The respected science and technology think-tank, the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), inaugurated a new branch to its organization, the Young Korean Academy of Science and Technology (Y-KAST), on February 24. Among the 73 scientists chosen, 13 KAIST faculty were selected as inaugural members of Y-KAST.

Internationally recognized and having hosted more than 30 Nobel Laureates among its members, KAST is the most distinguished academy of science in the country. By selecting scientists and engineers who have shown brilliance domestically and internationally, the non-profit organization strives to boost national development through the active participation of its members. Through Y-KAST, the academy also intends to bring younger scientists into the fold.

KAST is following the global trend. Countries like Germany, Canada, and Japan have been establishing young academies of science since 2010 with the intention of promoting research among younger scientists and to provide them with a platform from which they can network and collaborate with other scientists internationally. Y-KAST comprises prominent mid-career scientists under the age of 45 and it is intended to be the lead in international collaboration and innovative agenda-making in the field.

President Myung-Chul Lee of KAST said, “We will spare no effort to connect these outstanding mid-career researchers for their future collaboration. Their networking will make significant impacts toward their own research activities as well as the global stature of Korea’s science and technology research and development.”

Y-KAST’s KAIST faculty members are as follows: Professors Jung Kyoon Choi of the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering; Mi Young Kim, Byung-Kwan Cho, and Ji-Joon Song of the Department of Biological Sciences; Hyotcherl Ihee, and Haeshin Lee of the Department of Chemistry; Jang Wook Choi of the Graduate School of Energy, Environment, Water and Sustainability; Seokwoo Jeon, Sang Ouk Kim, and Il-Doo Kim of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Sang-il Oum of the Department of Mathematical Sciences; Song-Yong Kim of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; and Jeong Ho Lee of the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering.

Copyright © The KAIST Herald Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution prohibited