KIST Celebrates 59th Anniversary with Commemorative Ceremony

On February 10, 2025, KIST (President: Sang Rok Oh) held a commemorative ceremony to celebrate its 59th anniversary at Johnson Auditorium in its Seoul headquarters.

The event featured an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding research achievements, the premiere of KIST’s new promotional video, and a performance by the Seongbuk-gu Junior Choir, adding a dynamic and celebratory touch to the occasion. This year’s ceremony was themed "Evergreen Pine," symbolizing how the resilience and pioneering spirit of KIST researchers is much like the enduring strength of a pine tree.

At the heart of the ceremony was the presentation of the KIST Grand Award, the highest honor given among the monthly KIST Scientist Award recipients. This year’s recipients, Dr. Suk Woo Nam and Dr. So Young Lee from KIST’s Clean Hydrogen Institute, were recognized for their groundbreaking work in developing a next-generation fuel cell technology with unparalleled electrochemical performance and durability.

The Songgok Science and Technology Award, established in honor of KIST’s founding President, Dr. Hyeong-Sup Choi, was awarded to Professor Yong Young Noh of POSTECH for his contributions to the development of p-type oxide semiconductors.

Additionally, the KIST Global Partnership Award, which acknowledges individuals who have significantly advanced international cooperation in science and technology with KIST, was presented to H.E. István Szerdahelyi, Ambassador of Hungary to South Korea.

Following the official ceremony, a luncheon gathering was held to foster camaraderie and engagement among KIST employees and alumni. In the main lobby, a “Vision for the 60th Anniversary” message board was installed, encouraging attendees to share their aspirations for KIST’s future, creating a meaningful moment of reflection and inspiration.

In his commemorative address, KIST President Sang Rok Oh remarked, “Since its inception, KIST has laid the foundation for South Korea’s scientific and technological advancement, continually driving innovation and shaping new frontiers. Now, as we face an era of unprecedented change and challenges, science and technology remain our most vital tools for overcoming crises. KIST must stand at the forefront, leading South Korea’s scientific community towards bold transformation and a future of boundless possibilities.”

Since its establishment in 1966, KIST has played a pivotal role in national development through innovative research. Recently, the institute marked a historic milestone with its largest-ever technology transfer agreement, demonstrating the real-world economic impact of its R&D achievements. This success underscores KIST’s technical excellence and robust industry-academia-research collaborations, reaffirming its critical role in driving South Korea’s industrial and economic growth.

As KIST prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, it remains committed to solidifying its position as a global leader in scientific research and accelerating advancements for a sustainable future.