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KAIST-KakaoBank Speeds Up 'Explainable AI' by 11 Times: "Boosts Financial AI Reliability
< (From left) Professor Jaesik Choi of the Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI, Ph.D candidate Chanwoo Lee, Ph.D candidate Youngjin Park >
The research team led by Professor Jaesik Choi of KAIST's Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI, in collaboration with KakaoBank Corp, announced that they have developed an accelerated explanation technology that can explain the basis of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model's judgment in real-time. This research achievement significantly increases the practical applicability of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (hereinafter XAI) technology in fields requiring real-time decision-making, such as financial services, by achieving an average processing speed 8.5 times faster, and up to 11 times faster, than existing explanation algorithms for AI model predictions.
In the financial sector, a clear explanation for decisions made by AI systems is essential. Especially in services directly related to customer rights, such as loan screening and anomaly detection, regulatory demands to transparently present the basis for the AI model's judgment are increasingly stringent. However, conventional Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) technologies required the repeated calculation of hundreds to thousands of baselines to generate accurate explanations, resulting in massive computational costs. This was a major factor limiting the application of XAI technology in real-time service environments.
To address this issue, Professor Choi's research team developed the 'ABSQR (Amortized Baseline Selection via Rank-Revealing QR)' framework for accelerating explanation algorithms. ABSQR noticed that the value function matrix generated during the AI model explanation process has a low-rank structure. It introduced a method to select only a critical few baselines from the hundreds available. This drastically reduced the computation complexity, which was previously proportional to the number of baselines, to be proportional only to the number of selected critical baselines, thereby maximizing computational efficiency while maintaining explanatory accuracy.
Specifically, ABSQR operates in two stages. The first stage systematically selects important baselines using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Rank-Revealing QR decomposition techniques. Unlike existing random sampling methods, this is a deterministic selection method aimed at preserving information recovery, which guarantees the accuracy of the explanation while significantly reducing computation. The second stage introduces an amortized inference mechanism, which reuses the pre-calculated weights of the baselines through cluster-based search, allowing the system to provide an explanation for the model's prediction result in real-time service environments without repeatedly evaluating the model. The research team verified the superiority of ABSQR through experiments on various real-world datasets. Tests on standard datasets across five sectors—finance, marketing, and demographics—showed that ABSQR achieved an average processing speed 8.5 times faster than existing explanation algorithms that use all baselines, with a maximum speed improvement of over 11 times. Furthermore, the degradation of explanatory accuracy due to speed acceleration was minimized, maintaining up to 93.5% of the explanation accuracy compared to the baseline algorithm. This level is sufficient to meet the explanation quality required in real-world applications.
< ABSQR Framework Overview. (1) The baseline selection stage utilizes the low-rank structure of the value function matrix to select only a small number of key baselines, and (2) the accelerated search stage reuses the pre-calculated baseline weight coefficients based on clusters. This dramatically reduces the computation complexity, which was proportional to the number of baselines, to be proportional only to the number of selected key baselines. >
A KakaoBank official stated, "We will continue relentless research and development to enhance the reliability and convenience of financial services and introduce innovative financial technologies that customers can experience." Chanwoo Lee and Youngjin Park, co-first authors from KAIST, explained the significance of the research: "This methodology solves the crucial acceleration problem for real-time application in the financial sector, proving that it is possible to provide users with the reasons behind a learning model's decision in real-time." They added, "This research provides new insights into what constitutes unnecessary computation and the selection of important baselines in explanation algorithms, practically contributing to the improvement of explanation technology efficiency." This research, co-authored by PhD candidates Chanwoo Lee and Youngjin Park from the KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI, and researchers Hyeongeun Lee and Yeeun Yoo from the KakaoBank Financial Technology Research Institute, was presented on November 12 at the 'CIKM 2025 (ACM International Conference on Information and Knowledge Management)', the world's highest-authority academic conference in the field of information and knowledge management. ※ Paper Title: Amortized Baseline Selection via Rank-Revealing QR for Efficient Model Explanation
※ Author Information:
※ Author Information: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3746252.3761036
Co-First Authors: Chanwoo Lee (KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI), Youngjin Park (KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI), Hyeogeun Lee (KakaoBank), Yeeun Yoo (KakaoBank)
Co-Authors: Daehee Han (KakaoBank), Junho Choi (KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI), Kunhyung Kim (KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI)
Corresponding Authors: Nari Kim (KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI), Jaesik Choi (KAIST Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI)
Meanwhile, this research achievement was conducted through KakaoBank's industry-academia research project 'Advanced Research on Explainable Artificial Intelligence Algorithms in the Financial Sector' and the Ministry of Science and ICT/Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) supported project 'Development of Explainable Artificial Intelligence Technology Providing Explainability in a Plug-and-Play Manner and Verification of Explanation Provision for AI Systems.'
