UNIST has launched a major interdisciplinary research initiative to accelerate AI-driven transformation (AX) across the shipbuilding sector. Selected under the Ministry of Science and ICT’s national initiative for large-scale industrial AI, the project is supported by a total budget of KRW 40.3 billion (approximately USD 30 million). It aims to develop domain-specific AI foundation models trained on real-world shipyard data and deploy them in operational environments. The initiative brings together faculty from the Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence (AIGS), along with multiple engineering and business disciplines, forming a collaborative structure that spans the full lifecycle of industrial AI—from data generation and model training to system deployment and real-world validation. At the core of the project is the development of a multimodal, domain-specific foundation model for shipbuilding. This effort is led by Professor Sung Youb Kim from the Graduate School of Semiconductor Materials and Devices Engineering, with participation from Professors Seung-Hoon Na, Youngsoo Jang, Seungryul Baek, and Taehwan Kim from AIGS, along with Professor Hayoung Chung from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The team will develop a model capable of integrating diverse data generated across shipyard operations, serving as a central engine for a wide range of downstream applications. Complementing this effort, a parallel workstream led by Professors Sung Whan Yoon, Jae-Young Sim, and Yeon-Chang Lee from AIGS, along with Professor Saerom Park (Department of Industrial Engineering) and Professor Seongil Wi (Department of Computer Science and Engineering) will establish a scalable industrial platforms for optimized for heterogeneous datasets. In parallel, Professors Seungjoon Yang, Gi-soo Kim, and Yeon-Chang Lee from AIGS will lead research on synthetic data generation, addressing limitations in real-world data and improving model robustness across diverse scenarios. Application-focused research will be led by Professors Youngdae Kim, Sungil Kim, Hyungho Na, Dong Young Lim, and Chiehyeon Lim from the Department of Industrial Engineering, along with Professor Junghoon Kim (Department of Computer Science and Engineering), Professor Jinyoung Choi (AIGS), and Professor Junhyoung Ha (Department of Mechanical Engineering). Their work will focus on manufacturing optimization, production scheduling, predictive maintenance, and the intelligent operation of collaborative robotic systems. The development of lightweight, on-device AI technologies will be led by Professors Taesik Gong (Department of Computer Science and Engineering), Jongeun Lee (Department of Electrical Engineering), and Ranggi Hwang (Department of Computer Science and Engineering). Meanwhile, Professors Byeong Ki Seo (School of Business Administration) and Namhun Kim (Department of Mechanical Engineering) will oversee field validation and service deployment to ensure practical application and scalability. To ensure real-world impact, the initiative will be carried out in close collaboration with industry partners, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, and CrowdWorks. By leveraging operational data from active shipyards, the consortium will validate and refine technologies through on-site implementation. Professor Seung-Hoon Na, who coordinates the overall project, stated, “This initiative goes beyond developing AI models—it establishes a foundation for industrial AX. By integrating AI into production planning, process optimization, and quality control, we expect to drive meaningful innovation across the shipbuilding industry.” The UNIST Office of Research Affairs supported the initiative through its Pre-Award pilot program, providing strategic and administrative assistance in proposal development, budgeting, and coordination. The university plans to further advance its research management framework to support large-scale, high-impact initiatives.

UNIST and Dong-A University Hospital have launched a joint research initiative aimed at advancing precision medicine for complex diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. On April 7, the two institutions established the Southeastern Korea Translational Omics Consortium (STOC) at UNIST, marking the start of a collaborative effort to integrate multi-omics data into clinical research and care. The consortium brings together 15 researchers, including five faculty members from UNIST’s Department of Biological Sciences and ten clinicians from Dong-A University Hospital. The initiative is designed to bridge basic science and clinical practice by combining laboratory-based research with patient-derived data. Through this translational framework, the consortium seeks to translate molecular insights into practical applications for diagnosis and treatment. At the core of the collaboration is a multi-omics approach, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data to provide a comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms. This approach enables the identification of molecular changes that may not be captured through single-layer analyses, supporting efforts in biomarker discovery, early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and the development of targeted and personalized therapies. Under the partnership, UNIST will contribute its research infrastructure and expertise in omics analysis, while Dong-A University Hospital will provide clinical data and patient-centered insights. Clinical departments involved include hemato-oncology, neurology, rheumatology, laboratory medicine, and pathology. “Through interdisciplinary research based on multi-omics, we expect to deepen our understanding of complex diseases and contribute to the development of next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic strategies,” said Jang Hyun Choi, Chair of Biological Sciences at UNIST. The consortium is expected to accelerate the integration of multi-omics research into clinical settings, supporting the development of more precise and personalized approaches to patient care.

