UNIST marked its 18th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony held at the university’s main auditorium on September 25, 2025. The event celebrated the institution’s rapid rise as a hub of scientific and technological innovation, while reaffirming its commitment to realizing the long-held dream of the citizens of Ulsan and proclaiming a new vision, ‘2050, UNIque & beST Science and Technology Nexus.’
Hosted by Hye Jin Yeo of the General Affairs Team, the ceremony began with a commemorative video, highlighting UNIST’s achievements and milestones over the past eighteen years. This was followed by awards honoring outstanding faculty, staff, and students whose contributions have been instrumental to UNIST’s success.
President Chong Rae Park reflected on the university’s origins, emphasizing how Ulsan’s vibrant industrial and innovative spirit laid the groundwork for UNIST’s founding. “It was here in Gamakgol, eighteen years ago, that the seed of UNIST was planted, fulfilling the cherished dream of the citizens of Ulsan, who longed that “[O]ur city, too, should have a national university,” he said. “This city has long stood at the forefront of science, technology, and industry, and UNIST’s growth is a testament to the pioneering spirit of our community.”
Recognizing Excellence in Research, Education, and Academia-Industry Collaborations
Professors Sung-Yeon Jang, Seungjun Yang, and Soo-Hyun Kim are taking a commemorative photo with President Park.
During the ceremony, outstanding faculty, staff, and students were honored for their exceptional contributions. This year’s Distinguished Faculty Awards went to three faculty members who demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, and academia-industry collaborations. Professor Sung-Yeon Jang in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering was honored for his pioneering work on perovskite quantum dot solar cells, which was published in Nature Energy. His research has significantly advanced the field of next-generation solar energy.
Professor Seungjun Yang of the Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence was recognized for leading innovative efforts in education, including the development of project-based learning programs and customized AI platforms that effectively connect academic research with industry needs.
Professor Soo-Hyun Kim from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering was celebrated for his strong industry collaboration efforts, particularly with SK Hynix, contributing to the training of the next generation of semiconductor professionals.
Recognizing Excellence in Institutional Contribution, Innovation, and Communication & Collaboration
The recipients of the Grand and Excellence Awards for the ‘2025 Employee of the Year’ are posing for a commemorative photo.
The 2025 Employee of the Year Awards recognized recipients across multiple categories: the Grand, Excellence, and Outstanding, acknowledging their exceptional achievements and contributions. It was also conferred across categories of Institutional Contribution, Innovation, Communication & Collaboration, and Reform & Innovation recognizing their significant contributions.
The Grand Prize for the ‘2025 Employee of the Year‘ was presented to Jae Ki Kim from the Information Strategy Team for leading the development of next-generation server infrastructure utilizing open-source technology and for pioneering ESG-driven energy-saving initiatives.
In addition, awards for Institutional Contributions went to △ KwangHo Lee from the Research Planning Team, △ HwanWook Kim from the Leadership Center, △ Min Ji Kwon from the Administrative Office of the Department of Semiconductor Engineering (Samsung Electronics-Contractual Program), △ Hae Ra Kang and Jeonghwan Lim from the Office of Research Facilities and Training. Staffs recognized for excellence in Communication and Communication & Collaboration included △ Geun Young Kim from the Academic Affairs Team and △ Jinjoo Seo from the Purchasing Team.
The recipients of the ‘2025 Employee of the Year’ awards in the institutional contribution category are posing for a commemorative photo.
For the Institutional Contribution category, awards went to △ Jea Seong Kim from the Administrative Office of Nuclear Engineering Department, △ Hee Jin Yeo from the Student Team, △ A Hyeong Baek from the Administrative Office of the Graduate School of Technology Management, △ Doyeon Kim from the Business Strategy Team, △ Sang Uk Park from the Planning Team, △ Junho Lee from the Budget Team, △ Junyoung Jung from the Startup Support Team, △ Jun Yuib Choi from the Laboratory Safety Team, △ So Jung Park from the Supercomputing Center, △ Imgyung Jin from the Academic Affairs Team of the College of Information and Bio Convergence, △ Ji Hyun Park from the Library Team, △ Inho Kim from the Information Security Team, and △ You Jin Kim from the General Affairs Team.
The recipients of the ‘2025 Employee of the Year’ awards in the fields of ‘Reform & Innovation’ and ‘Communication & Collaboration’ are posing for a commemorative photo.
In the Reform & Innovation category, awards went to △ Yang Su Park from the Pioneers Education Innovation Team, △ Soo Min Park from the UNISTar Team, △ Young Kwang Kim from the International Affairs Team, △ Byeong Jun Choi from the Facilities Team, △ Su Jin Lee from the Safety Management Team, △ Purum Lee from the Natural Sciences College, △ Nahee Nam from the Finance Team, and △ Taekgi Lee from the College of Engineering. Additionally, △ Minji Lee from the Research Planning Team and △ Hyo Jin Kim from the Administration Office of the Department of Chemistry received the Excellence Award for their efforts in communication and collaboration.
In celebration of student contributions, fifteen students from various disciplines received recognition for their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to campus life. Among the honorees were students from the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Energy and Chemical Engineering, and Business Administration.
Team leaders from six department recognized for outstanding performance took commemorative photos.
Departments recognized for outstanding performance included the Academic Affairs Team, Admissions Team, Information Strategy Team, Budget Team, Research Management Team, and the Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering.
A Vision for 2050: UNIque & beST Science and Technology Nexus
President Park is delivering a commemorative remark.
President Park emphasized that the university’s journey is far from over. “We now stand at the threshold of a new era,” he said. “Building on our past successes, we now proclaim a new vision, 2050, UNIque & beST Science and Technology Nexus. This new vision, signifies UNIST’s commitment to becoming an indispensable center of innovation—an irreplaceable nexus connecting talent, technology, and industry.”
Looking ahead, UNIST aims to deepen its leadership in AI, semiconductors, energy, biotechnology, quantum science, oceanography, and space science. The university’s focus remains on creating unique solutions that benefit humanity and ensure sustainable development
Concluding his remarks, President Park called on the university community to maintain its pioneering spirit. “Together, we shall continue to dream, and together, we shall continue to challenge the impossible and forge new paths.” He added, “Let us carry forward the spirit of ‘First in Change‘ and proudly proclaim, ‘We Are Pioneers!‘ I am confident that your passion and dedication will shape a luminous future for UNIST.”
The ceremony ended with a lively performance by a brass band.
The ceremony ended with a lively performance by a brass band, symbolizing the vibrant and pioneering spirit of UNIST’s community as they celebrate their shared future.