2025.12.12 View 373 -
KAIST to Usher in an Era of Nationwide Science Culture: KSOP, OPEN KAIST, and AI Academy
< 2025 OPEN KAIST (Demonstration of the cluster systems and AI drone program conducted in Prof. Il-Chul Moon’s Lab, Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering)>
KAIST announced on November 25th that it is operating the 'Science Education Sharing (KSOP),' 'OPEN KAIST,' and 'KAIST-style IT/AI Academy for the General Public, social contribution programs based on science popularization,in line with the government's policy to spread science culture. Through these initiatives, KAIST is nurturing future science and technology talent and contributing to the popularization of science culture.
KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee stated, “Under the mission of 'a university that contributes to humanity and society through science and technology,' KAIST is creating a ladder of opportunity through education sharing,” adding, “KSOP and OPEN KAIST are core KAIST programs that help all children dream of becoming scientists, regardless of their economic or regional circumstances. KAIST will continue to actively communicate with the general public and contribute to strengthening national competitiveness in science and technology by pursuing warm science, inclusive education, and a sustainable science culture ecosystem that goes beyond cutting-edge science and technology.”
■ KSOP for Science-Gifted Students from Underprivileged Backgrounds: 8,000 Beneficiaries in 10 Years, 70% Enrollment in STEM Fields
KSOP, operated by the Science Gifted Education Research Institute, is a representative science-sharing program. It selects students with potential in mathematics and science from socially disadvantaged youth and provides direct mentoring by current KAIST undergraduate and graduate students.
Starting with 250 students in 2015, the program expanded to approximately 1,000 participants annually starting in 2022, with a cumulative total of about 8,000 participants by 2025. It has achieved tangible results, with over 70% of graduates advancing into STEM fields, and a knowledge circulation structure has become established where graduates return as mentors.
Creative science education volunteer work has been conducted in underserved areas such as Jeju, Mokpo, and Andong, in addition to Daejeon, Sejong, and Hwaseong, contributing to the alleviation of educational disparities between regions. In particular, the program where mentees teach elementary school students has been cited as a prime example of KAIST's science culture diffusion.
One KSOP graduate who advanced to KAIST and is now been a mentor for five years shared, “Through mentoring, I feel the true value of sharing and service, as well as an inexpressible sense of pride and accomplishment.”
Furthermore, family-unit programs, including parent information sessions, family camps, and counseling support, have strengthened students' emotional and career support. In 2025, the fifth family camp was held, further broadening participation.
'KSOP FRIENDS,' centered on graduates and mentors, has established a virtuous cycle ecosystem connecting scholarships, mentoring, and donations. This initiative has expanded and developed into the 'Daddy-Long-Legs Project,' a representative small-sum regular donation program in which the public can participate.
< KSOP Jeju Island Educational Volunteer Group Photo >
< KSOP Scholarship Award >
■ ‘OPEN KAIST 2025’ to Meet KAIST Laboratories: Record-Breaking Number of Visitors
OPEN KAIST, KAIST's flagship science culture event that opens laboratories and the campus to the public every two years, recorded its highest ever attendance in 2025, with the number of visitors increasing more than fourfold compared to 2023. In particular, the lab tours garnered high interest, with long waiting lists for pre-registration. An elementary school participant commented, “The earthquake research lab tour was so fascinating and very helpful for answering my questions.” Recognizing that some participation was difficult due to the larger-than-expected number of visitors, KAIST announced plans to expand participation opportunities and improve operations in the future.