UNIST held its second 『UNI-Blossom Week』 from March 31 to April 2, presenting a series of spring programs designed to promote the value of integrity through interactive, campus-wide engagement. Organized by the Office of General Administration, the three-day event reimagined integrity—often perceived as a formal or abstract concept—through a festival-style program that encouraged students, faculty, staff, and visitors to participate with ease. Set against a campus in full cherry blossom bloom, activities unfolded across open green spaces and walkways, creating an inviting environment for shared experiences. A variety of hands-on programs took place throughout the campus. Participants engaged in an integrity-themed quiz, receiving light refreshments upon completion, while lawn areas hosted a treasure hunt centered on ethical awareness. Additional activities, including an integrity-themed roulette and prize draws, drew participation from across the UNIST community. UNISTATION, the official student broadcasting station of UNIST also hosted a live open radio segment, sharing student stories and capturing the atmosphere of the campus in real time. The broadcast contributed to a sense of connection, reflecting both the energy of the event and the seasonal character of the setting. By integrating themes of transparency and fairness into games, activities, and live programming, the event moved beyond conventional, message-driven approaches. Instead, it encouraged participants to engage with the concept of integrity as a practical and everyday value, embedded in campus life. A student participant remarked, “Taking part in these activities with friends while enjoying the cherry blossoms made the idea of integrity feel much more immediate and meaningful.” RyoungEun Kim, Dean of General Administration, said, “This event provided a meaningful opportunity for members of the university community to reflect on the value of integrity in a shared setting. We will continue to develop initiatives that allow these principles to take root naturally within campus culture.” Building on this initiative, the Office of General Administration plans to expand seasonal engagement programs that foster communication and contribute to a campus environment grounded in trust and mutual respect.

From cutting-edge research to campus moments, UNIST is bringing its stories together in a new way. UNIST has launched 『The UNIST Brief,』 a monthly newsletter on LinkedIn that curates the most compelling research, innovation, and campus highlights from across the university—designed for a global audience. The inaugural issue, released on April 3, coincides with the university’s homepage renewal and reflects a broader digital communications strategy to expand reach and deepen engagement across platforms. Each edition features a leading research story, alongside widely read highlights, media coverage, faculty insights, and campus experiences—distilled into a concise, visually engaging format. As a complement to UNIST’s existing communications, 『The UNIST Brief』 represents a shift toward more dynamic, platform-native storytelling—connecting audiences to the university’s most impactful work. Explore the latest issue and follow 『The UNIST Brief』 on LinkedIn to stay updated. Subscribe via LinkedIn

In celebration of the 81st National Arbor Day, UNIST carried out a hydrangea planting initiative along the trail surrounding Gamak Pond, creating a seasonal landscape expected to come into bloom in early summer. Organized by the UNIST Safety Facility Management Division, the event involved the planting of 550 hydrangea shrubs along one of the campus's most frequented walking paths. The effort aims to enhance the natural setting of the pondside area and establish a continuous floral corridor. The event brought together President Chong Rae Park, along with faculty, staff, and students, who participated in cultivating the space. Of the total, 450 shrubs were provided by UNIST and approximately 100 by its campus operations partner, S&I, which also supported the planting process. The hydrangeas include a range of varieties—such as Endless Summer Original, Limelight, Pinky Promise, and Strong Annabelle—offering diverse colors and forms. Blooming from June to July, the flowers are well suited to waterside environments and are expected to complement the landscape around Gamak Pond, while symbolizing gratitude and harmony. “Today’s planting reflects a shared commitment to shaping and caring for our campus environment,” said President Chong Rae Park. “We hope these efforts will grow into a lasting part of the UNIST community.” Jaecheon Lee, Director of the Safety Facility Management Division, added, “This initiative provided a meaningful opportunity for our community to contribute to the campus landscape. We hope the trail will become a distinctive feature of UNIST, particularly during the blooming season.” The event also included a hands-on planting activity with 53 children from the UNIST Day Care Center, extending participation across generations and reinforcing a shared sense of community. The Gamak Pond trail is expected to emerge as a new seasonal highlight, as the hydrangeas come into bloom in the months ahead.

