The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) presented a vision titled “Making the World Better with Electricity” to mark its 49th anniversary.

The Korea Electric Research Institute held a ceremony commemorating its 49th anniversary on October 30 at the main auditorium of its headquarters in Changwon, Gyeongnam.

Director Kim Nam-kyun and other executives attended the event to reflect on past achievements and pledge a leap forward into the future.

In his commemorative speech, President Kim Nam-kyun likened KERI’s development to the growth of a tree that extends from seed to fruit, stating, “Since its establishment in 1976, KERI has grown into the nation’s only specialized electrical research institute and a world-class power equipment testing and certification institution amidst numerous changes and challenges.”

Key achievements of KERI this year include contributing to the launch of the first Jang Bogo-III Batch-II ship (Jang Yeong-sil) through the Land-Based Ship Test Station (LBTS), opening the world's first Global Interoperability Test Center for Electric Vehicles (GiOTEC), opening the AI CNC Demonstration Center for the localization and advancement of machine tools, producing a recipient of the 'Innovation Medal' of the Order of Merit for Science and Technology Promotion, and strengthening the global competitiveness of power equipment testing and certification through the expansion of STL member labs.

These achievements are due to KERI's power grid, smartIt demonstrates that it is leading domestic and international industrial development in various fields of electrical technology, such as grids, electric mobility, power semiconductors, and electrical medical devices.

Director Kim emphasized the sense of mission as an employee of a government-funded research institute, stating, “The technology we develop is the national technology of the Republic of Korea, and testing and certification services, technology commercialization, and research administration activities are key to contributing to the development of national science and technology and industry.”

He added, “I hope that each department will not stop imagining the future, but will take on challenges aiming for massive achievements to be recognized as the best in Korea and the best in the world.”

Furthermore, regarding an ideal organizational culture, he urged, “Leaders must encourage communication, and members must produce outstanding results based on creativity and research ethics,” adding, “Let’s create a workplace where people want to come to work through a culture where we think of each other as family and support one another.”

At the ceremony, awards were also presented for the National Science and Technology Council (NST) Chairman's Award, Model Employee Award, Integrity Award, Long Service Awards (30, 20, and 10 years), and Excellent Safety Management Laboratory. In addition, a ceremony celebrating the opening of the KERI library, 'Larchive,' which recently completed remodeling, was held and received a great response from employees.

KERI is a government-funded research institute specializing in electricity under the National Science and Technology Council (NST) of the Ministry of Science and ICT, established on December 29, 1976. Currently, it operates regional organizations in Ansan, Uiwang, and Gwangju, centered around its headquarters in Changwon, and employs approximately 880 personnel.

Major research areas include power grids and smart grids, electrical equipment, electric mobility, nanomaterials and batteries, power semiconductors, and internationally accredited testing and certification of power equipment. Under the vision of "making the world a better place with electricity," KERI plans to continue leading the future of Korea's electrical technology.