Doing science in secret

If you heard that a group of scientists from North Korea secretly met with researchers and scientists from the south to discuss covert plans for a technological breakthrough, you might first suspect nukes. Or clones. Or just good, old-fashioned weapons systems. But corn hybrids? According to an article by Richard Stone in the current issue ...

If you heard that a group of scientists from North Korea secretly met with researchers and scientists from the south to discuss covert plans for a technological breakthrough, you might first suspect nukes. Or clones. Or just good, old-fashioned weapons systems. But corn hybrids?

If you heard that a group of scientists from North Korea secretly met with researchers and scientists from the south to discuss covert plans for a technological breakthrough, you might first suspect nukes. Or clones. Or just good, old-fashioned weapons systems. But corn hybrids?

According to an article by Richard Stone in the current issue of Science (subscription required), about 200 researchers from South and North Korea — as well as China and the United States — quietly gathered in Pyongyang in early April to share private scientific information about everything from higher crop yields to dust storms. Officials have said they'd like to collaborate on nanotech, IT, the environment, and biotech, for just a few examples. 

The meetings make sense, however dangerous they may be to attend. As Kyungbuk University's Soon-Kwon Kim says in the article, "Science may be the best option to open North Korea, change North Korea, and help North Korea."

 

Kate Palmer is deputy managing editor at Foreign Policy.

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