On April 1, UNIST and the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service (COMWEL) have entered into a strategic partnership to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public data, with the goal of advancing policy development and improving public services. The signing for the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was attended by UNIST President Chong Rae Park, COMWEL President Jongkil Park, along with key representatives from both organizations. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the precision of public sector policy and operations in line with the ongoing digital transformation. By combining COMWEL's field-based administrative data with UNIST's expertise in AI research and education, the collaboration aims to translate research outcomes into practical improvements in public services. As part of the effort, COMWEL previously participated in the AI training program of UNIST Novatus Academia, where it developed a predictive model to identify eligible participants for a small and medium enterprise retirement pension fund. The project, conducted through a project-based learning (PBL) approach, received top recognition. Building on this foundation, both institutions will further refine the model for real-world application. The partnership also includes joint research on policy and operational challenges, specialized training for public-sector professionals, and the development of tailored programs to cultivate AI expertise. Additional areas of collaboration include data analytics, decision-support systems, public-sector pilot projects, technology transfer, and the dissemination of best practices. UNIST will identify research projects with direct public-sector applicability and support their implementation—from validation in real-world settings to potential commercialization. COMWEL will contribute its policy expertise and operational data to define demand-driven research priorities and guide AI adoption in administrative processes. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to accelerate digital transformation in the public sector, expand the adoption of AI-driven models, and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of public services. “AI is emerging as a key driver not only in industry but also in the transformation of public services,” said President Chong Rae Park. “Together with COMWEL, we will develop AI models tailored to the public sector and translate them into meaningful improvements that citizens can experience.” President Jongkil Park added, “By combining UNIST's strengths in AI research and education with COMWEL's policy expertise, we expect to enhance both the efficiency and quality of public services.”

A startup incubated at UNIST has successfully listed on the KOSDAQ, marking a significant milestone in the university's efforts to translate research into commercially viable technologies and foster globally competitive ventures. RecensMedical Inc., a faculty-founded startup established in 2016, began trading on the KOSDAQ on March 31, 2026. The company is based on proprietary research developed in the laboratory of Professor Gun-Ho Kim of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST. The company specializes in precision cooling-based medical devices for dermatology, ophthalmology, and veterinary applications. Its core technology enables real-time monitoring of tissue temperature and precise control of cooling intensity and duration, offering an alternative to conventional chemical anesthesia by reducing patient discomfort and improving procedural efficiency. "RecensMedical exemplifies how UNIST's foundational research can be transformed into impactful, market-ready solutions," said Professor Gun-Ho Kim, CEO of RecensMedical Inc. "We will continue to accelerate global expansion by securing regulatory approvals and strengthening international distribution channels." The company's public listing underscores the effectiveness of UNIST's R&D Scale-Up Strategy, which integrates the full innovation pipeline—from fundamental research and intellectual property development to startup incubation, manufacturing, and global market entry. UNIST has systematically supported technology commercialization by building strong patent portfolios from early-stage research, providing on-campus incubation infrastructure, and offering programs for prototyping, investment attraction, and overseas expansion. RecensMedical Inc. benefited from this ecosystem throughout its growth. In particular, UNIST’s GMP-certified manufacturing facilities played a critical role in securing regulatory approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), enabling both product validation and commercialization. The company has also achieved steady growth through continued institutional and external support. It was selected as the first TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup) in Ulsan in 2017 and later secured investment from a fund managed by UNIST Holdings in 2022. Additional support was provided through the Ulsan-Ulju INNOTOWN, where UNIST serves as a core technology institution. The initiative offers access to advanced research infrastructure, demonstration facilities, and R&BD funding, while facilitating connections to private investment and global mentoring networks. President Chong Rae Park stated, "UNIST's R&D Scale-Up Strategy emphasizes commercialization from the earliest stages of research. RecensMedical's growth demonstrates how integrated support—from technology validation to global collaboration—can translate research into real industrial impact. We will continue to strengthen an innovation ecosystem that connects research, industry, and global markets." RecensMedical Inc. has developed a portfolio of precision cooling devices designed to reduce pain and shorten treatment time across multiple clinical fields. Its flagship products include TargetCool for dermatology, OcuCool for ophthalmology, and VetEase for veterinary care. Following its KOSDAQ debut, the company is positioned to accelerate global commercialization and further establish itself as a leader in precision cooling medical technology.

