ICISTS-KAIST (International Conference for Integration of Science, Technology and Society) celebrated their ten-year anniversary at the KAIST Daejeon Campus in a five-day conference held from August 4 to 8. The independently organized student conference provided a rich field for discussion on this year’s opening question, “Does Science Lead Progress?”

ICISTS-KAIST is the largest international student conference in Asia, with a subject focused on integrating science and technology with ongoing social issues. Four hundred student delegates from nineteen countries around the world converged at KAIST to participate in intensive sessions and networking with people from various disciplines. Invited speakers included the renowned science and technology policy magnate Langdon Winner, the Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Pulitzer Prize nominated finalist Sharon Schmickle, and other internationally renowned scholars and specialists who provided their valuable insights in technology-related social issues.

Detailed issues ranged from Internet privacy, climate change, genetically modified food, to the commercialization of science. Along with interdisciplinary insight in social, law, and technological lectures, special sessions were included in this event. Team building and discussion sessions were held to better networking and to provide the opportunity for one to interact with invited speakers one-on-one. Culture night and beer parties gave vive to a predominantly academic conference. Team projects and poster fairs provided opportunities for delegates to engage and express their creative ideas gained during their five-day event.