(Re-)integration of DPRK astronomers in the international research community

The most pressing need for the development of professional astronomy in the DPRK is professional training. In this context, we propose to initiate an exchange and training programme between Pyongyang Astronomical Observatory (PAO) and counterparts in China and eventually Europe, monitored by the East Asian node of the Office of Astronomy for Development. PAO representatives have already reached agreement in principle to send junior researchers (postdocs or junior faculty members) to the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) and the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (KIAA) at Peking University, both in Beijing. We request funding to enable two junior researchers, selected by PAO, to spend one year in China, where they will be immersed in scientific research (and training) at an internationally competitive level. Upon their return to the DPRK, they will act as mentors to their colleagues there. In addition, during the year-long exchange visit, we anticipate that the junior researchers from the DPRK will be actively involved in research projects at the host institutes, which will eventually lead to publications in the international peer- reviewed literature. We also seek travel funding for visits of DPRK students and researchers to institutes outside Asia, once suitable host organisations have been identified.