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KAIST detects ‘hidden defects’ that degrade semiconductor performance with 1,000× higher sensitivity
<(From Left) Professor Byungha Shin, Ph.D candidate Chaeyoun Kim, Dr. Oki Gunawan>
Semiconductors are used in devices such as memory chips and solar cells, and within them may exist invisible defects that interfere with electrical flow. A joint research team has developed a new analysis method that can detect these “hidden defects” (electronic traps) with approximately 1,000 times higher sensitivity than existing techniques. The technology is expected to improve semiconductor performance and lifetime, while significantly reducing development time and costs by enabling precise identification of defect sources.
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on January 8th that a joint research team led by Professor Byungha Shin of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at KAIST and Dr. Oki Gunawan of the IBM T. J. Watson Research Center has developed a new measurement technique that can simultaneously analyze defects that hinder electrical transport (electronic traps) and charge carrier transport properties inside semiconductors.
Within semiconductors, electronic traps can exist that capture electrons and hinder their movement. When electrons are trapped, electrical current cannot flow smoothly, leading to leakage currents and degraded device performance. Therefore, accurately evaluating semiconductor performance requires determining how many electronic traps are present and how strongly they capture electrons.
The research team focused on Hall measurements, a technique that has long been used in semiconductor analysis. Hall measurements analyze electron motion using electric and magnetic fields. By adding controlled light illumination and temperature variation to this method, the team succeeded in extracting information that was difficult to obtain using conventional approaches.
Under weak illumination, newly generated electrons are first captured by electronic traps. As the light intensity is gradually increased, the traps become filled, and subsequently generated electrons begin to move freely. By analyzing this transition process, the researchers were able to precisely calculate the density and characteristics of electronic traps.
The greatest advantage of this method is that multiple types of information can be obtained simultaneously from a single measurement. It allows not only the evaluation of how fast electrons move, how long they survive, and how far they travel, but also the properties of traps that interfere with electron transport.
The team first validated the accuracy of the technique using silicon semiconductors and then applied it to perovskites, which are attracting attention as next-generation solar cell materials. As a result, they successfully detected extremely small quantities of electronic traps that were difficult to identify using existing methods—demonstrating a sensitivity approximately 1,000 times higher than that of conventional techniques.
< Conceptual Diagram of the Evolution of Hall Characterization (Analysis) Techniques >
Professor Byungha Shin stated, “This study presents a new method that enables simultaneous analysis of electrical transport and the factors that hinder it within semiconductors using a single measurement,” adding that “it will serve as an important tool for improving the performance and reliability of various semiconductor devices, including memory semiconductors and solar cells.”
The results of this research were published on January 1 in Science Advances, an international academic journal, with Chaeyoun Kim, a doctoral student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, as the first author.
※ Paper title: “Electronic trap detection with carrier-resolved photo-Hall effect,” DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adz0460
This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
< Conceptual Diagram of Charge Transport and Trap Characterization Using Photo-Hall Measurements (AI-generated image) >
2026.01.08 View 59 -
Breaking Performance Barriers of All Solid State Batteries
< (Bottom, from left) Professor Dong-Hwa Seo, Researcher Jae-Seung Kim, (Top, from left) Professor Kyung-Wan Nam, Professor Sung-Kyun Jung, Professor Youn-Seok Jung >
Batteries are an essential technology in modern society, powering smartphones and electric vehicles, yet they face limitations such as fire explosion risks and high costs. While all-solid-state batteries have garnered attention as a viable alternative, it has been difficult to simultaneously satisfy safety, performance, and cost. Recently, a Korean research team successfully improved the performance of all-solid-state batteries simply through structural design—without adding expensive metals.
KAIST announced on January 7th that a research team led by Professor Dong-Hwa Seo from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, in collaboration with teams led by Professor Sung-Kyun Jung (Seoul National University), Professor Youn-Suk Jung (Yonsei University), and Professor Kyung-Wan Nam (Dongguk University), has developed a design method for core materials for all-solid-state batteries that uses low-cost raw materials while ensuring high performance and low risk of fire or explosion.
Conventional batteries rely on lithium ions moving through a liquid electrolyte. In contrast, all-solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte. While this makes them safer, achieving rapid lithium-ion movement within a solid has typically required expensive metals or complex manufacturing processes.
To create efficient pathways for lithium-ion transport within the solid electrolyte, the research team focused on "divalent anions" such as oxygen and sulfur . Divalent anions play a crucial role in altering the crystal structure by integrating into the basic framework of the electrolyte.
The team developed a technology to precisely control the internal structure of low-cost zirconium (Zr)-based halide solid electrolytes by introducing these divalent anions. This design principle, termed the "Framework Regulation Mechanism," widens the pathways for lithium ions and lowers the energy barriers they encounter during transport. By adjusting the bonding environment and crystal structure around the lithium ions, the team enabled faster and easier movement.
To verify these structural changes, the researchers utilized various high-precision analysis techniques, including:
High-energy Synchrontron X-ray diffraction(Synchrotron XRD)
Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling for electronic structure and diffusion.
The results showed that electrolytes incorporating oxygen or sulfur improved lithium-ion mobility by 2 to 4 times compared to conventional zirconium-based electrolytes. This signifies that performance levels suitable for practical all-solid-state battery applications can be achieved using inexpensive materials.
Specifically, the ionic conductivity at room temperature was measured at approximately 1.78 mS/cm for the oxygen-doped electrolyte and 1.01 mS/cm for the sulfur-doped electrolyte. Ionic conductivity indicates how quickly and smoothly lithium ions move; a value above 1 mS/cm is generally considered sufficient for practical battery applications at room temperature.
