Newswise — Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT, President Young-Kuk Lee) announced that it has officially launched a research equipment training program for Uzbekistan researchers under a grant aid project supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The opening ceremony was held on February 23 at KRICT’s Didimdol Plaza, marking the start of the full-scale capacity-building program.

The ceremony formally introduced the “Research Equipment Invitational Training” program, a core component of the “Establishment and Capacity-Building Project of The Center of Chemical Technology in Uzbekistan.” Approximately 30 participants attended the event, including representatives from KRICT and KOICA project members, as well as Uzbek researchers in the field of chemistry. Participants shared the background and operational plans of the program and reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation for its successful implementation.

The training program is a key human resource development initiative under the same capacity-building project. From February 22 to May 22, 2026, a total of 20 Uzbek researchers in the chemical field will participate in an intensive three-month training program in Korea.

The program aims to systematically cultivate core professionals with expertise in research equipment operation and analytical capabilities, enabling the future Uzbekistan Chemical Research Institute—The Center of Chemical Technology in Uzbekistan (UzCCT), currently being established by the Uzbek government—to operate independently and sustainably.

This project follows up on a request agreed upon by the leaders of Korea and Uzbekistan during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Korea in November 2017 to establish a chemical R&D center in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek government officially requested support for setting up a national chemical research institute modeled after Korea’s government-funded research institutes. In response, the Ministry of Science and ICT and KOICA have collaborated to advance this initiative.

Notably, this is the first blended financing project in Korea’s science and technology diplomacy history, combining concessional loans from the Export-Import Bank of Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) with KOICA’s grant aid. The total project budget amounts to USD 47 million. Of this, USD 40 million in loans will support construction and equipment installation, while USD 7 million in grant funding will be allocated to master planning, human resource development, and joint research activities.

At the opening ceremony, officials underscored that this training program — backed by KOICA’s grant aid — extends well beyond technical instruction. It represents a strategic human resource development initiative aimed at strengthening UzCCT’s independent operational capacity and advancing its research and development capabilities.

The training curriculum integrates theoretical instruction with hands-on practice. It focuses on understanding equipment principles, field application in research environments, data interpretation, and ensuring the reliability of analytical results. Through this practice-oriented approach, participants will be equipped to independently operate research equipment and conduct analytical work at UzCCT upon completion of the program.

The invitational training program is regarded as a sustainable model for strengthening human capacity through KOICA’s grant assistance. It is expected to provide a foundation for UzCCT not only to enhance Uzbekistan’s chemical industry competitiveness but also to grow into a regional hub for chemical and materials R&D cooperation in Central Asia.

KRICT President Young-Kuk Lee stated, “This opening ceremony marks a starting point for Uzbekistan to build self-reliant chemical R&D capabilities through KOICA’s grant aid. Even after the training concludes, we will continue to expand bilateral cooperation through joint research and follow-up human resource development programs.”

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KRICT is a non-profit research institute funded by the Korean government. Since its foundation in 1976, KRICT has played a leading role in advancing national chemical technologies in the fields of chemistry, material science, environmental science, and chemical engineering. Now, KRICT is moving forward to become a globally leading research institute tackling the most challenging issues in the field of Chemistry and Engineering and will continue to fulfill its role in developing chemical technologies that benefit the entire world and contribute to maintaining a healthy planet. More detailed information on KRICT can be found at