On June 14, 2023 (Wednesday), IFEZ and Ghent University Global Campus signed a memorandum of understanding to host "Marine@Ugent," a marine research institute affiliated with Ghent University in Belgium. Marine Ugent, the world's largest marine convergence research institute, was established in 2012 for the purpose of commercializing marine, environmental, and bio-convergence research and technology, and has more than 500 professors and researchers. It has research institutes at Ghent University in Belgium and Ostend Science Park in Ostend City. If "Marine Ugent Korea" is established under this agreement, various activities related to the ocean will be carried out to promote global joint marine research and development (R&D), foster new marine industries, commercialize cutting-edge technologies related to bio-environment and energy-food.