Dr. Sang-cheol Kim (Principal Researcher) of the Power Semiconductor Research Group at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) will serve as a bridgehead for domestic system semiconductor companies to advance into Europe.

The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) announced on the 26th that Dr. Sang-cheol Kim was appointed as the director of the Korea-EU Semiconductor R&D Cooperation Center under the Korea Fabless Industry Association.

Dr. Kim will begin his official term in Brussels, Belgium, in March, for a one-year term. Depending on performance, an additional extension of up to two years is possible.

This appointment is expected to be a significant opportunity to expand global cooperation in the domestic system semiconductor industry and strengthen its entry into the European market.

The Korea-EU Semiconductor R&D Cooperation Center is an organization established in Brussels in July 2024 by the Korea Fabless Industry Association to strengthen international cooperation.

The center performs various roles, including discovering joint semiconductor research items with the EU, planning and managing international projects, gathering technical information, building local networks, and supporting semiconductor-related events. It is positioned as a key platform for domestic system semiconductor companies to advance into Europe.

The new center director, Dr. Sang-Cheol Kim, is an expert who has achieved significant research results in the field of semiconductor design technology since joining KERI in 1992.

He is recognized as a figure who has greatly contributed to domestic technological independence in the power semiconductor field, including the development of silicon-based large-capacity thyristor devices and silicon carbide (SiC)-based high-voltage diodes and MOSFET devices.

In particular, it has played a significant role in strengthening industrial competitiveness by establishing a foundation for domestic production in the power semiconductor sector, which was highly dependent on imports.

Director Kim stated, “We will create tangible results by linking with various international programs, including Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation program.”

He then expressed his ambition, saying, “We will strengthen the foundation for cooperation so that domestic system semiconductor companies can actively participate in international joint research and enhance their global competitiveness.”