We stand at the threshold of a new era, marked by a profound transformation in the fabric of humanity.

The rapid pace of technological advancements, driven by breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, and other emerging fields, is revolutionizing the very essence of the way we live, work, and interact. In parallel with this, our domestic socio-economic landscape is coping with the so-called demographic cliff, declines in school-age population, and concentration in the capital region. The existing approaches fall short of addressing these pressing issues.

To excel in this era of rapid change, research-oriented universities must pivot towards a paradigm shift in education, fostering a culture of cutting-edge innovation that empowers future leaders to unlock groundbreaking technologies, which will fuel growth in emerging sectors.

As we navigate this transformative landscape, UNIST must transcend conventional norms to an education system that cultivates individual uniqueness, creativity, diversity, and innovative thinking. To further this vision, we must drive innovation in both education and research, fostering a culture of experimentation and discovery that yields groundbreaking findings and paradigm-shifting breakthroughs.

UNIST will establish the ‘Pioneer Platform,’ a pioneering catalyst for cutting-edge research and discovery, poised to shape a new era of transformative change. Building on this foundation, we will foster a distinctive talent pool unique to UNIST― A pioneer who embodies creativity and expertise in science, technology, and emerging sectors. Our endeavour will be anchored by three key initiatives.

First, we will establish an educational platform that fosters creativity and builds in-depth connections.
Second, we will develop a comprehensive research platform that supports the entire technology development lifecycle, from conception to commercialization.
Third, we will create a win-win outreach platform that connects regional, national, and international communities to drive collaborative partnerships and knowledge exchange.

In parallel, we will establish strong fiscal soundness, foster open and transparent communication, promote trust, and institute autonomous governance to drive our vision forward. We will also break down existing institutions and regulations that hinder our progress toward a great transformation and implement on-site administration.

UNIST has achieved remarkable success despite its brief history and challenging circumstances. This steady condensation of energy fuels our pursuit of groundbreaking innovation, driving us toward a future of unparalleled excellence.

Like Winston Churchill’s remark, “It is the courage to continue that counts.” I am confident that together, we can muster the courage to propel UNIST forward, building on its proud heritage and reaching new heights.

I invite your enthusiasm and support as we embark on this exciting chapter in our institution’s history.

Thank you.

President