[UNIST 18th Anniversary Address] “Building a Future as a Nexus of Innovation and Excellence!”

President Chong Rae Park delivered an inspiring message during the 2025 UNIST 18th Anniversary Ceremony, held on September 25, 2025. In his speech, he congratulated the university’s community on its remarkable growth over the past eighteen years and emphasized the importance of continuing the pioneering spirit that has driven UNIST’s success.

“Our journey has been marked by innovation, collaboration, and resilience,” he stated. “As we look to the future, let us commit to becoming a global nexus of science and technology, where new ideas can thrive and make a meaningful impact on society.”

President Park is delivering a commemorative remark at the UNIST 18th Anniversary Ceremony, held on September 25, 2025.

President Park also shared valuable lessons about embracing challenges and fostering a mindset of continuous growth. He highlighted UNIST’s bold vision for 2050—’UNIque & beST Science and Technology Nexus‘—and urged everyone to contribute with curiosity and courage. “Together, we will forge a sustainable, innovative future,” he concluded, “building on our legacy and shaping a better world for generations to come.”

Below is the complete congratulatory address by President Chong Rae Park:

It is a profound privilege to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the eighteenth anniversary of UNIST’s founding. On this meaningful occasion, I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have joined us to honor our journey and envision our future together.

Today, we gather to commemorate the eighteenth birthday of UNIST. From the ancient petroglyphs carved along the Bangucheon Stream to the Ulsan of today—the industrial heart of our nation and a rising capital of AI—this city has long stood at the forefront of science, technology, and industry.

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.” This moment also marked a decisive step toward our nation’s broader aspiration to emerge as a global leader in science and technology. Nourished by the pioneering spirit of this city and the steadfast support of its people, that seed has taken root and grown into the flourishing institution we are proud to celebrate today.

Since our inception, we have advanced under the banner of “First in Change.” In 2011, just four years of our establishment, we proclaimed a bold vision, “[T]o be ranked among the world’s top 10 universities of science and technology by 2030.” Many dismissed this ambition as unrealistic—little more than rhetoric. Yet we dared to dream, and we chose to act. The journey was not easy, yet we persevered. With courage and conviction, we opened new frontiers. And today, I can proudly affirm that we have already attained what once appeared beyond our reach.

Our faculty’s pioneering research has illuminated new horizons of knowledge for scholars across the globe, a distinction demonstrated by UNIST’s No. 1 position in the Leiden Ranking for eight consecutive years. Yet our impact extends beyond academic excellence. Our community has transformed discoveries into innovations that create new value and advance the well-being of humanity. Through more than 180 startups—with a five-year survival rate of 70 percent and a combined valuation exceeding 1.3 trillion KRW—UNIST has shown how ideas born here can enrich society and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of humanity.

These accomplishments have been made possible only through the tireless scholarship of our students, the bold intellect of our faculty, and the unwavering dedication of our staff, whose quiet excellence has sustained every endeavor. You are both the history and the future of UNIST, and for that, I ask you to join me in offering one another a round of heartfelt applause.

We now stand at the threshold of a new era. Just as Ulsan has long pioneered Korea’s industrial growth and economic development, so too must UNIST pioneer a new future for humanity through science and technology.

We cannot rest upon the achievements of Vision 2030. Rather, we must aspire to even greater horizons—for our nation, for humanity, and for the generations yet to come. To this end, we now proclaim a new vision, “2050, UNIque & best Science and Technology Nexus.” This vision transcends the pursuit of rankings or external accolades. It is a bold pledge that UNIST will become an indispensable nexus of science and technology. By leveraging our unique strengths, we will secure irreplaceability in education and research, delivering the very best outcomes for the sustainability of our planet and all humankind.

The story of our growth over the past eighteen years is proof that this new vision lies within our reach. We will deepen our leadership in AI, semiconductors, and future energy, while advancing into the great frontiers of advanced biotechnology, medical sciences, quantum technologies, ocean science, and space science. Through these endeavors, we will co-evolve with our community, continuing to lead education arend research in ways uniquely our own—for the benefit of all people and for the planet we share.

Together, we shall continue to dream, and together, we shall meet the great challenges before us with unwavering resolve. Now is the moment to renew our determination and take the next great step forward. Let us carry forth the spirit of “First in Change” and the pride of proclaiming, “We Are Pioneers!” With courage and steadfast commitment, let us advance toward our vision, “2050, UNIque & beST Science and Technology Nexus.” I look forward with great confidence to the luminous future that your passion and dedication will surely create. Together, let us take this quantum leap forward for UNIST.

Once again, I warmly congratulate you on the eighteenth anniversary of our founding, and I wish health, happiness, and fulfilment to all who are here today.

Thank you.