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Tag: South Korea

CNU Shares AI Education Locally and Globally

Posted on by Chonnam National University

Chonnam National University (CNU) is expanding its AI education capabilities across the region and onto the global stage. The university is sharing its expertise with regional universities, pre-service teachers, and local residents while broadening international exchange through practice-oriented programs for overseas students. CNU aims to make its AI education capacity a resource for both regional development and global collaboration.

On July 30, CNU established the AI Convergence Education Institute as a presidentially affiliated organization to lead this effort. It will create a coordinated system for AI talent development, educational-resource sharing, and community outreach, providing a foundation for extending CNU’s AI education expertise beyond the university.

The institute builds on CNU’s faculty AI refresh training program, HAI-STEP (Human-centered AI Smart Teaching Enforcement Program). Through the Regional University AI Education Academy, CNU shares practical knowledge in AI-based course design, learning-material development, and data analysis with regional universities. Online programs for pre-service teachers and the AI Citizen Academy for local residents further expand access to AI learning and help participants build practical skills for an AI-driven society.

CNU is also broadening the international reach of its AI education. Under the 2026 Korea-Japan Joint Higher Education Student Exchange Program – Short-Term Undergraduate Program, organized by the National Institute for International Education, CNU hosted 20 students from 11 Japanese universities, including Kansai University, Kyushu University, and Osaka Metropolitan University. The University of Osaka and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology participated for the first time this year, further strengthening CNU’s academic network in Japan.

During the program, participants explored AI and data science through the Open Source Hardware course and conducted research projects with graduate student mentors from CNU’s College of AI Convergence. Visits to Kia Autoland and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) also offered firsthand insight into AI applications in industrial and public-sector settings.

The program reflects CNU’s efforts to apply its AI education expertise in both regional and international contexts.

 

2026 SKKU ISS Concludes

Posted on by SKKU

SKKU’s International Affairs Division (Vice President of International Affairs, Professor Minhyo Cho) successfully concluded the 2026 International Summer Semester (ISS), which ran for four weeks from June 26 to July 24. Celebrating its 18th anniversary, this year’s program welcomed 1,021 students from 126 universities across 39 countries, representing a 26.4% increase from the previous year and reaffirming SKKU’s growing global presence. Among international participants (excluding SKKU students), the largest groups came from universities in the United States (116 students), the United Kingdom (100), and Australia (80).

The program offered 42 courses spanning business and economics, humanities and social sciences, AI and data science, Korean language, and Korean studies. Classes were taught by 17 visiting international professors and 10 SKKU faculty members. Through regular classes held Monday through Thursday and collaborative team projects, students strengthened both their academic expertise and cross-cultural communication skills.

Beyond the classroom, a wide range of cultural activities was offered on Fridays and weekday evenings. More than 500 students participated in each program, including visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, cultural performances, Everland, Caribbean Bay, and the DMZ, providing opportunities to experience Korean history and culture firsthand. Students also enjoyed Korea’s vibrant sports culture through group outings to KBO League baseball and K League football games.

A new highlight this year was the introduction of small-group activities organized in collaboration with SKKU student clubs, covering football, taekwondo, tea ceremony, baseball, magic, photography, and more. These activities encouraged meaningful friendships between international participants and SKKU students. In addition, with the FIFA World Cup taking place during the program, students gathered to watch matches together and participated in special World Cup-themed events, creating friendships that transcended national boundaries.

Following its successful debut last year, the two-night, three-day Jeju Cultural Experience Program returned, giving participants the opportunity to explore Jeju Island’s unique culture and natural environment. The program once again received highly positive feedback from students.

The Laboratory-Based Research Internship Program also expanded this year, with 26 students participating, up from 15 in the previous year. Participants are engaged in full-time research projects, creating a valuable pathway to graduate study at SKKU while strengthening the foundation for future international research collaboration.

The closing ceremony featured student reflections, a farewell session with faculty members, and a highlight video capturing memorable moments from the summer. Awards were also presented for the Digital Content Contest and the World Cup Prediction Event. The celebration concluded with a special taekwondo performance by a professional demonstration team and a photo session with SKKU’s official mascots, Myeongnyuni and Yuljeoni, leaving participants with lasting memories.