< Structural Regulation Mechanism of Zr-based Halide Electrolytes via Divalent Anion Introduction >
< Atomic Rearrangement of Solid Electrolyte for All-Solid-State Batteries (AI-generated image) >
Professor Dong-Hwa Seo stated, "Through this research, we have presented a design principle that can simultaneously improve the cost and performance of all-solid-state batteries using cheap raw materials. Its potential for industrial application is very high." Lead author Jae-Seung Kim added that the study shifts the focus from "what materials to use" to "how to design them" in the development of battery materials.
This study, with Jae-Seung Kim (KAIST) and Da-Seul Han (Dongguk University) as co-first authors, was published in the international journal Nature Communications on November 27, 2025.
Paper Title: Divalent anion-driven framework regulation in Zr-based halide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries
DOI: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65702-2
This research was supported by the Samsung Electronics Future Technology Promotion Center, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and the National Supercomputing Center.
2026.01.07 View 137 -
Direct Printing of Nanolasers, the Key to Optical Computing and Quantum Security
< (From left) Professor Ji Tae Kim (KAIST), Dr. Shiqi Hu (First Author, AI-based Intelligent Design-Manufacturing Integrated Research Group, KAIST-POSTECH), and Professor Junsuk Rho (POSTECH) >
In future high-tech industries, such as high-speed optical computing for massive AI, quantum cryptographic communication, and ultra-high-resolution augmented reality (AR) displays, nanolasers—which process information using light—are gaining significant attention as core components for next-generation semiconductors. A research team at our university has proposed a new manufacturing technology capable of high-density placement of nanolasers on semiconductor chips, which process information in spaces thinner than a human hair.
KAIST announced on January 6th that a joint research team, led by Professor Ji Tae Kim from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Professor Junsuk Rho from POSTECH (President Seong-keun Kim), has developed an ultra-fine 3D printing technology capable of creating "vertical nanolasers," a key component for ultra-high-density optical integrated circuits.
Conventional semiconductor manufacturing methods, such as lithography, are effective for mass-producing identical structures but face limitations: the processes are complex and costly, making it difficult to freely change the shape or position of devices. Furthermore, most existing lasers are built as horizontal structures lying flat on a substrate, which consumes significant space and suffers from reduced efficiency due to light leakage into the substrate.
To solve these issues, the research team developed a new 3D printing method to vertically stack perovskite, a next-generation semiconductor material that generates light efficiently. This technology, known as "ultra-fine electrohydrodynamic 3D printing," uses electrical voltage to precisely control invisible ink droplets at the attoliter scale ($10^{-18}$ L).
Through this method, the team successfully printed pillar-shaped nanostructures—much thinner than a human hair—directly and vertically at desired locations without the need for complex subtractive processes (carving material away).
The core of this technology lies in significantly increasing laser efficiency by making the surface of the printed perovskite nanostructures extremely smooth. By combining the printing process with gas-phase crystallization control technology, the team achieved high-quality structures with nearly single-crystalline alignment. As a result, they were able to realize high-efficiency vertical nanolasers that operate stably with minimal light loss.
Additionally, the team demonstrated that the color of the emitted laser light could be precisely tuned by adjusting the height of the nanostructures. Utilizing this, they created laser security patterns invisible to the naked eye—identifiable only with specialized equipment—confirming the potential for commercialization in anti-counterfeiting technology.
< 3D Printing of Perovskite Nanolasers >
Professor Jitae Kim stated, "This technology allows for the direct, high-density implementation of optical computing semiconductors on a chip without complex processing. It will accelerate the commercialization of ultra-high-speed optical computing and next-generation security technologies."
The research results, with Dr. Shiqi Hu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering as the first author, were published online on December 6, 2025, in ACS Nano, an international prestigious journal in the field of nanoscience.
Paper Title: Nanoprinting with Crystal Engineering for Perovskite Lasers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c16906
This research was conducted with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Excellent Young Researcher Program (RS-2025-00556379), the Mid-career Researcher Support Program (RS-2024-00356928), and the InnoCORE AI-based Intelligent Design-Manufacturing Integrated Research Group (N10250154).
2026.01.06 View 213 -
KAIST Demonstrates Potential to Predict Drug Side Effects and Acute Kidney Injury Using a Small Chip
<(From Left) Dr.Jaesang Kim, Professor Seongyun Jeon>
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which muscle damage—often caused by drug intake—can lead to impaired kidney function and acute kidney failure. However, there have been limitations in directly observing how muscle and kidney damage influence each other simultaneously within the human body. KAIST researchers have developed a new device that can precisely reproduce such inter-organ interactions in a laboratory setting.
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 5th of January that a research team led by Professor Seongyun Jeon of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with Professor Gi-Dong Sim’s team from the same department and Professor Sejoong Kim of Seoul National University Hospital, has developed a biomicrofluidic system that can recreate, in the laboratory, the process by which drug-induced muscle damage leads to kidney injury.
*Microfluidic system: a device that reproduces human organ environments on a very small chip
This study is particularly significant in that it is the first to precisely reproduce, in a laboratory environment, the cascade of inter-organ reactions in which drug-induced muscle injury leads to kidney damage, using a modular (assembly-type) organ-on-a-chip platform that allows muscle and kidney tissues to be both connected and separated.
To recreate conditions similar to those in the human body, the research team developed a structure that connects three-dimensionally engineered muscle tissue with proximal tubule epithelial cells (cells that play a key role in kidney function) on a single small chip.