■ Cultivating Digital Talent through Short-Term Non-Degree IT/Semiconductor Courses for the General Public
The 'KAIST IT Academy' for military personnel is a non-degree program that provides practical, basic training in AI, computer science, and programming, involving KAIST graduate students as instructors. Operated both online and offline, approximately 1,000 trainees participate annually.
The 'SW Academy (Jungle),' a KAIST non-degree software education course, has become a successful model for nurturing young SW talent, with a cumulative 308 people completing the course between 2021 and 2024. Major employers include Naver, Krafton, Team Sparta, Nearthlab, and Woowa Brothers. Jungle trains developers who can be immediately deployed in practical work through hands-on programming education, mentoring by active developers, and planning/design feedback.
Based on the excellence of the Jungle program, Krafton launched and has been operating 'Krafton Jungle' since 2022. This is a social contribution activity by a company founded by KAIST alumnus Chairman Byung-Gyu Jang and is regarded as a prime example of KAIST's talent nurturing model spreading to the private sector.
Furthermore, the KAIST IDEC (IC Design Education Center) trains 240 young people annually as semiconductor design experts through the nurturing of semiconductor design talent, facilitating their entry into the industry.
■ Strengthening National Competitiveness by Building a Future Talent Ecosystem
KSOP received international recognition for its excellence in 2024 by winning the Best Program Award and Best Researcher Award at the Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness (APCG).
KAIST is further expanding its future talent platform by launching 'Junior KAIST' in 2025, a science, mathematics, and AI exploration program for youth. KAIST plans to continue strengthening its role as a public research university that grows with the nation through science and technology-based social contribution and the nurturing of future talent.
2025.11.25 View 706 -
World-Renowned Conductor Han-Na Chang Appointed as Visiting Distinguished Professor
< (From Left) Professor Joo Han Nam, President Kwang Hyung Lee, President and Vice President Students of KAIST Orchestra, Professor Han-Na Chang, Professor Hyeon-Jeong Suk >
"It is very meaningful to be able to share the joy of music with future science and technology leaders at KAIST and to explore the possibilities of a new field of performing arts hand-in-hand with AI." – Han-Na Chang, KAIST Visiting Distinguished Professor
KAIST announced on the 13th of November that it has appointed Han-Na Chang, a world-renowned conductor and musician who was formerly a cellist, as a Visiting Distinguished Professor at the Graduate School of Culture Technology (GSCT).
This appointment was pursued to expand the base of culture and arts within KAIST by inviting a world-class artist, and to lay the foundation for students to grow into creative and converged talents. Furthermore, it is expected to serve as an opportunity to share Professor Chang's experiences of challenge and achievement on the world stage, thereby delivering dreams and inspiration to the members of KAIST. Professor Han-Na Chang will share her 31 years of research as a musician and her stage experience through the 'Orchestra Master Class' (an open practical class where the conductor directly guides student performers on musical interpretation and collaboration through live performance). She will also conduct leadership special lectures for undergraduate and graduate students, sharing her vision for music and her philosophy on a conductor's leadership.
In particular, Professor Chang will participate in advising on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology necessary for orchestral performance through the Sumi Jo Center for Performing Arts Research at the Graduate School of Culture Technology, thereby suggesting a new research direction that explores the convergence of art and science and technology. The term of appointment is two years, starting from November 2025.
Professor Han-Na Chang stated, "It is very meaningful to be able to share the values of art, leadership, and collaboration with students at KAIST, the center of science and technology," adding, "It is a great joy and honor to contribute to the future science and technology leaders' development of artistic sensibility, creativity, and expressiveness through the joys and sorrows of music.
KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee remarked, "The joining of Professor Han-Na Chang, who possesses both artistic insight and leadership as a world-renowned conductor, will be a great stimulus to the members of KAIST," and "We expect her to breathe new creative inspiration into the convergence of science and art."