UNIST through its U Institute for Future Strategy, hosted the 2026 Ulsan Innovation Conference on March 26 in collaboration with the Ulsan Metropolitan City and Gyeongsang Ilbo. The conference convened participants from academia, industry, and government to explore strategies for advancing Ulsan’s industrial ecosystem through emerging technologies. Held under the theme 'AI Ulsan: M.AX Innovation and Quantum Transformation (QX),' the conference focused on the role of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies in shaping the next phase of industrial development. The U Institute for Future Strategy led the program’s design and agenda, positioning the event as a platform for cross-sector dialogue and collaboration. Keynote speakers addressed the shifting landscape of global technology competition and its implications for regional industry. CEO Jae-sik Choi of INEEJI Corp., discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence on industrial systems, while Professor Eunmi Chae of Korea University examined strategic considerations surrounding the global development of quantum technologies. Subsequent sessions considered data standardization, approaches to developing regionally tailored sovereign AI systems, and the application of quantum technologies to manufacturing. Discussions emphasized the integration of advanced computational tools with existing industrial processes. A central focus of the conference was the expansion of current approaches to manufacturing innovation through quantum technologies. The concept of QX highlighted the potential of quantum computing and sensing to support high-precision process control and advanced materials design—capabilities relevant to Ulsan’s key industries, including petrochemicals, energy, and advanced manufacturing. President Chong Rae Park of UNIST, noted in his opening remarks, “The integration of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies into manufacturing presents an opportunity to extend the capabilities of existing industries and to position Ulsan within an evolving industrial landscape.” He added that UNIST will continue to work with regional partners to support science and technology–driven innovation and to contribute to the development of future industrial strategies. Government representatives also highlighted the importance of coordinated support at the national and regional levels. Officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ulsan Metropolitan Government emphasized continued investment in artificial intelligence and the development of testbeds to support industrial innovation. The conference provided a forum for aligning perspectives across sectors and outlining a shared direction for Ulsan’s industrial future. It reflects UNIST’s role in connecting research, policy, and industry to support long-term, technology-driven development.

Two UNIST faculty members have been selected for the 2026 Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research program, a nationally competitive initiative designed to support long-term, investigator-driven research. Professor Junghoon Kim in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Professor Hyeon Jeong Lee in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, were among approximately 30 researchers selected nationwide. Each will receive up to KRW 2 billion in funding over a 10-year period to pursue sustained research on fundamental scientific questions. Administered by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the program supports early-career researchers within 15 years of earning their doctoral degree. It is designed to enable long-term exploration of challenging problems without the constraints of short-term performance metrics, with the aim of advancing foundational knowledge and fostering innovation. Professor Kim’s research focuses on developing a quantum-compatible framework for structuring and analyzing graph data. The project aims to bridge graft mining and quantum computing by reconfiguring complex graph structures into forms suited for hybrid quantum-classical analysis. Central to this work is a shift away from approaches that simplify or partition graph structures. Instead, the research treats graph topology itself as a computational resource, establishing a new paradigm for structure-based analysis. The project is expected to expand the scope of graph analytics and contribute to next-generation data processing techniques. Professor Kim received his Ph.D. from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and joined UNIST in 2022. His research focuses on large-scale graph analysis and structure-based network mining, with an emphasis on developing efficient algorithms for complex data environments. “This research aims to move beyond existing data mining methodologies by redefining graph structures and integrating them with quantum computing,” Professor Kim said. “Over the long term, we seek to extend the boundaries of graph analysis and establish a foundation for future analytical technologies.” Professor Lee’s research focuses on developing next-generation solid electrolytes by introducing a dynamics-based mechanism for lithium-ion transport. Conventional approaches have emphasized crystal structure design, defect control, and compositional tuning to improve ionic conductivity, but these methods face limitations in fundamentally altering ion transport behavior. Her work examines dynamic processes—such as the rotational motion of cluster anions—that may reduce energy barriers for lithium-ion movement. By clarifying these mechanisms, her research aims to establish new design principles for solid electrolytes and advance the development of superionic conductors. Professor Lee conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford before joining UNIST in 2023. Since 2024, she has led a national early-career research project in advanced battery materials and characterization. Her selection for the program reflects both her prior research achievements and her potential for long-term scientific contribution. “Through this work, we aim to develop superionic conductors based on new ion transport mechanisms and to propose new directions for solid electrolyte design,” Lee said. “With sustained support, we hope to advance fundamental understanding and contribute meaningful scientific progress.”