Professor Minhyo Cho, Vice President of International Affairs, remarked, “ISS has evolved beyond a traditional summer school into SKKU’s distinctive international education model that seamlessly integrates learning, culture, and research. We hope this program has provided every participant with an unforgettable summer experience.”

SKKU AI Autonomous Driving Competition

Posted on by SKKU

Sungkyunkwan University successfully hosted the “4th Sungkyunkwan University AI Autonomous Driving Competition” at the Semiconductor Building lounge on the Natural Science Campus on Thursday, July 30. Held with the goal of nurturing core talent in the future mobility sector, the competition was divided into an AI Chip division and a Software (SW) division, with the entire event livestreamed on YouTube so that members of the university community and beyond could follow the competition in real time. In a particularly meaningful development, students from Gyeonggi Automobile Science High School took part as a special team, creating a stage where high school and university students competed and exchanged ideas in autonomous driving technology.

Participating students designed and implemented their own AI-based autonomous driving systems on small electric vehicles roughly one-fifth the size of an actual car, equipped with cameras, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors. The competition consisted of a “driving race,” in which teams completed a designated track in the shortest time possible, and a “mission race,” in which teams carried out a range of assigned tasks. Ahead of the competition, students strengthened their practical response capabilities by learning autonomous driving technology through preliminary training and mentoring programs.

A total of 51 teams (228 participants) — 24 teams in the AI Chip division and 27 teams in the SW division — competed fiercely in the preliminary round, with 15 teams from each division, 30 teams (128 participants) in total, advancing to the final round. On the day of the competition, in addition to the finalists and organizing staff, around 50 attendees including President Jibeom Yoo, industry experts, and professors were on hand to encourage the students and provide guidance on technology and career paths.

After a fierce competition, the Grand Prize (SKKU President’s Award) went to Team “Eunjeya Hyundai Gaja” in the SW division and Team “425” in the AI Chip division. Team “Eunjeya Hyundai Gaja” was composed of Kim Sookyung, Kang Mincheol, Moon Seonbin, and Jeong Eunje from the School of Mechanical Engineering, and Kim Myeonggyun from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Team “425” was composed of Kwon Kihyeok from the Department of Mathematics, Kim Taegeon from the Department of Data Science convergence major, Kim Yuchan from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Park Hyeonseo from the School of Mechanical Engineering, and Kim Hoyong from the Department of Business Administration.

The competition served as a hands-on educational platform where students developed autonomous driving systems spanning both hardware and software on their own and verified their performance on an actual driving track. The combination of mentoring by participating professors and industry experts, the participation of the special high school team, and the live YouTube broadcast was recognized as an effort in which the university, high schools, and industry came together to broaden the base for nurturing future mobility talent.

Jae Wook Jeon, Director of the Future Mobility Bootcamp Project Group, stated, “I applaud the students who persevered through countless trial and error while preparing for this competition,” adding, “I hope the valuable experience they gained here becomes a solid stepping stone toward taking on even bigger challenges.”

President Jibeom Yoo said, “Autonomous driving technology for future mobility is a field that represents the convergence of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, software, and semiconductors, and it serves as a core driving force for realizing a safer, more convenient future society.” He added, “I wholeheartedly support the participating students as they grow into the key talent who will innovate Korea’s future mobility industry.”

Meanwhile, the competition was hosted by SKKU’s Future Mobility Bootcamp Project Group (Director: Professor Jae Wook Jeon), which was selected for the Ministry of Education’s “Advanced Industry Talent Bootcamp Project (Future Mobility Sector),” and sponsored by Hyundai Mobis.

Inha Runs 5th Air Quality Student Program

Posted on by INHA University

▲ Students participating in the 5th Summer Undergraduate Research Program visit the Environmental Satellite Center at the National Institute of Environmental Research.

The Metropolitan Air Quality Research and Management Center under Inha University’s Industry–Academic Cooperation Foundation recently successfully concluded its 5th Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

The program was designed for undergraduate students majoring in environmental sciences and other science and engineering disciplines at universities in the Seoul metropolitan area. It aimed to introduce the latest trends and practical applications in research and development (R&D) related to fine particulate matter and air quality while fostering future environmental professionals.