Meanwhile, Professor Han-Na Chang garnered global attention at the age of 11 by winning the First Prize at the Fifth International Rostropovich Cello Competition for the youngest ever. After her career as a cellist on the international stage, she transitioned to conducting in 2007. She is currently recognized for her musical leadership and artistic vision by conducting world-leading orchestras such as the Munich Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
<Professor Han-Na Chang Conducting an Orchestra>
For the reference, KAIST has two orchestras: the 'KAIST Orchestra', which is centered on undergraduate students, and the 'KAIST Art Orchestra', composed of graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The KAIST Orchestra was founded in 1992 and currently has about 90 members. It holds regular concerts every May and November and has established itself as a representative on-campus arts organization voluntarily planned and operated by students. The KAIST Art Orchestra, founded in 2024, is a project-based performance group with approximately 50 members who perform for specific events or projects.
2025.11.13 View 560 -
Robot-Operated Space Station Construction Goal... 'In-space Servicing and Manufacturing Research Center' Launched
<Plaque Handover Ceremony. (From left) Jae-Hung Han, Director of the Space Research Institute, Ju-won Kang, Head of Engineering Group at the National Research Foundation of Korea Basic Research Headquarters>
KAIST's Space Research Institute announced on the 24th of October that it officially launched the 'Innovative Research Center for the Development of Core Technologies in In-space Servicing and Manufacturing (ISMRC)' at the KAIST Academic Cultural Center on Friday, October 24. About 150 officials from major organizations, including the Korea Aerospace Administration, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and Daejeon Metropolitan City, as well as domestic and foreign space experts, attended the opening ceremony to discuss future cooperation measures. The 'KAIST In-space Servicing and Manufacturing Research Center (ISMRC)' is a large-scale research hub selected for the Ministry of Science and ICT's 2025 Basic Research Project, with a total of 71.2 billion KRW long-term project planned over the next 10 years, including 50 billion KRW in national funding. Daejeon City will also provide a total of 3.6 billion KRW, with 400 million KRW annually starting from 2026. The research goals are to secure core technologies for next-generation space exploration, including: ▲ Construction of Unmanned Space Stations, ▲ Robotics-based In-space Manufacturing, and ▲ Resource Recovery Technology. A team of 14 KAIST professors, led by Director Jae-Hung Han, will spearhead the research, with major domestic and foreign space companies and research institutions participating in joint research. As the 'New Space' era fully commences globally, the In-space Servicing and Manufacturing industry is projected to grow to tens of trillions of Korean won by 2030, driven by the reduction of launch costs and the expansion of private sector participation. This field is evaluated as a core area that will fundamentally change the way humanity engages in space activities, including extending satellite lifespan, on-orbit maintenance and operation, and securing and manufacturing resources in space. Meanwhile, an international symposium was held for two days on October 23-24 at the KAIST Academic Cultural Center and KI Building, coinciding with the opening ceremony.
<Director Jae-Hung Han of the Space Research Institute presenting>
The symposium was composed of a total of six sessions, including: ▲ Exchange Meeting on Additive Manufacturing Tecnology for Aerospace, ▲ International Workshop on Aerospace Composites, ▲ Workshop on Swarm Satellite Development, and ▲ Workshop on In-space Servicing and Manufacturing Robotics. Major domestic and foreign institutions and experts, including the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech), attended to discuss the future direction of next-generation space technology development and international cooperation measures. Cheol-woong Son, Director-General of Future Strategy Industry Office at Daejeon City, said, "We will develop the Innovative Research Center into a Daejeon-type space industry innovation platform with KAIST," and "Daejeon City will concentrate its capabilities to help local businesses grow and establish Daejeon as the central city for the Republic of Korea's space industry." Jae-Hung Han, Director of the KAIST Space Research Institute, said, "We will lead the core technologies for in-space servicing and manufacturing through cooperation between industry, academia, research institutes, and government, and contribute to the establishment of a private sector-focused industrial ecosystem," adding, "KAIST will grow into a comprehensive research hub that encompasses R&D, talent nurturing, and technology commercialization."
<Group Photo of Participants at the Opening Ceremony of the In-space Servicing and Manufacturing Research Center>
Kwang Hyung Lee, President of KAIST, said, "The field of in-space servicing and manufacturing is a core area that will change the paradigm of the future space industry," and "KAIST will lead the Republic of Korea to become the center for opening a new era of the space industry through innovative technology development and global cooperation." KAIST plans to perform the role of breaking down the boundaries between academia and industry, focusing on these technologies, and laying the foundation for next-generation space activities.
