I am pleased to announce the eleven recipients of the 2026-27 Australia-Korea Foundation grants, chosen from a record number of applications.
This year’s recipients demonstrate the depth of cooperation between Australia and the Republic of Korea, and the practical value of partnerships that span science, technology, commerce, media, and the arts.
The grants will support a number of projects including:
- A bilateral research initiative examining emerging AI-enabled scam tactics to strengthen financial security.
- A biannual media exchange to share expertise, foster professional networks and support reporting that builds public awareness of the Australia-Korea relationship.
- Collaboration to help industry, business and researchers manage risks in resilient energy supply chains, including on oil, gas and solar.
- Development of a next-generation radio telescope allowing CSIRO and Korean space scientists to observe the universe at very low frequencies.
- Design of advanced sensor technologies to improve hearing aids and devices.
These projects reflect the ingenuity and technical capability that continue to shape Australia-Korea collaboration.
I also announce the appointment of Professor Robert Breunig as the 2027 Visiting Professor of Australian Studies at Seoul National University. A professor of economics and Director of the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute at Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy, Professor Breunig will contribute to academic and cultural exchange between Australia and Korea.
Australia’s relationship with Korea continues to grow in scope and ambition. The initiatives announced today complement broader work to advance our economic partnership, including the April agreement to secure stable diesel and energy supplies amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions. Korea remains Australia’s third largest export market and fourth largest two-way trading partner under the Korea Free Trade Agreement, foundations that support the ongoing resilience of both nations.