The system is a modular microfluidic chip that allows organ tissues to be connected or disconnected as needed. Cells and tissues are cultured on a small chip in a manner similar to real human organs and are designed to interact with one another.
In this device, muscle and kidney tissues can be cultured separately under their respective optimal conditions and connected only at the time of experimentation to induce inter-organ interactions. After the experiment, the two tissues can be separated again for independent analysis of changes in each organ. A key feature of the system is that it allows quantitative evaluation of the effects of toxic substances released from damaged muscle on kidney tissue.
<Figure 1. Conceptual Image of the Microfluidic System Experiment (Generated by AI)>
Using this platform, the researchers applied atorvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) and fenofibrate (a triglyceride-lowering drug), both of which are known clinically to induce muscle damage.
As a result, the muscle tissue on the chip showed reduced contractile force and structural disruption, along with increased levels of biomarkers indicative of muscle damage—such as myoglobin* and CK-MM**—which are characteristic changes seen in rhabdomyolysis.
*Myoglobin: a protein found in muscle cells that stores oxygen and is released into the blood or culture medium when muscle is damaged
*CK-MM (Creatine Kinase-MM): an enzyme abundant in muscle tissue, with higher levels detected as muscle cell destruction increases
At the same time, kidney tissue exhibited a decrease in viable cells and an increase in cell death, along with a significant rise in the expression of NGAL* and KIM-1**, biomarkers that increase during acute kidney injury. Notably, the researchers were able to observe the stepwise cascade in which toxic substances released from damaged muscle progressively exacerbated kidney injury.
*NGAL: a protein that rapidly increases when kidney cells are damaged
*KIM-1: a protein that becomes highly expressed as kidney cells—particularly proximal tubule cells—are increasingly damaged
<Figure 2. Configuration of the Muscle–Kidney-on-a-Chip (MKoaC) Platform and Analysis of Drug Responses>
Professor Seongyun Jeon stated, “This study establishes a foundation for analyzing the interactions and toxic responses occurring between muscle and kidney in a manner closely resembling the human body,” adding, “We expect this platform to enable the early prediction of drug side effects, identification of the causes of acute kidney injury*, and further expansion toward personalized drug safety assessment.”*Acute kidney injury: a condition in which the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to function properly over a short period of time
This research, with Jaesang Kim participating as the first author, was published on November 12, 2025, in the international journal Advanced Functional Materials.
※ Paper title: “Implementation of Drug-Induced Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury in Microphysiological System,” DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202513519
This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea, and more.
2026.01.06 View 96 -
KAIST Solves Key Commercialization Challenges of Next-Generation Anode-Free Lithium Batteries
<(From Left) Ph.D candidate Juhyun Lee, Postdoctoral Researcher Jinuk Kim, (Upper Right) Professor Jinwoo Lee>
Anode-free lithium metal batteries, which have attracted attention as candidates for electric vehicles, drones, and next-generation high-performance batteries, offer much higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, their short lifespan has made commercialization difficult. KAIST researchers have now moved beyond conventional approaches that required repeatedly changing electrolytes and have succeeded in dramatically extending battery life through electrode surface design alone.
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 4th of January that a research team led by Professors Jinwoo Lee and Sung Gap Im of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering fundamentally resolved the issue of interfacial instability—the greatest weakness of anode-free lithium metal batteries—by introducing an ultrathin artificial polymer layer with a thickness of 15 nanometers (nm) on the electrode surface.
Anode-free lithium metal batteries have a simple structure that uses only a copper current collector instead of graphite or lithium metal at the anode. This design offers advantages such as 30–50% higher energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, lower manufacturing costs, and simplified processes. However, during the initial charging process, lithium deposits directly onto the copper surface, rapidly consuming the electrolyte and forming an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which leads to a sharp reduction in battery lifespan.
Rather than changing the electrolyte composition, the research team chose a strategy of redesigning the electrode surface where the problem originates. By forming a uniform ultrathin polymer layer on the copper current collector using an iCVD (initiated chemical vapor deposition) process, they found that this layer regulates interactions with the electrolyte, precisely controlling lithium-ion transport and electrolyte decomposition pathways.
<Figure 1. Schematic of an ultrathin artificial polymer layer (15 nm thick) introduced onto the electrode surface>
In conventional batteries, electrolyte solvents decompose to form soft and unstable organic SEI layers, causing non-uniform lithium deposition and promoting the growth of sharp, needle-like dendrites. In contrast, the polymer layer developed in this study does not readily mix with the electrolyte solvent, inducing the decomposition of salt components rather than solvents. As a result, a rigid and stable inorganic SEI is formed, simultaneously suppressing electrolyte consumption and excessive SEI growth.
Using operando Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the researchers identified the mechanism by which an anion-rich environment forms at the electrode surface during battery operation, leading to the formation of a stable inorganic SEI.
This technology requires only the addition of a thin surface layer without altering electrolyte composition, offering high compatibility with existing manufacturing processes and minimal cost burden. In particular, the iCVD process enables large-area, continuous roll-to-roll production, making it suitable for industrial-scale mass production beyond the laboratory.
<Figure 2. Design rationale of the current collector-modifying artificial polymer layer and the SEI formation mechanism>
Professor Jinwoo Lee stated, “Beyond developing new materials, this study is significant in that it presents a design principle showing how electrolyte reactions and interfacial stability can be controlled through electrode surface engineering,” adding, “This technology can accelerate the commercialization of anode-free lithium metal batteries in next-generation high-energy battery markets such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS).”
