Memorandum of Understanding between the Brandeis Materials Research Science and Engineering
Center (MRSEC) and the Robot Research Initiative (RRI), Chonnam National University, South Korea
Robot Research Initiative: http://www.rri.re.kr/
Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: http://www.brandeis.edu/mrsec/
On August 10, 2012 Dr. Jong-Oh Park and Dr. Sukho Park, Director and Principal Investigator of
the RRI, respectively , visited Brandeis as part of an inauguration ceremony of the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the Brandeis MRSEC (Director: Seth Fraden, PhD) and the RRI (Director:
Jong-Oh Park, Dr.-Ing). The RRI is a world leader in the field of robotics, focusing on microscale
engineering applications and surgery, while the Brandeis MRSEC program focusses on biomaterials and
active matter. The two institutions have agreed to work together to transform cutting-edge biophysical
science into engineering applications for drug delivery.
Collaboration between the two institutions was first established on March 1, 2012, with a threeyear subcontract (KRW 120,000,000 / yr) awarded to the MRSEC by the RRI for the development of
micro-swimming robots based on synthetic cilia (PI: Dongshin Kim, co-PI: Zvonimir Dogic). Dr. Fraden
welcomed the new Memorandum, saying that it would fortify the collaboration efforts of both
institutions.
As part of the exchange program laid out by the MOU, Dr. Sukho Park is planning to visit
Brandeis in 2013 to spend a year working on the development of micro-actuators based on microtubules
and active hydrogels. There are opportunities for the exchange of students between our two universities.
Dr. Jong-Oh Park (left) and Dr. Seth Fraden pause in front of the MOU banner during the inauguration
ceremony.