UNIST marked its 19th anniversary on September 22, with President Chong Rae Park calling on the university to think bigger as it looks to its next stage of growth.

In his anniversary address, President Park pointed to UNIST's relative youth as a strength—one that should encourage greater ambition in research, education, and its engagement with industry and society.

“We are still a young university, and that gives us every reason to dream bigger and take on bold challenges,” President Park said. “Innovation that begins here in Southeastern Korea can strengthen the nation, while what we accomplish with partners around the world can contribute to a better future for humanity.”

Founded with a mission to strengthen Ulsan's industrial base and educate future scientists and engineers with global reach, UNIST continues to pursue that mission through its “UNIque & beST, Science & Technology NEXUS” vision, connecting research, industry, and talent across traditional boundaries.

The anniversary program also highlighted UNIST's major achievements in 2026 and recognized faculty, staff, students, and teams for contributions across research, education, industry collaboration, and university service. Han Gi Chae, Director of the Office of Budget and Planning, presented the university's progress over the past year and outlined priorities for 2027.

Three faculty members received Outstanding Faculty Awards. Professor Jungho Im of the Department of Civil, Earth, and Environmental Engineering was recognized for research; Professor Taejoon Kwon of the Department of Biomedical Engineering for education; and Professor Changwook Jeong of the Graduate School of Semiconductor Materials and Components for industry collaboration.

Professor Im was honored for his leadership as an international journal editor and principal investigator of a major interdisciplinary research program. Professor Kwon was recognized for developing educational programs connecting medicine and engineering, while Professor Jeong was honored for advancing industry partnerships and securing privately funded research.

Awards also recognized staff, students, and university teams for their contributions to the UNIST community. Kyu Hwan Shim of the U Institute for Future Strategies received the top staff award. Top excellence honors went to staff members from the IP Management Team, Development Fund Team, Startup Incubation Team, and General Affairs Team.

Eleven additional staff members received excellence awards, representing the Educational Affairs Team, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Health Care Center, Student Affairs Team, Planning Team, Planning and Operation Team, Academic Planning Team, Finance Team, Leadership Center, and Budget Team.

Student honors went to 10 individuals and one nine-member team, representing the School of Business Administration, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Department of Chemistry, School of Exploratory Studies, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Nuclear Engineering, and Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Six university units—the Academic Affairs Team, IT Strategy Team, Planning Team, Research Planning Team, Regional Industry Innovation Team, and Development Fund Team—were recognized for outstanding performance. The Human Resources Team received special awareness for strengthening internal controls and reducing costs.

The ceremony concluded with a performance by Music Factory Delight: Ulsan Youth Union Percussion, a professional performing arts group designated by Ulsan Metropolitan City, bringing the university's 19th anniversary celebration to a close.