This research was conducted with Ph.D candidate Juhyun Lee, and postdoctoral Jinuk Kim, a postdoctoral researcher from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at KAIST, serving as co–first authors. The results were published on December 10, 2025, in Joule, one of the most prestigious journals in the field of energy.
※ Paper title: “A Strategic Tuning of Interfacial Li⁺ Solvation with Ultrathin Polymer Layers for Anode-Free Lithium Metal Batteries,” Authors: Juhyun Lee (KAIST, co–first author), Jinuk Kim (KAIST, co–first author), Jinwoo Lee (KAIST, corresponding author), Sung Gap Im (KAIST, corresponding author), among a total of 18 authors, DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.102226
This research was conducted at the Frontier Research Laboratory, jointly established by KAIST and LG Energy Solution, and was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Mid-Career Research Program, the Korea Forest Service (Korea Forestry Promotion Institute) Advanced Technology Development Program for High Value-Added Wood Resources, and the KAIST Jang Young Sil Fellowship Program.
2026.01.05 View 184 -
KAIST to Showcase K-Tech Competitiveness at KAIST Pavilion during CES 2026
< Figure 1. Bird's-eye view of the KAIST Pavilion at CES 2026 >
KAIST announced on January 2nd that it will participate in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2026), held from January 6 to 9, 2026, at Eureka Park in the Venetian Expo, Las Vegas. KAIST will operate a dedicated 111㎡ "KAIST Pavilion" to showcase its innovative technologies to global corporations and investors.
A total of 12 startups will participate in the KAIST Pavilion at CES 2026. Notably, eight of these companies are built on core AI technologies, highlighting KAIST's artificial intelligence research capabilities and its achievements in technology commercialization.
The participating companies will unveil solutions targeting the global market across various high-tech sectors centered on AI, including robotics, bio-health, hardware devices, and content technology.
One of the standout participants is Hypergram, a faculty-led startup. Hypergram will introduce 'HG VNIR Pro,' the world’s first commercialized compressive hyperspectral imaging technology. This product is an end-to-end solution that integrates industrial-grade precision hardware with AI analysis software, capable of detecting minute chemical properties invisible to the human eye in real-time. During the exhibition, the company plans to demonstrate high-precision AI image analysis using its high-speed hyperspectral machine vision camera.
< Figure 2. Hypergram >
MOSS, a winner of the CES 2026 Innovation Award, will exhibit an AI-based, all-in-one mobile music production platform. This platform allows the general public and indie musicians to create high-quality music without a heavy financial burden. Visitors can experience the intuitiveness and innovation of the technology at an AI experience zone, where they can create music by linking the MOSS app with the dedicated hardware, 'MOSS Pocket Studio.'
< Figure 3. MOSS (Innovation Award Winning Product) >
BareulEye is developing a medical AI diagnostic solution that detects high-resolution changes in internal organ microstructures based on AI-powered quantitative ultrasound analysis technology. At CES 2026, they will unveil a 3D volume reconstruction technology that utilizes smart mirror-based self-ultrasound imaging.
Leveraging this technological prowess, BareulEye recently secured approximately $10 million (14 billion KRW) in a strategic Series A investment from a leading global healthcare company. Led by Professor Hyeon-min Bae, the Director of the KAIST Institute for Startup & Entrepreneurship and CEO of BareulEye, the company plans to accelerate joint technology development and overseas market expansion.
< Figure 4. BareulEye >
In addition to these, various KAIST startups leading innovation in AI, bio, and hardware devices will participate to solidify their foundations for entering the global market.
The KAIST Pavilion is designed with an open layout and large-scale LED displays to attract attention, featuring independent spaces for each company to facilitate in-depth technical presentations and investment consultations.
"Through CES 2026, we aim to imprint the AI-driven innovative technologies of KAIST startups on the global stage and establish a practical bridgehead for their international expansion," said Keon Jae Lee, Vice President of the KAIST Institute for Technology Value Creation.
2026.01.02 View 787 -
Opening the Door to B Cell-Based Cancer-Remembering Personalized Cancer Vaccines
< (From left) KAIST Professor Jung Kyoon Choi, Dr. Jeong Yeon Kim, and Dr. Jin Hyeon An >
Neoantigens are unique markers that distinguish only cancer cells. By adding B cell reactivity, cancer vaccines can move beyond one-time attacks and short-term memory to become a long-term immunity that "remembers" cancer, effectively preventing recurrence. KAIST’s research team has developed an AI-based personalized cancer vaccine design technology that makes this possible and optimizes anticancer effects for each individual.
KAIST announced on January 2nd that Professor Jung Kyoon Choi’s research team from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, in collaboration with Neogen Logic Co., Ltd., has developed a new AI model to predict neoantigens—a core element of personalized cancer vaccine development—and clarified the importance of B cells in cancer immunotherapy.
The research team overcame the limitations of existing neoantigen discovery, which relied primarily on predicting T cell reactivity, and developed an AI-based neoantigen prediction technology that integrally considers both T cell and B cell reactivity.
This technology has been validated through large-scale cancer genome data, animal experiments, and clinical trial data for cancer vaccines. It is evaluated as the first AI technology capable of quantitatively predicting B cell reactivity to neoantigens.
Neoantigens are antigens composed of protein fragments derived from cancer cell mutations. Because they possess cancer-cell specificity, they have gained attention as a core target for next-generation cancer vaccines. Companies like Moderna and BioNTech developed COVID-19 vaccines using the mRNA platforms they secured while advancing neoantigen-based cancer vaccine technology, and they are currently actively conducting clinical trials for cancer vaccines alongside global pharmaceutical companies.
