Korean, European glaucoma societies team up to deepen academic ties

The Korean Glaucoma Society (KGS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the European Glaucoma Society (EGS) to bolster academic exchange and clinical cooperation.

EGS President Ingeborg Stalmans (left) and KGS President Kim Tae-woo finalized an agreement to boost academic collaboration between the two organizations during a virtual signing ceremony on Dec. 19. (Credit: SNUBH)

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Kim Tae-woo, the president of KGS and a professor of ophthalmology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), and Ingeborg Stalmans, the president of EGS and a professor at KU Leuven in Belgium.

The official signing ceremony took place on Dec. 19 via video conferencing between the two associations.

The event was attended by Lee Eun-ji, secretary general of KGS and professor at SNUBH, along with Luis Pinto from the University of Lisbon, who serves as the president-elect of EGS.

Under the MOU, the two organizations will collaborate on several high-profile academic initiatives starting next year.

In June 2026, the KGS is scheduled to host a dedicated symposium during the EGS Congress, which will be held in Brussels, Belgium.

Following this international event, both societies will organize a joint session during the KGS annual meeting in November 2026.

Beyond these conferences, the two parties have pledged to enhance digital connectivity by linking their official websites. The move is intended to provide members with seamless access to the latest research trends and academic activities from both Korea and Europe.

The MOU also focuses on the next generation of medical experts.

Both societies plan to actively promote research cooperation by facilitating exchange visits for young medical professionals.

KGS President Kim Tae-woo stated that the partnership serves as a vital milestone in showcasing the excellence of glaucoma research in Korea to the global community while strengthening international academic networks.

He added that the joint symposia will facilitate the sharing of the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies and provide young medical scientists with valuable opportunities to expand their global professional circles.