"Research Equipment Experts Are the Future of Science"... UNIST Hosts 'Research Equipment Experts Day for Scientific and Technological Innovation'

Over 300 Experts from 79 Institutions Gather Nationwide
Sharing Operational Know-how and Seeking Mutual Growth
Nine Specialized Sessions on Semiconductor Fabs, Bio, AI, and More
In-depth Exchange on Cutting-edge Technology Trends

Cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation begins in the hands of experts operating high-value equipment.

Research equipment specialists, who underpin the nation’s scientific and technological competitiveness, gathered in one place.

UNIST (President Park Jongrae) hosted the "1st Research Equipment Experts Day for Scientific and Technological Innovation" over two days starting from November 13 at the university’s main building and research complex. The event aimed to strengthen the capabilities of research equipment professionals and to build a collaborative network among institutions.

At the "1st Research Equipment Experts Day" hosted by UNIST, over 300 attendees from across the country gathered in one place for a commemorative photo. Photo by UNIST

This event was organized to highlight the role of equipment experts, who are the unsung heroes at research sites. Over 300 participants from 79 universities, research institutes, public organizations, and industries across the country attended, making the event a great success.

On site, Dochang Kim, Deputy Director of the Research Evaluation Innovation Division at the Ministry of Science and ICT, and Sungnyeon Kim, Director of the National Research Facilities & Equipment Center (NFEC), were also present. They expressed their gratitude for the dedication of equipment experts and emphasized the pivotal role of on-site personnel as the foundation for the advancement of science and technology.

Dochang Kim of the Ministry of Science and ICT referred to the "National Report to the People: Dreaming Again of Becoming Scientists and Engineers," held in Daejeon on November 7 under the president’s leadership, and the "3rd On-site Meeting for R&D Innovation" held at UNIST in August. He reiterated the importance of "Staff Scientists," or research equipment experts. He stated, "We will strive to create an environment where research equipment specialists can work with stability."

Sungnyeon Kim, Director of the National Research Facilities & Equipment Center, mentioned the center’s core goals of "sharing and openness" and "systematic training of professionals," explaining that these align with the government’s policy for scientific and technological infrastructure innovation. He added, "We will work to systematically operate research equipment through close collaboration with UNIST and other regional research-focused universities."

President Park Jongrae said, "Scientific and technological competitiveness comes not from the performance of the equipment itself, but from the expertise of the professionals who operate and improve it." He continued, "Since its founding, UNIST has focused on expanding shared use of research equipment and training specialized personnel, centered on the Research Equipment Education and Support Center. I hope this event marks the starting point for the government’s innovation in research infrastructure centered on sharing and openness."

In the afternoon, nine specialized sessions were held, facilitating active technical exchanges. Topics included: Electron Microscope Symposium ("From the Nano World to Industry"); Structural Analysis of Energy Convergence Materials; Applications of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Bioindustry Support Based on Precision Mass Analysis; Open Semiconductor Fab and Convergence Technology; Smart Manufacturing Processing Technology; Bio-Convergence Technology in Laboratory Animal Research; Industry Support Based on Bioimaging; and GPU·CPU-Based AI·HPC Cluster Research Infrastructure Technology. The latest know-how in equipment operation and technology trends were shared.

On the second day, the Research Equipment Education and Support Center organized a tour of its facilities for participants. Attendees visited UNIST’s key research equipment and laboratory facilities, directly observing the actual operating systems and on-site management structures.

Participants unanimously commented that "UNIST’s equipment operation system is impressive." In particular, Jaeseon Shin, an NMR specialist from KAIST, remarked, "I hope there will be more opportunities for research institutions to continuously share and exchange know-how on research equipment."

Building on this event, UNIST plans to further strengthen the environment for research equipment personnel to develop as experts. Starting next year, the university will launch a training program and certification system for research equipment specialists in advanced equipment fields, aiming to enhance the practical capabilities of equipment operators.