Vice President Yoo Bong-seon and Senior Researcher Na Young-sang of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS, President Choi Cheol-jin/hereafter referred to as KIMS) received the government award for their contribution to the advancement of science and technology at the ‘2025 Science and Information and Communication Day Commemoration Ceremony’ on the 21st. The ceremony was held at the international conference room of the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul.

Vice President Yoo Bong-seon received the Order of Science and Technology, Do-yak Medal. Vice President Yoo is a leading researcher in the field of magnesium materials, and has contributed to the national materials technology innovation by raising the international status of the domestic academia through the development of new materials and the establishment of the foundation for the materials parts industry for 30 years. In particular, he has developed a highly corrosion-resistant and flame-retardant magnesium alloy that completely solved the corrosion and ignition problems of magnesium materials, which were considered global challenges for over 80 years, and was selected as one of the 'Top 10 Outstanding Research Achievements of Research-Governed Research Institutes.'

Dr. Na Young-sang, a senior researcher at the Extreme Materials Research Institute, received the Prime Minister’s Award. Dr. Na was recognized for his significant contributions to the development of national materials technology by performing his duties as a leading researcher in the fields of new alloys and ultra-low temperature materials for 31 years. In particular, it has developed a high-strength new alloy material applicable to hydrogen electric vehicles, thereby advancing its commercialization, and has developed a technology capable of evaluating properties at extremely low temperatures below -253 degrees Celsius for the first time in Korea, thereby activating research on ultra-low temperature materials such as liquid hydrogen storage materials.

Regarding the government award for science and technology advancement, Director Choi Chul-jin of the Materials Research Institute said, “This is an honorable award that recognizes the efforts and achievements of the Materials Research Institute researchers,” and “This award has served as an opportunity for all members of the Materials Research Institute to further enhance their pride and sense of responsibility for the development of national materials technology.”

Meanwhile, the government award for meritorious service in the promotion of science and technology is given to those who have made significant contributions to the promotion and development of national science and technology. The award ceremony is held every April to commemorate Science Day.