KIST Future Foundation Hosts 'Future Foundation Scholar Award' and Scholarship Ceremony

On December 20, 2024, the KIST Future Foundation held an award and scholarship presentation ceremony at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). The purpose of the event was to recognize outstanding researchers and students, award the Future Foundation Scholar Award, and provide scholarships to student researchers and early-career scientists.

During the ceremony, Dr. Yong-Jik Kim, Chairman of the KIST Future Foundation, and Dr. Sang Rok Oh, President of KIST, presented the Future Foundation Scholar Award to Dr. Kwan Young Lee, Principal Researcher at KIST and Head of the Clean Hydrogen Storage and Utilization Strategy Research Center. As a newly appointed scholar at KIST, Dr. Lee received a research incentive grant of KRW 50 million along with a certificate of recognition. The grant is part of an initiative supported by POSCO and other industry leaders which aims to foster nationally significant R&D and enhance Korea’s research capabilities by supporting top-tier researchers in key scientific fields.

Although only one newly appointed scholar was recognized this year, the Foundation plans to expand the award to two recipients annually based on the potential for interdisciplinary synergy, urgency of social problem-solving, and overall research impact. The award is expected to serve as a major incentive for leading scientists who contribute significantly to Korea’s scientific and industrial development.

Following the Future Foundation Scholar Award, the event featured the presentation of scholarships, made possible through generous contributions from various foundations and corporate sponsors.

The Guwon Scholarship Foundation contributed KRW 60 million, enabling the selection of 10 KIST postdoctoral researchers with outstanding research achievements. Each recipient was awarded a certificate and a KRW 6 million scholarship to support their continued research endeavors.

Additionally, the KT&G Scholarship Foundation sponsored scholarships for KIST student researchers, with KIST Future Foundation Chairman Yong-Jik Kim, KT&G Scholarship Foundation Chairman Seung-Taek Kim, and KIST President Sang Rok Oh in attendance. A total of 33 student researchers, including both Korean and international students, were selected to receive a certificate and a KRW 3 million scholarship. This initiative was funded by a KRW 100 million grant from the KT&G Scholarship Foundation, aimed at fostering global scientific talent.

Notably, the international scholars who received a scholarship represented six countries: Belarus, Mongolia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China. Recipients were chosen from among master’s, doctorate, and integrated MS-PhD programs based on their academic excellence and research performance.

Established in March 2022, the KIST Future Foundation is the first public-interest foundation founded within Korea’s government-funded research institutes. The Foundation actively supports the development of highly skilled scientists, addresses pressing social challenges through academic initiatives, and provides scholarships to inspire and empower future generations. Since its inception, the Foundation has received ongoing support from KIST employees, alumni, and industry partners, strengthening its commitment to advancing national scientific and technological capabilities.