UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — During the week of September 12, Penn State hosted a delegation from the Korea Institute for Science and Technology (KIST) and Korea University (KU). The delegation was led by the KIST’s President, Professor Seok-Jin Yoon, who along with Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, signed a memorandum of understanding between the institutions. The partnership will focus on transparent and invisible electronics.

“Very few places in the world have research going on in transparent and invisible electronics, and we are very excited to be engaging on this subject,” said Shashank Priya, associate vice president for research and director of strategic initiatives in the Office of the Vice President for Research at Penn State.

KIST

According to the institute's website, KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in Korea. The history of KIST is the history of Korean development in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the Korean War. In 1960, when Korea embarked on its national development plan and laid the foundation for a new research institute, it was one of the poorest countries in the world. Now, it boasts the world's 11th biggest economy thanks to its advancements in the field of science and technology.

KIST is now organized into nine dedicated research institutes which focus on applicable science and technology. The institute’s most recent vision statement is “GRaND KIST” which stands for “Globally Recognized and Nationally Dedicating KIST.” The institute focuses on new grand challenges, with the intention to improve the human, the community, and the earth.

“I am very happy to be the President of KIST and make an excellent research institute,” said President Yoon. President Yoon, in fact, has a long history with Penn State, having been a National Research Foundation postdoctoral domestic and overseas training member from 1995-97, and then an exchange scientist through KIST technical training in 2004.

KIST is the oldest government-commissioned R&D institute in Korea, with a research staff of 1,200, a student body of about 1,000, and a support staff of 460. The research impact of KIST has been in the science and economic areas of Korea.

Korea University

Korea University, on the other hand, is a large university, with over 37,000 students. It has been one of the best private universities in Asia for the past three years. The university is spread across two campuses (Seoul and Sejong) and three auxiliary hospitals (Anam Hospital and Guro Hospital in Seoul and Ansan Hospital in Gyeonggi Province.

Korea University was founded in 1905 under Lee Yong-ik (Chungsukgong, 1854-1907), Treasurer of the Royal Household, as “Bosung College.” In 1946, after Korea gained independence, the university was renamed Korea University. According to its website, “Throughout the modern history of the Republic of Korea, Korea University has stood as a symbol of the spirit of resistance, manifesting the conscience of the nation and critical intelligence.”

The Signing Ceremony

KIST, KU, and Penn State representatives gathered in the Alumni Lounge in Old Main to greet each other and learn more about each institution. Representatives from KIST and KU delivered presentations on their institutions, and Vice President of Research Lora Weiss delivered a presentation on Penn State’s research enterprise.

After the presentations, President Bendapudi made remarks.

“What a wonderful opportunity to collaborate to further the human, the community, and the earth,” she said, referencing KIST’s presentation. “I know we will achieve our lofty ideals through our partnerships with you.”

The presidents exchanged gifts and signed the agreement, marking a new step in the partnership between Penn State, KIST, and KU.

For more information on this partnership or how to get involved, contact Anna Marshall, assistant director for Asia partnerships in Penn State Global, at awm15@psu.edu.