The Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have begun discussions on cooperation in the fields of advanced materials and future core technologies. Leveraging their respective capabilities in materials research and convergence research, the two institutions assessed the potential for joint research and explored directions for future exchanges.

On the 9th, KIMS held the 'KIST-KIMS Joint Workshop' with KIST at the KIMS headquarters in Changwon, Gyeongnam. Key officials from both organizations, including KIMS President Choi Chul-jin and KIST President Oh Sang-rok, attended the event.

During the workshop, the current status of research and major research fields by institution were shared. Attendees discussed potential for cooperation in areas linked to national strategic technologies, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, next-generation energy, biohealth, and data-based materials research.

In the field of materials technology, major agenda items included advanced materials for semiconductor packaging, next-generation battery materials and processes, materials for extreme environments, carbon-neutral manufacturing technologies, and AI-based material development platforms. A plan to connect KIMS’s materials research infrastructure, such as metals, ceramics, and composite materials, with KIST’s convergence research capabilities was also discussed.

Taking this workshop as an opportunity, both institutions plan to expand exchanges between researchers and continue follow-up consultations on identifying joint research topics and planning national R&D projects.

Choi Cheol-jin, President of KIMS, said, “The importance of materials in the competitiveness of the nation’s core industries is growing,” adding, “If KIST’s convergence research capabilities are combined with KIMS’s expertise in materials, we can expect cooperative effects in the field of national strategic technology.”