The curriculum covered a broad range of topics in air quality, including the health impacts of fine dust, the relationship between weather and particulate matter, air quality management policies in the Seoul metropolitan area, the current status of air pollutant management, aerosol fundamentals, the principles and applications of fine dust measurement equipment, an introduction to air pollution control facilities, ESG and career exploration in the environmental sector, air pollutant control technologies, and the measurement and emission assessment of road re-suspended dust.

The program also included field visits to the Environmental Satellite Center at the National Institute of Environmental Research and the Cheongna Facility of the Incheon Environmental Corporation. During the visits, students observed air quality research sites and environmental facility operations firsthand, allowing them to connect classroom learning with real-world practices.

The program featured lectures by university professors as well as experts from government agencies, research institutes, and industry. The speakers covered a wide range of topics, including air quality policies, fine dust measurement and analysis technologies, air pollution control technologies, and practical applications in industrial settings.

Through the lectures and field visits, participants gained a deeper understanding of research and career opportunities in the air quality field. Certificates of completion were awarded to 19 students who successfully completed the program.

In the post-program satisfaction survey, one participant commented, “Although I had always been interested in air quality, I was unsure about the career opportunities available. Listening to lectures from professionals in the field helped me better understand both the academic concepts and potential career paths. This program gave me the opportunity to seriously consider pursuing a career in air quality.”

Jeon Gi-jun, Director of the Metropolitan Air Quality Research and Management Center, said, “I hope this program has helped students gain a broader understanding of research and policy in the field of air quality. We will continue to expand and improve our educational programs to cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals.”

Original Article

Inha Wraps Semiconductor Cleanroom Training

Posted on by INHA University

▲ Students participating in the semiconductor process and equipment training are conducting hands-on process training in the cleanroom of the 3D Nano Convergence Device Research Center.

Inha University recently announced that its Next-Generation Semiconductor Consortium successfully completed the “2026 Semiconductor Process and Equipment Training Program.”

The practical training was provided to students who achieved outstanding results in the final evaluation of the previously conducted basic and advanced semiconductor process theory courses. Twelve students from Inha University, Myongji University, and Kongju National University, all members of the consortium, participated in the program, gaining hands-on experience in a cleanroom while applying the knowledge learned in theory to strengthen their practical skills.

Wearing cleanroom suits, the students entered the cleanroom and directly carried out key semiconductor fabrication processes, including photolithography, sputtering, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and etching. They also conducted thin-film measurement and process data analysis, improving their overall understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes.

On the final day, each team presented its training results, reviewing how the concepts learned during the theoretical courses were applied in actual semiconductor fabrication processes.

The training program is meaningful because it strengthened the step-by-step learning system that connects theoretical education with practical training. The Next-Generation Semiconductor Consortium selected the highest-performing students from the theory courses for the practical program, increasing learning motivation while systematically enhancing their semiconductor process competencies.

Pyeon Seok-jun, Director of the Engineering Education Innovation Center and Head of the Next-Generation Semiconductor Consortium, said, “This practical training is an important opportunity for students to experience semiconductor processes firsthand and deepen their understanding of the industry. Reflecting the strong response from students and the needs of the industry, we will continue working to expand both the scale of the training program and opportunities for participation.”

Original Article

Inha, OECD Discuss SME AI Transition

Posted on by INHA University

▲ Participants in the Joint Workshop on the Digital and AI Transformation of SMEs pose for a commemorative photo.

The Small Business Economic Ecosystem Research Center at Inha University recently held a joint workshop titled “Digital and AI Transformation in SMEs” together with the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (OECD CFE) and the KDI School of Public Policy and Management.

The workshop was organized to strengthen research and policy collaboration on digital transformation and AI utilization among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small business owners.

The workshop featured presentations and discussions on ▲AI adoption in SMEs ▲AI and digital transformation in the retail sector ▲international cooperation based on Korea’s smart manufacturing policy experience.