However, current cancer vaccine technology is mostly focused on T cell-centered immune responses, presenting a limitation in that it does not sufficiently reflect the immune responses mediated by B cells.
In fact, the research team of Professors Mark Yarchoan and Elizabeth Jaffee at Johns Hopkins University pointed out in Nature Reviews Cancer in May 2025 that “despite accumulating evidence regarding the role of B cells in tumor immunity, most cancer vaccine clinical trials still focus only on T cell responses.”
The research team’s new AI model overcomes existing limitations by learning the structural binding characteristics between mutant proteins and B cell receptors (BCR) to predict B cell reactivity. In particular, an analysis of cancer vaccine clinical trial data confirmed that integrating B cell responses can significantly enhance anti-tumor immune effects in actual clinical settings.
< Schematic Background of the Technology >
Professor Jung Kyoon Choi stated, “Together with Neogen Logic Co., Ltd., which is currently commercializing neoantigen AI technology, we are conducting pre-clinical development of a personalized cancer vaccine platform and are preparing to submit an FDA IND* with the goal of entering clinical trials in 2027.” He added, “We will enhance the scientific completeness of cancer vaccine development based on our proprietary AI technology and push forward the transition to the clinical stage step-by-step.”
*FDA IND: The procedure for obtaining permission from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct clinical trials before administering a new drug to humans for the first time.
Dr. Jeong Yeon Kim and Dr. Jin Hyeon An participated as co-first authors in this study. The research results were published in the international scientific journal Science Advances on December 3rd.
※ Paper Title: B cell–reactive neoantigens boost antitumor immunity, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx8303
2026.01.02 View 613 -
President Kwang Hyung Lee, 2026 New Year Message
In his 2026 New Year’s Address, KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee stated, “Based on the ‘QAIST-New Culture Strategy’ that encourages asking questions and taking on challenges, KAIST will accelerate AI-centered innovation in education and research to leap forward as a world-class university.”
President Lee highlighted the major achievements of the past year, including:
▲Educational innovation to nurture inquisitive minds ▲Advancement of education and research systems through the establishment of the College of AI ▲Establishment of a postdoc-centered research ecosystem through the InnoCORE Program, a national initiative to cultivate world-class AI talent ▲An approximately 20 percent increase in research funding ▲Expansion of research collaboration with global companies and universities
Particularly in the education sector, he explained that KAIST has fostered a culture where failure is viewed as a starting point for new challenges. This has been achieved through initiatives such as student-generated exam questions, the ‘Problem Definition to Solution Program (PDSP)’—where students define and solve problems on their own—and the operation of ‘KAIST Failure Week.’
He emphasized that these changes led to tangible results, with undergraduate early-admission applicants increasing by 1.9 times and graduate school applicants by 1.3 times over the past three years.
At the same time, efforts have been made to improve students' learning and living environments. KAIST has pursued the renovation and remodeling of all dormitories and enhanced student dining facilities and menu options to ensure students enjoy a more comfortable campus life. President Lee stressed, “The most precious members of KAIST are our students, and the university's role is to create an environment where they can freely ask questions and take on challenges.”
In the research field, KAIST secured billions of Korean won in annual research funding through joint initiatives with Germany’s Merck and Taiwan’s Formosa Group. It also established a strategic hub connecting to the global startup ecosystem through the KAIST–IDIS Silicon Valley Campus. Furthermore, 26 buildings have been newly constructed or expanded over the past five years, and 24 buildings are currently under construction or scheduled to break ground, ensuring the continuous expansion of education and research infrastructure.
In terms of technology commercialization, as of 2025, KAIST launched 59 deep-tech startups and completed technology transfers totaling KRW 8.2 billion. Notably, Sovargen, a faculty startup, successfully concluded a KRW 750 billion technology export deal.
President Lee presented the following key priorities for 2026: ▲Elevating the College of AI to a world-leading level ▲Advancing the Pyeongtaek, Osong, and Sejong campus projects ▲Expanding global partnerships ▲Ensuring the safe execution of 24 major construction projects
President Lee concluded by saying, “KAIST has now firmly established itself as a leading university representing the Republic of Korea, and its global recognition is rising rapidly through internationalization efforts. If we continue to work together in 2026, KAIST will stand proudly as a truly world-class university.”
2025.12.31 View 597 -
KAIST Awakens dormant immune cells inside tumors to attack cancer
<(From Left) Professor Ji-Ho Park, Dr. Jun-Hee Han from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering>
Within tumors in the human body, there are immune cells (macrophages) capable of fighting cancer, but they have been unable to perform their roles properly due to suppression by the tumor. KAIST researchers have overcome this limitation by developing a new therapeutic approach that directly converts immune cells inside tumors into anticancer cell therapies.
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 30th that a research team led by Professor Ji-Ho Park of the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering has developed a therapy in which, when a drug is injected directly into a tumor, macrophages already present in the body absorb it, produce CAR (a cancer-recognizing device) proteins on their own, and are converted into anticancer immune cells known as “CAR-macrophages.”
Solid tumors—such as gastric, lung, and liver cancers—grow as dense masses, making it difficult for immune cells to infiltrate tumors or maintain their function. As a result, the effectiveness of existing immune cell therapies has been limited.
CAR-macrophages, which have recently attracted attention as a next-generation immunotherapy, have the advantage of directly engulfing cancer cells while simultaneously activating surrounding immune cells to amplify anticancer responses.
