August 13, 2010, in Brasilia, the Brazil-Korea Workshop on Mushroom Production.

The event was designed to bring together representatives from various sectors interested in the production of mushrooms in Brazil, including producers, scientists and students.  The main objective of the workshop was to discuss the current situation of mushroom production in Brazil, as well as prospects for the industry.

The event was developed in the framework of the ongoing Korea-Brazil cooperation in agricultural research , developed by Embrapa and RDA.  It was an opportunity to strengthen and further develop this partnership.

More information about the event can be found here (in Portuguese) and here (in Korean).

Brazilian Presence in the Korean Science and Technology Scene

Mauricio Lopes, Daniel Fink and Lucio Freitas-Junior are paving the way for a Brazil-Korea Science and Technology cooperation.

One year ago, the Seoul-based English Newspaper Korea Herald  published the article Brazil, Korea emerging together, stating that “when you look closely at the relationship between Brazil and Korea you see that Brazil is a country in the hearts and minds of Koreans”.  The article goes on saying that “business and trade relations between Korea and other countries are more often than not very promising, but add Brazil to the equation and the possible future can be astronomical”.  

And, in fact, it has been recently noticed that South Korea’s trade with Central and South American countries nearly quadrupled over the past 15 years on the back of growing economic cooperation between the two regions.  And trade with Brazil, the country’s largest Korean partner in the region, jumped 4.9 times to $9.05 billion. 

Things are going well in the Science and Technology front also.  The Brazilian Embassy in Seoul has been working hard on identifying complementary areas and connecting experts from both countries.  The Brazilian Ambassador Edmundo Fujita is an enthusiast of science and technology cooperation and believes that “Brazilian and Korean scientists should innovate together”.  Areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, agriculture, aerospace, information technology and energy have been a priority to the Embassy. 

Three players have been taking active parts in helping pave the way for a successful Brazil-Korea cooperation in S&T.  Mr. Daniel Fink, a native of Bom Principio, Rio Grande do Sul, is the Science and Technology Advisor of the Brazilian Embassy in Seoul and a major force driving the dialogue between Brazilian and Korean Universities, research centers and industries.  Mr. Fink´s knowledge of the major scientific and technological organizations and capacities in Korea is proving valuable as the Embassy moves its S&T agenda forward. 

Living in Korea since 2005, Dr. Lucio Freitas-Junior, who was born in Brazil´s capital, Brasilia, is the leader of the Systems Biology of Pathogens Group of the Institute Pasteur Korea.  The Institute is an advanced medical research center dedicated to drug discovery using cutting edge concepts and tools.  Dr. Freitas-Junior´s team, that includes many Brazilian scientists and students, is developing state-of-the-art high-throughput/high-content screening techniques to discovery of new drugs.  The targets are three of the most debilitating human infectious diseases: malaria, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, which have tremendous impact in human health in the tropics. 

In 2009 the Brazilian Agricultural Research Organization – Embrapa accepted the hospitality and the partnership of the Rural Development Administration – RDA of South Korea, to install its first Virtual Laboratory in Asia, the Labex Korea.  Dr. Mauricio Lopes, a plant geneticist and molecular biologist born in Bom Despacho, Minas Gerais, is the first scientist and coordinator of this program, which is headquartered in Suwon, at the main campus of RDA.  Dr. Lopes´s mission is to promote the creation of international research networks dedicated to agricultural innovation, integrating teams from Embrapa and partner institutions in Korea and other Asian countries.  He is also developing research in the area of access and use of biological resources, in partnership with KAIST, the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, in Daejeon.

Brazilian students will join the “International Youth Science and Engineering Camp” in Korea

FEBRACE, the Brazilian Sciences and Engineering Fair and the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology will select five brazilian students to participate  in the 5th International Youth Science & Engineering Camp (ISEC 2010), that will be held in Seoul National University, College of Engineering, Korea during 1-15 August 2010.  Inclusion of Brazil in the ISEC 2010 was facilitated by the Brazilian Embassy in Seoul.

ISEC (International Youth Science & Engineering Camp) is an international research-oriented science camp, with participation of about 100 students from more than 11 countries.  It is a two-week program that consists of science and engineering research in top-level university facilities, field trips to major institutes/industries, cultural experiences and much more.

The Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (KOFAC) provides local accommodations, including lodgings, meals, and transportations.  KOFAC is committed to “establishing a creative society based on science” by advancing public understanding of science and global issues.  KOFAC expects that ISEC will help participants build a foundation for cooperation, develop an international mindset and be inspired to follow careers in Science and Technology.