The OECD CFE introduced different types of AI adoption among SMEs, policy support strategies, and the results of the 2026 D4SME Survey. Choi Hyoji, a research professor at the Small Business Economic Ecosystem Research Center currently serving as a visiting researcher at the OECD CFE, presented the current status of AI adoption among Korean companies and its policy implications based on an OECD survey of Korean businesses. Professor Lee Chang-geun of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management explained the gap between SMEs and large companies in the use of generative AI by analyzing data from a survey of Korean workers.

Professor Jeon Bo-gang, Director of the Small Business Economic Ecosystem Research Center, presented research analyzing how the growth of online consumption affects offline commercial districts and store performance using commercial district data from Seoul. The workshop also discussed ways to promote international cooperation that could support manufacturing transformation and strengthen SME capabilities in developing countries based on Korea’s experience with its smart factory initiative.

Professor Jeon said, “This workshop provided a meaningful opportunity to connect international discussions on the digital and AI transformation of SMEs and small businesses with Korea’s policy experience. We will continue to expand research on innovation ecosystems for small businesses and SMEs through collaboration with domestic and international organizations, including the OECD and the KDI School of Public Policy and Management.”

Meanwhile, the Small Business Economic Ecosystem Research Center was selected in 2022 as a leading Convergence Research Center (CRC) under the Basic Research Program funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT. Led by Professor Jeon Bo-gang of the Department of Economics at Inha University, the center is conducting a seven-year research project with a total budget of KRW 10 billion.

Original Article

Inha’s Barnacle-Based Sea Turtle Tracking

Posted on by INHA University

▲ Conceptual illustration of the study (process of reconstructing migration routes using environmental information recorded in barnacle shells).

Professor Taewon Kim’s research team from the Department of Marine Science at Inha University has developed a new research method for reconstructing the migration routes of sea turtles by analyzing the shells of barnacles that live attached to their carapaces.

Sea turtles are among the representative endangered marine species designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Understanding their migration routes is essential for effective conservation. However, because they travel across vast ocean regions, attaching satellite tracking devices or conducting direct observations has been limited by both cost and technical challenges.

The research team analyzed the shells of the turtle barnacle (Chelonibia testudinaria) attached to a stranded Loggerhead sea turtle found on Jeju Island using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), an ultra-high-resolution stable isotope analysis technique. As barnacle shells grow, they continuously record environmental information such as seawater temperature and salinity in successive layers, preserving past migration records much like tree rings.

The researchers analyzed changes in stable oxygen and carbon isotopes in chronological order and newly calibrated the barnacle growth curve to match the environmental conditions of East Asian waters. Based on the results, they estimated that the sea turtle traveled through the Taiwan Strait, the waters surrounding the Philippines, and the Ryukyu Islands over approximately one year and six months before arriving in waters near Jeju, where it eventually stranded.

The same analytical method was also applied to other loggerhead sea turtles and Hawksbill sea turtle. The results indicated that loggerhead sea turtles repeatedly made long-distance migrations between the Philippines and waters around Jeju, while hawksbill sea turtles migrated northward along the Ryukyu Islands.

This study is particularly significant because it demonstrates that migration routes can be reconstructed even for stranded or bycaught individuals that are difficult to monitor using satellite tracking. Since South Korea has no sea turtle nesting grounds and most available specimens are stranded or accidentally caught, this research method is expected to provide new opportunities for studies on protected marine species and the development of conservation policies.

The research findings were recently published in Marine Environmental Research, a leading international journal in the field of marine environmental science.

Kyungsik Cho, the first author of the paper, said, “Barnacle shells preserve marine environmental information experienced by their host throughout its migration. This study demonstrates that such information can be used to reconstruct the migration routes of previously untracked sea turtles without satellite tracking.”

Professor Taewon Kim, the corresponding author of the study and professor at Inha University, stated, “This research is particularly meaningful because it shows that migration routes can be reconstructed using only stranded individuals in regions like South Korea, where directly tracking sea turtles is difficult. In the future, combining analyses of various stable isotopes and trace elements is expected to provide valuable data for studying the migration ecology of large marine animals and for establishing conservation policies.”