However, conventional CAR-macrophage therapies require immune cells to be extracted from a patient’s blood, followed by cell culture and genetic modification. This process is time-consuming, costly, and has limited feasibility for real-world patient applications.
To address this challenge, the research team focused on “tumor-associated macrophages” that are already accumulated around tumors.
They developed a strategy to directly reprogram immune cells in the body by loading lipid nanoparticles—designed to be readily absorbed by macrophages—with both mRNA encoding cancer-recognition information and an immunostimulant that activates immune responses.
In other words, in this study, CAR-macrophages were created by “directly converting the body’s own macrophages into anticancer cell therapies inside the body.”
<Figure . Schematic illustration of the strategy for in vivo CAR-macrophage generation and cancer cell eradication via co-delivery of CAR mRNA and immunostimulants using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)>
When this therapeutic agent was injected into tumors, macrophages rapidly absorbed it and began producing proteins that recognize cancer cells, while immune signaling was simultaneously activated. As a result, the generated “enhanced CAR-macrophages” showed markedly improved cancer cell–killing ability and activated surrounding immune cells, producing a powerful anticancer effect.
In animal models of melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer), tumor growth was significantly suppressed, and the therapeutic effect was shown to have the potential to extend beyond the local tumor site to induce systemic immune responses.
Professor Ji-Ho Park stated, “This study presents a new concept of immune cell therapy that generates anticancer immune cells directly inside the patient’s body,” adding that “it is particularly meaningful in that it simultaneously overcomes the key limitations of existing CAR-macrophage therapies—delivery efficiency and the immunosuppressive tumor environment.”
This research was led by Jun-Hee Han, Ph.D., of the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering at KAIST as the first author, and the results were published on November 18 in ACS Nano, an international journal in the field of nanotechnology.
※ Paper title: “In Situ Chimeric Antigen Receptor Macrophage Therapy via Co-Delivery of mRNA and Immunostimulant,” Authors: Jun-Hee Han (first author), Erinn Fagan, Kyunghwan Yeom, Ji-Ho Park (corresponding author), DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c09138
This research was supported by the Mid-Career Researcher Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea.
2025.12.31 View 481 -
Presenting a Brain-Like Next-Generation AI Semiconductor that Sees and Judges Instantly
< (From left) Professor Sanghun Jeon, Ph.D candidate Seungyeob Kim, Postdoctoral researcher Hongrae Cho, Ph.D candidates Sang-ho Lee and Taeseung Jung, and M.S candidate Seonjae Park >
With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the importance of ultra-low-power semiconductor technology that integrates sensing, computation, and memory into a single unit is growing. However, conventional structures face challenges such as power loss due to data movement, latency, and limitations in memory reliability. A Korean research team has drawn international academic attention by presenting core technologies for an integrated ‘Sensor–Compute–Store’ AI semiconductor to solve these issues.
KAIST announced on December 31st that Professor Sanghun Jeon’s research team from the School of Electrical Engineering presented a total of six papers at the ‘International Electron Devices Meeting (IEEE IEDM 2025)’—the world’s most prestigious semiconductor conference—held in San Francisco from December 8 to 10. Among these, the papers were simultaneously selected as a Highlight Paper and a Top Ranked Student Paper.
Highlight Paper: Monolithically Integrated Photodiode–Spiking Circuit for Neuromorphic Vision with In-Sensor Feature Extraction [Link: https://iedm25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=255]
Top Ranked Student Paper: A Highly Reliable Ferroelectric NAND Cell with Ultra-thin IGZO Charge Trap Layer; Trap Profile Engineering for Endurance and Retention Improvement [Link: https://iedm25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=124]
The research on the M3D integrated neuromorphic vision sensor, selected as a highlight paper, is a semiconductor that stacks the human eye and brain within a single chip. Simply put, the sensors that detect light and the circuits that process signals like a brain are made into very thin layers and stacked vertically in one chip, implementing a structure where the process of 'seeing' and 'judging' occurs simultaneously.
Through this, the research team completed the world's first "In-Sensor Spiking Convolution" platform, where AI computation technology that "sees and judges at the same time" takes place directly within the camera sensor.
< Figure 1. Summary of research on vertically stacked optical signal-to-spike frequency converter for AI >
< Figure 2. Representative diagram of the development of a 2T-2C near-pixel analog computing cell based on oxide thin-film transistors >
Previously, this technology required several stages: capturing an image (sensor), converting it to digital (ADC), storing it in memory (DRAM), and then calculating (CNN). However, this new technology eliminates unnecessary data movement as the calculation happens immediately within the sensor. As a result, it has become possible to implement real-time, ultra-low-power Edge AI with significantly reduced power consumption and dramatically improved response speeds.
Based on this approach, the research team presented six core technologies at the conference covering all layers of AI semiconductors, from input to storage. They simultaneously created neuromorphic semiconductors that operate like the brain using much less electricity while utilizing existing semiconductor processes, along with next-generation memory optimized for AI.
First, on the sensor side, they designed the system so that judgment occurs at the sensor stage rather than having separate components for capturing images and calculating. Consequently, power consumption decreased and response speeds increased compared to the conventional method of taking a photo and sending it to another chip for calculation.
< Figure 3. Schematic diagram of a next-generation biomimetic tactile system using neuromorphic devices >
< Figure 4. Representative diagram of NC-NAND development research based on Ultra-thin-Mo and Sub-3.5 nm HZO >
Furthermore, in the field of memory, they implemented a next-generation NAND flash that uses the same materials but operates at lower voltages, lasts longer, and can store data stably even when the power is turned off. Through this, they presented a foundational technology that satisfies the requirements for high-capacity, high-reliability, and low-power memory necessary for AI.
