`KIST serves as national think tank; focusing on future research’

`KIST serves as national think tank; focusing on future research’. January. 02, 2016 07:36. uneasy75@donga.com.

“Eighteen scientists who were living overseas returned to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in 1966 despite better research environment in foreign countries. Now, the institute currently has as many as 2,500 researchers.”

KIST was established as the nation’s first general science and technology research lab one year before the birth of the Ministry of Science and Science Technology of the Korean government. KIST is called ‘Elder Brother’ of research institutions, as 15 state-run research institutes have been spun off from the Institute. So much so, KIST has symbolic significance in the history of Korea’s science and technology.

KIST President Lee Byung-kwon said, “In early years, KIST served as the national think tank to create state infrastructure industries, tasked with planning for the construction of Pohang Iron & Steel Co (currently POSCO) and other activities,” adding, “Currently, the institute is focusing on research for the future that other research institutes and private companies cannot afford to by making most of its strength as a general research institute.”

KIST was the first in Korea to start research on brain science 15 years ago. The institute is also studying ‘post-silicon’ semiconductors that will overcome the limitations of silicon-based computer chips. It will also start research on quantum computer and nano-based artificial neural networks from this year. Lee said, “Since KIST has the symbolic meaning of ‘being the first,’ we will develop the institute as a hub that will spearhead research on future technology in Korea.”