Original Article

Inha Univ. Leads Incheon’s Battery Talent Hub

Posted on by INHA University

▲ Participants of the 4th Industry-Academia Exchange Meeting for the Secondary Battery Industry pose for a commemorative photo.

▲Inha University recently hosted the 4th Industry-Academia Exchange Meeting for the Secondary Battery Industry. 

Inha University hosted the 4th Industry-Academia-Government-Research Exchange Meeting for the Secondary Battery Industry, where participants discussed cooperation strategies for developing Incheon’s secondary battery industry ecosystem and fostering battery professionals.

The exchange meeting was organized with support from the Secondary Battery Innovation Convergence University Project, promoted by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, and the Secondary Battery Specialized University Project, supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). The event was also jointly organized in cooperation with Incheon Metropolitan City’s Renewable Energy Division and Inha University’s Anchor Headquarters.

The event was attended by 30 secondary battery-related companies in the Incheon area, including Korea Zinc, which plans to establish its Incheon Songdo R&D Center in 2027. Participants broadly discussed strategies for developing Incheon into a key hub of Korea’s secondary battery industry and explored collaborative initiatives among local governments, industries, universities, research institutes, and related organizations.

In particular, the meeting focused on strengthening the collaborative network with secondary battery companies located in the western metropolitan belt. Participants also shared concrete plans to expand Inha University’s role as a key hub connecting talent development and technology exchange in the secondary battery sector.

Inha University’s Secondary Battery Business Transition Support Program was also introduced during the event. The program provides materials and components analysis services and practical workforce training for companies seeking to transition into the secondary battery industry or preparing to enter the market.

Through the Secondary Battery Project Group, Inha University shares its advanced analytical equipment, research infrastructure, and educational expertise with local companies. Now in its third year, the program aims to enhance companies’ technological competitiveness while reducing the technical and workforce challenges associated with business transition.

Building on this exchange meeting, Inha University plans to further expand its collaboration network with regional companies while strengthening industry-driven talent development and technical support for the secondary battery sector.

Inha University will also continue to support local secondary battery companies through education, analytical services, and technology exchange, helping them strengthen their competitiveness across various fields, including materials, components, battery cells, and recycling.

The exchange meeting was regarded as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of government, industry, academia, research institutes, and related organizations to strengthening the competitiveness of Incheon’s secondary battery industry and building a sustainable battery ecosystem.

Moving forward, Inha University plans to continue expanding talent development and technology support in close collaboration with local companies, responding to industry demands while playing a central role in establishing Incheon as one of Korea’s leading secondary battery industry hubs.

Choi Jin-seop, Director of the Secondary Battery Project Group, said, “Incheon has the potential to build a complete secondary battery ecosystem within a single region, spanning materials, battery cells, and recycling. As a key hub connecting companies across the western metropolitan belt, Inha University will continue expanding analytical support and workforce training programs to actively assist companies in business transition and strengthening their technological competitiveness.”

Original Article

Inha & BEU Celebrate 3rd DDP Graduation

Posted on by INHA University

▲ Students toss their graduation caps during the 3rd DDP Graduation Ceremony held at Baku Engineering University (BEU) in Azerbaijan.

Inha University has produced the third graduating class through its Dual Degree Program (DDP), jointly operated with Baku Engineering University (BEU) in Azerbaijan.

The 3rd DDP Graduation Ceremony, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, was attended by Sung Yong-rak, Chairman of the Jeongsuk Inha Educational Foundation; Inha University President Cho Myung-woo; BEU President Yaqub Piriyev; Kang Geum-gu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Azerbaijan; and 114 graduates. The event highlighted the importance of continued educational cooperation between the two countries.

The DDP is an international joint education program launched for students admitted in the 2020 academic year. Under the program, BEU students complete three years of study in Azerbaijan, followed by one year at Inha University, allowing them to earn degrees from both institutions simultaneously. The program is designed to cultivate global professionals in key engineering fields, including Information and Communication Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Inha University and BEU recently signed an agreement to extend the second phase of the Dual Degree Program. Beginning with the 2026 academic year, the program will expand beyond its existing Information and Communication Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering majors to include Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. The two universities plan to recruit six additional cohorts across these four majors while continuing to strengthen their partnership.