< Figure 5. Representative diagram of next-generation 3D FeNAND memory development research >
< Figure 6. Representative diagram of research on charge behavior characterization and quantitative analysis methodology for next-generation FeNAND memory >
Professor Sanghun Jeon, who led the research, stated, "This research is significant in that it demonstrates that the entire hierarchy can be integrated into a single material and process system, moving away from the existing AI semiconductor structure where sensing, computation, and storage were designed separately." He added, "Moving forward, we plan to expand this into a next-generation AI semiconductor platform that encompasses everything from ultra-low-power Edge AI to large-scale AI memory."
Meanwhile, this research was conducted with support from basic research projects of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea, as well as the Center for Heterogeneous Integration of Extreme-scale & Property Semiconductors (CH³IPS). It was carried out in collaboration with Samsung Electronics, Kyungpook National University, and Hanyang University.
2025.12.31 View 178 -
Hemostasis in 1 Second... Boosting Survival Rates for Soldiers
< (From top left) Professor Steve Park, Professor Sangyong Jon, (From bottom left) President Kwang-Hyung Lee, Ph.D canddiate Youngju Son, Ph.D candidate Kyusoon Park >
The leading cause of death due to injuries in war is excessive bleeding. A KAIST research team, in which an Army Major participated, has tackled this issue head-on. By developing a next-generation powder-type hemostatic agent that stops bleeding in one second just by spraying it, they have presented an innovative technology that will change the paradigm of combatant survivability.
KAIST announced on December 29th that a joint research team led by Professor Steve Park from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor Sangyong Jon from the Department of Biological Sciences has developed a powder-type hemostatic agent that forms a powerful hydrogel barrier within approximately one second when sprayed on a wound.
This technology reached a high level of perfection as a practical technology considering real combat environments, with an Army Major researcher directly participating in the study. By implementing characteristics that allow instant hardening even under extreme conditions such as combat and disaster sites due to high usability and storage stability, immediate emergency treatment is possible.
Until now, patch-type hemostatic agents widely used in medical fields have had limitations in application to deep and complex wounds due to their flat structure, and were sensitive to temperature and humidity, posing limits on storage and operation.
Accordingly, the research team developed a next-generation hemostatic agent in powder form that can be freely applied even to deep, large, and irregular wounds. They have secured versatility to respond to various types of wounds with a single powder.
< AGCL powder development strategy and fabrication schematin/ Gelation speed and blood absorption capacity of AGCL powder >
Existing powder hemostatic agents had limits in hemostatic capability as they functioned by physically absorbing blood to form a barrier. To solve this problem, the research team focused on the ionic reactions within the blood.
The ‘AGCL powder’ developed this time has a structure that combines biocompatible natural materials such as Alginate and Gellan Gum (which react with calcium for ultra-fast gelation and physical sealing) and Chitosan (which bonds with blood components to enhance chemical and biological hemostasis). It reacts with cations such as calcium in the blood to turn into a gel state in one second, instantly sealing the wound.
Furthermore, by forming a three-dimensional structure inside the powder, it can absorb blood amounting to more than 7 times its own weight (725%). Due to this, it quickly blocks blood flow even in high-pressure and excessive bleeding situations, and showed superior sealing performance compared to commercial hemostatic agents with a high adhesive strength of over '40kPa', a level of pressure that can withstand being pressed strongly by hand.
AGCL powder is composed entirely of naturally derived materials, showing a hemolysis rate of less than 3%, a cell viability rate of over 99%, and an antibacterial effect of 99.9%, making it safe even when in contact with blood. In animal experiments, excellent tissue regeneration effects such as rapid wound recovery and promotion of blood vessel and collagen regeneration were confirmed.
In surgical liver injury experiments, the amount of bleeding and hemostasis time were significantly reduced compared to commercial hemostatic agents, and liver function recovered to normal levels two weeks after surgery. No abnormal findings were observed in systemic toxicity evaluations.
In particular, this hemostatic agent maintains its performance for two years even in room temperature and high humidity environments, possessing the advantage of being ready for immediate use in harsh environments such as military operation sites or disaster areas.
Although this research is an advanced new material technology developed with national defense purposes in mind, it has great potential for application throughout emergency medicine, including disaster sites, developing countries, and medically underserved areas.
It is evaluated as a representative spin-off case* where national defense science and technology expanded to the private sector, as it is capable of everything from emergency treatment on the battlefield to internal surgical hemostasis.
*Spin-off case: Expanding or transferring national defense science and technology for use in the private sector. Examples include computers, GPS, microwave ovens, etc.
< Validation of efficacy in wounds through animal experiments / Validation of efficacy in a liver surgery model >
This study was recognized for its scientific innovation and national defense utility simultaneously, winning the 2025 KAIST Q-Day President's Award and the Minister of National Defense Award at the 2024 KAIST-KNDU National Defense Academic Conference.
Ph.D candidate Kyusoon Park (Army Major), who participated in the research, stated, “The core of modern warfare is minimizing the loss of human life,” and added, “I started the research with a sense of mission to save even one more soldier.” He continued, “I hope this technology will be used as a life-saving technology in both national defense and private medical fields.”
This research, in which KAIST PhD student Kyusoon Park and Ph.D candidate Youngju Son participated as lead authors and was guided by Professor Steve Park and Professor Sangyong Jon, was published online on October 28, 2025, in the international academic journal in the field of chemistry/materials engineering, Advanced Functional Materials (IF 19.0).
