The Korean Chemical Research Institute (KRICT) has established a new artificial intelligence (AI) organization directly under its president and is embarking on an 'AI transition' (AX) across its research and administrative functions. Amid a decline in the influx of STEM talent and challenges faced by the domestic chemical industry due to supply chain competition, KRICT aims to enhance its research capabilities by leveraging accumulated experimental data and AI.
On November 3, KRICT held a press conference in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, where President Shin Seok-min outlined the institute's future operational direction. Since taking office in May, Shin has emphasized the importance of AX, which encompasses not only research but also administration and planning. He stated, "We are creating a foundation to efficiently utilize AI in all research fields as well as in administrative and planning tasks. We are currently forming a related task force to discuss participant involvement and specific operational plans."
The core of AX is the experimental data accumulated by KRICT. The goal is to digitize research notes and standardize experimental data from all research projects so that AI can learn from and utilize this information. Based on this, KRICT plans to develop specialized models in various fields, including materials science.
This year, KRICT is pursuing 17 projects related to AI and AX, with a budget of 36.9 billion won (approximately $31 million). The institute has developed a drug candidate prediction platform that has learned from about 440,000 data entries. In the field of perovskite solar cells, KRICT is also automating experiments using robotics. The institute plans to expand these initiatives to other research areas while providing training and resources for its members to directly utilize AI.
However, securing talent to lead AX remains a challenge. Shin noted, "It is difficult to hire new AI experts, and internal staff are moving to universities. Changes are needed to enhance the status and pride of researchers, along with salary increases."
KRICT also plans to restructure its research framework to focus on national missions. The aim is to build institutional capabilities through fundamental research and address national and industrial issues through large-scale strategic research projects across various fields. Shin remarked, "The core of the post-PBS (project-based system) is not just reducing commissioned projects but redesigning the research portfolio. We will solve problems that industries need based on KRICT's capabilities and ensure that results translate into benefits for companies."
Shin cited the declining influx of STEM talent and the challenges facing the chemical industry as key reasons for taking on the presidency. He stated, "There is a decrease in STEM talent, and outstanding individuals are not entering the field. The chemical industry, which has represented and led our economy and industry, is also facing significant difficulties due to supply chain issues." He added, "I see this as my last opportunity to serve as someone in the field of chemistry."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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