The university views this graduation ceremony as an example of how it is expanding its global educational network by building not only a global campus but also a practical and sustainable framework for international educational cooperation.

President Cho Myung-woo stated, “The Dual Degree Program jointly operated by Inha University and BEU has grown beyond a simple degree program into a symbol of educational cooperation between our two countries and an important platform for cultivating future global talent. We will continue to play a leading role in the global higher education ecosystem.”

▲ Participants pose for a commemorative photo at the 3rd DDP Graduation Ceremony held at Baku Engineering University (BEU) in Azerbaijan. 

Original Article

SKKU wins Best Paper Award ISCA 2026

Posted on by SKKU

A research team headed by Professor Jungrae Kim of the Department of Semiconductor Systems Engineering has won the Best Paper Award at the IEEE/ACM International Symposium on Computer Architecture (ISCA) 2026.

ISCA is the world’s most prestigious conference in computer architecture and AI semiconductor systems. With a history spanning more than half a century, the conference is often described as the “Olympics of AI semiconductor architecture,” and even having a paper accepted is considered a major academic achievement.

The award marks the first time in ISCA’s history that a Korean university has received the Best Paper Award. No Korean institution had previously received the award or even had a paper selected as a Best Paper candidate. This achievement further strengthens the global standing of Sungkyunkwan University and Korea’s semiconductor research community.

ISCA 2026 was held from June 27 to July 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina, bringing together approximately 1,000 researchers and industry experts from around the world. Leading global technology giants, including NVIDIA, Meta, Google, and Microsoft, as well as prominent universities worldwide, participated in the conference.

A total of 845 state-of-the-art research papers were submitted. Following a rigorous review process, 161 papers were accepted, and Professor Kim’s research was selected as the conference’s Best Paper.

The award-winning paper, titled “Cerberus: Cross-Layer ECC Co-Design for Robust and Efficient Memory Protection,” presents an innovative technology that improves the reliability and efficiency of High Bandwidth Memory, or HBM.

HBM is a critical high-performance memory technology for artificial intelligence systems and has become a major focus of global technological competition amid the rapid expansion of AI. At its core, Cerberus detects and addresses the small data errors that occur while computers store and transfer information more quickly and intelligently than conventional approaches.

As HBM is pushed toward its physical performance limits, errors occurring during data storage and transmission are becoming more frequent. These errors can reduce manufacturing yield and cause serious reliability and efficiency problems in large-scale AI infrastructure. Hardware failures already interrupt a substantial proportion of large-scale AI training workloads, significantly reducing the likelihood that long-running training jobs will be completed successfully.

Conventional systems protect data through several independent error-correction mechanisms: within the memory device, across the data interface, and at the overall system level. Because these mechanisms were developed and operated separately, they require duplicated redundancy and may introduce unnecessary delays and protection holes.

Cerberus, developed by Professor Kim’s research team, unifies these separate protection mechanisms and enables them to share error-correction information. Based on an HBM4-class memory configuration, the proposed technology reduces the storage space dedicated to error-correction redundancy by approximately 33% while simultaneously improving data reliability and system efficiency.

Professor Kim’s research team has established a strong international track record in memory reliability and security. Its previous research has repeatedly been selected as a Best Paper Award finalist at leading international computer architecture conferences, including ASPLOS, HPCA, SC, and DATE.

The ISCA 2026 Best Paper Award further demonstrates the technical excellence, originality, and academic impact that the research team has built over the years.

Professor Jungrae Kim said: “As international competition for technological leadership in artificial intelligence continues to intensify, it is deeply meaningful that our research team has become the first in Korea to receive the Best Paper Award at ISCA, the world’s most prestigious computer architecture conference.”

He added: “I hope this research will make a meaningful contribution to improving the reliability of HBM, an essential technology in the AI era. I also hope it will provide a strong technological foundation for Korea’s memory semiconductor industry, a key pillar of the national economy, to maintain its leadership in the global market.”

This research was supported by the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation under programs funded by the Korean government.