Brazil-Korea Cooperation: Closing Ties in Science, Technology and Innovation.

KAIST ICC Vice President Min Ho Kang, Ambassador Edmundo Fujita, Ambassador Hadil Vianna and Professor Jose Monserrat.

Brazil is pursuing lasting and productive relationships in Asia in the area of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Korea is a priority in this agenda. Cooperation agreements such as the one that enabled the opening of a Virtual Laboratory of Embrapa (Labex) in Korea are important drivers towards a long-term strategy for Brazil´s scientific and technological cooperation in Asia.  Also, the development of additional joint programs and cooperative activities will allow the expansion of mutual knowledge between organizations in both countries, which is essential in building trust and more productive relations in the future.

Towards this end, the Embassy of Brazil in Seoul received on March 29th and 30th,2010, the preparatory mission to the First Science, Technology & Innovation Joint Committee Meeting between Brazil and Korea, to be held in the second semester of 2010. The objective of this mission was to initiate a dialogue towards definition of a long-term strategy for Brazil’s cooperation with Korea in Science, Technology and Innovation. 

See below an article by Paulo Kemper, of KAIST Herald, with a summary of this mission´s activities.

The Korea Times – “Labex-Korea to Define Collaboration With Brazil”

The Seoul-based English Newspaper Korea Times has published an article about Labex Korea in its edition of January 17, 2010.  It highlights the main priorities for the collaboration between the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – Embrapa and the Rural development Administration of South Korea – RDA.  Intense interaction between the two organizations started when President Lee Myung-bak and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met in November 2008 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural research cooperation. The event and the quick action that followed, the opening of Labex Korea and RAVL (RDA-Abroad Virtual Laboratoty) – the Korean homolog of Labex in Brazil, stresses the importance given by the two countries to agriculture in their foreign policies.  You can read the Korea Times article by clicking here.

Boosting genetic resources cooperation in the International Year of Biodiversity

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity.  According to the UN, the event is “a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives.”  The inauguration of the International Year of Biodiversity will take place in Berlin, in a high-level event sponsored by the German Presidency. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen and high-ranking guests will launch the International Year of Biodiversity at an opening ceremony today, Monday 11th, 2010.

However, Emile Frison, the Director General of Bioversity International, warns that “there is much more to biodiversity than whales and panda bears.”  According to him, any discussion of biodiversity conservation needs to consider that the diversity of crops and livestock is absolutely fundamental to human survival and well-being.  “Agricultural biodiversity is not only vital for nutrition, it is also indispensable in meeting the challenges of climate change and in lifting poor people out of poverty. For too long, conservationists have tended to view farmers and farming as the enemy. While in many cases that may be true, the International Year of Biodiversity offers a great opportunity to work towards more productive food systems based on biodiversity and a more ecological approach to agriculture.”

“Increased productivity so far has been based on simplifying farming systems,” Frison noted. “We need to move beyond that to intensification without simplification, and that requires us to research, understand and make better use of agricultural biodiversity.”

The Korea Herald: “New dynamics in science, technology between Korea, Brazil”

The Seoul-based English Newspaper Korea Herald has published an article about the opening of Embrapa´s Virtual Laboratory in Asia, Labex-Korea, which is the result of a collaboration between the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation and the Rural development Administration – RDA, the government organization responsible for extensive agricultural research and services in South Korea. The initiative is aimed at increasing Embrapa´s scientific and technological ties with advanced research organizations in Korea and in other Asian countries.  You can read the complete version of the article here.

The Labex experience

You can see here the presentation “The Labex Experience” made by Mauricio Lopes during the inaugural ceremony of Labex Korea, on December 10th, 2009. It briefly reviews agriculture in Brazil, the Labex Program and the expectations of Embrapa with the expansion of this international  program to Asia. Brazil is shown as a country with substantial natural and environmental resources that holds a strong position in the global production of food, fiber and energy. The presentation emphasises that Research and development (R&D) has been the main driver for the significant growth experimented by the Brazilian agriculture in the past three decades and that Embrapa has provided the innovation capacity to help make the country a leader in tropical agriculture. The Labex Program brings the international dimension to Embrapa´s innovation process and creates opportunities for monitoring trends in Science & Technology, for promotion of collaborative projects in strategic areas, and to facilitate exchanges of scientists and training opportunities. The presentation also shows that “expansion of the Labex Program to South Korea makes sense because Brazil and South Korea have convergent and synergistic objectives and both countries have a strong drive towards a better future.”