※ Paper Title: An Ionic Gelation Powder for Ultrafast Hemostasis and Accelerated Wound Healing, DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202523910
Meanwhile, this research was conducted with the support of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)."
2025.12.29 View 1331 -
Mathematicians Solve Cellular Noise, a Long-standing Challenge in Biology
< (From left) Researcher Dongju Lim, Researcher Seokhwan Moon, Professor Jae Kyoung Kim (KAIST), Professor Jinsu Kim (POSTECH), Professor Byung-Kwan Cho (KAIST) >
Why does cancer sometimes recur even after successful treatment, or why do some bacteria survive despite the use of powerful antibiotics? One of the key culprits identified is "Biological Noise"—random fluctuations occurring inside cells. Even when cells share the same genes, the amount of protein varies in each, creating "outliers" that evade drug treatments and survive. Until now, scientists could only control the average values of cell populations; controlling the irregular variability of individual cells remained a long-standing challenge.
A joint research team—led by Professor Jae Kyoung Kim (Department of Mathematical Sciences, KAIST), Professor Jinsu Kim (Department of Mathematics, POSTECH), and Professor Byung-Kwan Cho (Graduate School of Engineering Biology, KAIST)—has theoretically established a "Noise Control Principle." Through mathematical modeling, they have found a way to eliminate biological noise and precisely govern cellular destiny. This achievement in securing precision control technology at the single-cell level is expected to be a new milestone in solving challenges in cancer treatment and synthetic biology.
While cells in our bodies strive to maintain homeostasis for survival, their internal environments are constantly changing. Existing genetic circuit technologies could regulate the average protein levels of a cell population but often ended up amplifying the "noise"—the variance between individual cells. The research team compared this to a "shower that fluctuates between boiling and freezing." Even if the average water temperature is set to 40°C, a normal shower is impossible if the water alternates between scalding and icy. Similarly, a small number of cells that escape control due to this "trap of the average" become the primary cause of cancer recurrence or antibiotic resistance. To solve this, the team devised a new mathematical model called the "Noise Controller (NC)."
The researchers first investigated whether they could control the variance of outputs—which differs from cell to cell—using a "dimerization reaction," where the final products of a system bind together to form pairs. In the process, they confirmed that the dimerization reaction could act as a sensor to detect fluctuations (noise) in the cellular state. However, initial attempts showed that this method alone had limits in reducing differences between cells. Consequently, they determined that a device was needed to immediately reduce substances if they were overproduced. They combined this with a "degradation-based actuation" principle, which promptly breaks down proteins when they become excessive. As a result, they theoretically implemented "Noise Robust Perfect Adaptation (Noise RPA)," which maintains a constant noise level despite external environmental changes. Through this, they succeeded in suppressing cell-to-cell deviation to a Fano factor of 1—the minimum level achievable by universal biological systems.
< Figure 1. Conceptual Diagram of Noise Controller (NC) Effects: When no control technology is used (top, gray), the average value of the cell population changes due to external stimuli. With existing control technology (middle, blue), the average value is maintained, but the deviation between individual cells (noise) remains large. In contrast, using the Noise Controller (bottom, green) maintains the average while also reducing the noise level of individual cells. >
The research team proved the model's performance by virtually applying it to the DNA repair system of E. coli. In the existing system, the amount of DNA-repairing proteins varied so greatly between cells that approximately 20% of the cells failed to repair and died. However, by applying the Noise Controller (NC) to unify protein levels across all cells, the mortality rate was slashed to 7%. The team significantly boosted cell survival rates through sophisticated mathematical principles alone. This is highly significant as it moves beyond the "average control" paradigm to realize "single-cell control," dealing with each cell with precision.
< Figure 2. Structure of the Noise Controller (NC).In the conventional control scheme (left), the final output (X2) produces one of the controller proteins (Z2), and this protein is degraded together with the other controller protein (Z1) that generates the system input (X1).In contrast, the noise controller (NC) established in this study (right) has a largely similar structure, but is characterized by the production of the controller protein (Z4) through a dimerization reaction of the final output. This protein directly degrades the system input (X1).Through this mechanism, mathematical expressions for the mean of the final output (lower left equation) and its noise (lower right equation) can be derived >
Professor Jae Kyoung Kim, who led the research, stated, "The significance lies in bringing cellular noise—which was previously dismissed as luck or coincidence in biological phenomena—into the realm of controllable factors through mathematical design." He added, "It will play a vital role in fields requiring precise cellular control, such as overcoming cancer treatment resistance and developing high-efficiency smart microorganisms." Co-corresponding author Professor Jinsu Kim of POSTECH emphasized, "This research demonstrates the power of mathematical modeling, starting from theoretical formulas of intracellular noise using reaction network theory and leading to the design of actual biological mechanisms."
< Figure 3. Actual Biological Circuit Structure of the Noise Controller (NC): A representation of the mathematical model established by the research team implemented as a genetic circuit, which is an actual biological system. The existing control technology (left) consists of a reaction where the final product produces an anti-sigma factor (RsiW), which then binds with the sigma factor (SigW) that generates the system’s input value. The Noise Controller (NC) (right) similarly utilizes the binding reaction between an anti-sigma factor (RseA) and a sigma factor (ECF); however, the primary differences are that the anti-sigma factor (RseA) is produced through the dimerization reaction of the final product , and that the anti-sigma factor (RseA) directly degrades the system’s input value >
The results of this study were published on December 24 in the international academic journal Nature Communications (IF=15.7).
2025.12.29 View 405