On Tuesday, October 30, 2007, IFEZ signed a memorandum of understanding with North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the United States for academic and research cooperation in the field of bioscience. Under the agreement, North Carolina State University plans to establish a plant pathology research institute in Songdo International City jointly with Seoul National University and to implement a joint doctoral degree program. The cooperation is expected to strengthen the international research and education functions of Songdo International City and enhance competitiveness in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.