ETRI researchers have been recognized for their contributions to science, technology, and information and communications technology in Korea, with ETRI President Bang Seung-chan receiving the Order of Science and Technology Ungbi, the highest honor, for his pivotal contributions to the development of telecommunications in Korea.

ETRI announced on the 2nd that at the 2024 Science, Technology, Information and Communication Day ceremony held at the National Science Museum in Gwacheon on the 22nd, eight executives and employees received medals and presidential awards, greatly publicizing the excellence of ICT.

In particular, at the Science, Technology, and Information and Communication Day commemoration ceremony on this day, ETRI President Bang Seung-chan received the highest honor, the Order of Science and Technology, Woongbi Medal, for his pivotal contribution to the development of telecommunications in Korea by developing core source technologies and system technologies from the 2nd generation (CDMA) to the 5th generation of mobile communications.

Director Bang is Korea's top expert in mobile communications, having achieved achievements such as registering 721 domestic and international patents, and is considered a key expert who has helped Korea join the ranks of mobile communications powerhouses.

In addition, the Presidential Citation was awarded to Director of the Gyeonggi Research Center Byun Woo-jin and Senior Researcher Lee Yong-tae.

Chief Byun Woo-jin is in charge of discovering new technologies in the broadcasting satellite sector, planning projects, securing government budgets, and working on committees. He was highly recognized for his contribution to the development of the information and communication industry.

In addition, Senior Researcher Lee Yong-tae was awarded for his contribution to building a national security society based on information technology through his activities on the National Science and Technology Deliberation Committee and national R&D projects in the fields of national defense, disaster, and public safety based on ICT convergence technology.

In addition, the following were selected as Prime Minister's Award recipients: Director Kang Dong-ho (cybersecurity), Director Na Ji-hyeon (mobile communication technology development), Director Lee Jun-gi (optical communication source technology), Senior Researcher Lee Hyeong-jik (communication policy), and Cho Nam-seong (OLED display).

ETRI's Science, Technology, and Information and Communication Promotion Award has been continuously expanded over the past five years thanks to innovative R&D in the ICT field.

Following three people in 2020, three in 2021, four in 2022, and six in 2023, eight people who have contributed to the advancement of science, technology, and information and communication technology have enjoyed the joy of receiving awards in 2024.

Among the 157 recipients on this day, including those who have contributed to the promotion of science and technology, information and communication, and national research and development performance evaluation, ETRI researchers took 8, accounting for 5% of all recipients.

Meanwhile, this commemorative ceremony was held to commemorate the 57th Science Day (April 21) and the 69th Information and Communication Day (April 22), and to present a vision for the future of science, technology, and digital technology in the Republic of Korea by awarding government awards to those who have contributed to the promotion of science, technology, and communication and to the evaluation of national research and development performance.