With the growing importance of materials technology in advanced industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and aerospace, the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) organized a forum to discuss a national future materials strategy on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of materials research. Domestic and international experts from industry, academia, and research institutes gathered to review technological sovereignty and directions for global cooperation.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) announced on the 7th that it held a global commemorative forum at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul under the theme of "National Future Materials Innovation Strategy and Acquisition Plan" to mark the 50th anniversary of materials research. Following the commemorative ceremony held at the KIMS headquarters in Changwon last April, this forum was conducted to review the achievements of Korea's materials industry and explore future directions for development.

The forum was attended by officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Science and Technology Council, industry representatives, and heads of major overseas materials research institutions. Speakers from the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan, the Liaoning Institute of Materials Science (LAM) in China, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technology and Systems (Fraunhofer IKTS) in Germany introduced their respective countries' research strategies and technological trends.

In the first session, presentations were given on Japan's NIMS's strategic priority research areas, China's LAM's research trends in nanostructured metals, and Germany's Fraunhofer IKTS's advanced ceramic technology for energy transition. The presenters emphasized that materials technology is directly linked to industrial competitiveness and that investment and cooperation from a long-term perspective are necessary.

In the second session, the Korea Institute of Materials Science's mid-to-long-term research direction was shared. KIMS introduced strategies including: establishing an AI-based materials development platform; developing future materials for sustainable energy; researching bio-materials technology; and establishing a platform for the demonstration and industrialization of materials for extreme environments.

The participants agreed that the strategic importance of future materials technology is growing amidst global environmental changes, such as supply chain restructuring, the competition for technological supremacy, and the transition to carbon neutrality. In particular, it was pointed out that there is a need for proactive technology acquisition and expanded international cooperation.

Choi Chul-jin, President of KIMS, stated, “The 50th anniversary of materials science goes beyond summarizing past achievements; it serves as a starting point for preparing for the next 100 years of Korea’s materials industry.” He added, “Materials technology has established itself as a key factor determining national competitiveness and industrial leadership.” He further expressed his hope that “this will serve as an opportunity to strengthen global cooperation and concretize future materials innovation strategies.”