UNIST strengthens science and technology proficiency for prosperity
Ulsan-based science and technology university has invested more than US$170 million on state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities.
Renowned as one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, South Korea is home to many conglomerates, universities and institutes that have made an impact internationally in the fields of science and technology. Understanding South Korea’s role in advancing research and development initiatives, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) is sharing in this responsibility by cultivating critical thinkers who are capable of transforming the future.
“UNIST aims to enhance the prosperity of mankind. I always remind our faculty members to remember this vision because the world is waiting for us,” says president Jung Moo-young.
UNIST creates differentiated research outcomes based on interdisciplinary research and education. In its variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes, UNIST applies three principles.
The first is creativity and it can be seen in the way UNIST adopts innovative pedagogical techniques, such as flipped learning. In another aspect, interdisciplinary studies, UNIST promotes well-roundedness within the campus community by requiring its students and faculty to complete two or more areas of concentration. Lastly, UNIST ensures global competitiveness by conducting 100 per cent of its classes in English.
UNIST aims to attract international students and faculty to become a globalised learning centre
Located in the manufacturing hub that is Ulsan, UNIST is witness to real world challenges that companies of varying sizes face. With their training, students are no strangers to concepts such as artificial intelligence and smart factories. UNIST has so far invested more than US$170 million in state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities.
UNIST continues to remain a global research heavyweight among the world’s top research-intensive institutions and one of South Korea’s top universities, according to the latest 2017 Centre for Science and Technology Studies Leiden Ranking. The ranking placed UNIST 36th worldwide and first in South Korea with the fractional counting method.
UNIST leads the future of science and technology by strategically supporting the development of its own fundamental technologies.
In the next-generation energy front, UNIST leads the lithium-ion secondary battery research in the world along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University. UNIST is also on track in developing the world’s first seawater battery.
By 2030, UNIST hopes to establish a bridgehead for the successful overseas launch of useful and promising research brands that well represent the institution. Some of these include Hyper Tube Express, avatar-style robot, perovskite solar cells and treatment of dementia.
“UNIST aims to be among the top 10 science and technology universities by 2030 and attract international students and faculty to become a truly globalised learning centre. We also welcome partnerships with start-ups and other institutions that can help us achieve our goal,” Jung says.
