Konkuk University Launches 70-Member Research Group for Advanced Materials Development

- Pursuing Technological Breakthroughs and Talent Development through Convergent Research between the College of Engineering and the College of Science

Konkuk University’s ‘Advanced Materials Talent Development Research Group for Breakthroughs through Basic-Applied Science Convergence’ (led by Professor Ko Jun-seok) has been reselected in the final evaluation of the BK21 FOUR (Brain Korea 21 Fostering Outstanding Universities for Research) Innovative Talent Development Project, overseen by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea.

This newly selected group will establish an interdisciplinary graduate program in Advanced Materials Convergence, jointly led by the College of Engineering (Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Biological Engineering) and the College of Science (Departments of Physics and Chemistry). The group aims to develop breakthrough advanced materials through convergence of basic and applied sciences, and to lead globally in next-generation core technologies. Building on this foundation, the group aspires to rank among Korea’s Top 5 the world’s Top 100 Institutions in the field of Advanced Materials Convergence Education and Research.

The group consists of a total of 21 faculty members (8 from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 5 from the Department of Biological Engineering, 6 from the Department of Physics, and 2 from the Department of Chemistry) along with 70 graduate students and early-career researchers. The group is led by Professor Ko Jun-seok from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The project will run from March 2025 to August 2027, with a total research budget of approximately 2 billion KRW (~$1.5M USD).

△ Participating Professors by Academic Field and Major Track in the BK21 Education and Research Group

The group will promote interdisciplinary collaboration between foundational sciences like physics and chemistry and applied fields such as biological and materials engineering. It aims to lead the development of innovative advanced materials and technological solutions across sectors including electronics, energy, environment, and biotechnology. In particular, the Advanced Materials Convergence major will offer three specialized tracks:

‧ the “Track for Surpassing Ultra-Performance Limits” (semiconductor and energy materials),

‧ the “Environmental and Resource Crisis Solutions Track” (eco-friendly and hybrid materials),

‧ and the “Super-Aging Society Solutions Track” (smart and medical materials).

Through these tracks, the program will systematically nurture convergent, highly skilled professionals equipped to tackle major societal challenges.

△ Vision, objectives, and strategic plan for BK21 Education Research Group

The BK21 FOUR project provides support for graduate students in the form of research scholarships (at least 1 million KRW per month for master’s students and at least 1.6 million KRW for doctoral students), as well as salaries for early-career researchers (over 3 million KRW per month). It also supports curriculum development, industry-academia collaborations, short- and long-term overseas study and training programs, and internationalization programs such as inviting overseas scholars.

Building on this foundation, the project is expected to provide a stable research environment for master’s and doctoral-level researchers, support the development of a research-centered graduate education system, strengthen international competitiveness, and promote industry-academia collaboration. Ultimately, the project is expected to enable and encourage future-oriented and challenging research initiatives.