UNIST has announced plans to establish a pioneering joint research center focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) within the marine and fisheries sectors.
On September 15, the Research Planning Team at UNIST held a signing ceremony and plaque unveiling at the Yongdang Campus of Pukyong National University (PNU), where UNIST, PNU, Ulsan Techno Park, and Busan Techno Park formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the “Establishment and Operation of the Marine, Fisheries & AI Convergence Co-Research Center.”
This collaboration builds upon the bilateral partnership between UNIST and Pukyong National University signed last month, now expanding to include the two regional innovation agencies. The four institutions will work together to share research infrastructure and resources, accelerating the development of an innovative ecosystem across Southeast Korea.
According to the MOU, the participating organizations will collaborate on establishing the research center’s foundational infrastructure, developing operational frameworks, and securing budgets. They will also co-define research projects in marine, fisheries, and AI policy areas, facilitate the dissemination of research outcomes, promote technology commercialization, and operate graduate and professional training programs to cultivate specialized talent.
UNIST has positioned AI as a core driver of innovation, leading specialized research and development efforts in the marine and fisheries sectors. The university will leverage Yongdang Campus as a hub to expand its networks across Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do, aligning with the government’s “Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (BUG) Megacity Marine Capital Policy” to expedite the development of the Marine and Fisheries AI Megabelt in Southeastern region of Korea.
Chong Rae Park, President of UNIST, emphasized, “Marine and fisheries industries, alongside AI technology, are critical to national competitiveness. This partnership marks the beginning of UNIST’s efforts to integrate its AI expertise with regional industry strengths, transforming Southeast Korea into a global hub for Marine and Fisheries AI innovation.”
Building on this collaboration, UNIST aims to strengthen regional industrial competitiveness, particularly in the marine and fisheries sectors, while positioning itself as a national research hub and future growth engine for marine AI technologies.
