The National Science and Technology Council (NST), the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KAST) discussed ways to enhance research and development (R&D) innovation and international cooperation using artificial intelligence (AI).
The three organizations jointly hosted the '2026 Seoul S&T Forum' on November 12 at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam, Seoul. The event, themed 'AI for Science, Science for All,' attracted over 300 participants from the science and technology sector. It marked the 60th anniversary of KAST and reflected on the achievements of domestic science and technology while exploring directions for research innovation in the AI era.
In the morning session, Yoon Kyung-sook, Director of Basic Research Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, introduced national-level AI-based R&D policy directions. KIST Vice President Jang Jun-yeon presented strategies for AI transformation in research institutions, while Professor Choi Jae-bung from Sungkyunkwan University discussed the impact of AI on research and society.
The afternoon session compared AI-based R&D strategies from the United States, Europe, and South Korea. Dr. Jeffrey Hittinger from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Professor Samuel Kaski from Aalto University in Finland, and Yoo Yong-kyun, head of the NST National Science AI Research Center, presented their countries' approaches.
The discussion also addressed changes in research methods in industry and academia. Shim Sang-woo, Chief Technology Officer of MakinaRocks, shared insights on industrial R&D strategies, while Professor Baek Min-kyung from Seoul National University, a key developer of the AI-based protein structure prediction technology 'RosettaFold,' highlighted changes in basic research. A panel discussion led by Professor Oh Hye-yeon from KAIST explored the potential for collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions in AI-based R&D policies.
NST Chairman Kim Young-sik stated, "The advancement of science and technology and research innovation cannot be achieved by the capabilities of a single institution or country. I hope this discussion leads to practical joint research and personnel exchanges."
KIST President Oh Sang-rok emphasized, "We will combine the research capabilities accumulated over the past 60 years with AI and expand global cooperation to open new horizons for scientific discovery."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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