2025.10.24 View 1610 -
"KAIST Opens Up! Cutting-Edge Research Sites Revealed... 'OPEN KAIST 2025' to be Held
< 2025 OPEN KAIST Poster >
KAIST announced on the 23rd of October that it will hold the 'OPEN KAIST 2025' event, which publicly opens research labs, experiment rooms, and research centers on campus, for two days starting from October 30th at the main campus in Daejeon.
OPEN KAIST, which began in 2001 and marks its 13th event this year, is a representative research exhibition event operated biennially by the KAIST College of Engineering (Dean Jae Woo Lee), aiming for programs where citizens can directly experience the research environment and encounter science more closely.
This year, 16 departments and the KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center are participating, operating a total of 39 programs across five areas: △Experience/Demonstration △Lab Tour △Lecture △Department Introduction △Achievement Exhibition. In particular, the opportunities to directly observe and learn about core future fields such as AI, drones, brain science, nuclear energy, and semiconductors have been greatly enhanced.
Professor Jun Han's lab in the School of Computing will introduce technology where AI understands 3D space and constructs virtual environments. Participants will confirm the process of objects in a video being rearranged through a demonstration and learn about the role of AI in future society and the direction of development for spatial perception technology.
Professor Hyochoong Bang's lab in the Department of Aerospace Engineering will unveil next-generation drone technologies, including multicopters, unmanned helicopters, and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Participants will understand their characteristics and usage environments, observe the already flight-tested technologies up close, and get a panoramic view of the changes the drone industry will bring.
Professor Minee Choi's lab in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences offers an opportunity to experience the relationship between the brain and behavior. Participants will use an online application to create their own mini-brain, virtually examine the effects of exercise or vitamin intake on the brain, and directly experience research equipment and the experimental environment.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences has prepared two special lectures for youth. The lecture ‘Secrets Hidden in the Growth Data Patterns of Mammals’ will explore universal mathematical rules within the growth data of various mammals, from the American shrew mole weighing barely 10g to the blue whale exceeding 200 tons. The subsequent lecture, ‘Can This Knot Really Be Undone? — A Mathematical Way to Understand Space’, will explain the mathematical thought process for understanding space, using everyday knots like shoelaces as examples, tailored to the youth's level.
The Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering program includes radiation detection practice and a look at the potential utilization of next-generation nuclear technologies such as SMRs and microreactors. The Department of Industrial Design will introduce how design research connects to solving real-life problems through lab tours and exhibitions.
The Semiconductor Research Facility Tour allows participants to directly enter a cleanroom to observe the process equipment and manufacturing stages, experiencing the completion process of ultrafine semiconductors.
In addition, a variety of other programs are prepared, including a lecture by Professor Hyungjun Kim of the Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy titled ‘Meta-Earth: Climate Crisis and Earth's Changes through Data’, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s ‘Centrifuge Modeling Test: Earthquake Research using Centrifugal Force’, and a game development special lecture and exhibition by the School of Computing's game production club 'Haze'.
< OPEN KAIST Event Scene >
Jae Woo Lee, Dean of the College of Engineering, stated, "We prepared this event to open up KAIST's education and research sites and provide visitors with an opportunity to directly experience and communicate about challenging and creative science and technology innovation."
KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee said, "OPEN KAIST is a meaningful occasion to share the research environment with the public," and "I hope this event serves as an opportunity for youth and citizens to feel the value of science and foster dreams of future challenges."
For individual visitors, 'OPEN KAIST 2025' can be freely viewed according to the on-site situation by referring to the booklet distributed at the information desk on the day of the event, without prior application. Detailed schedules and programs can be checked on the website (https://openkaist.ac.kr).**
2025.10.23 View 1529 -
KAIST Develops Ultrafast Photothermal Process Achieving 3,000 °C in 0.02 Seconds, Boosting Hydrogen Production Efficiency Sixfold
< (from left) Ph.D. candidate Seohak Park, Dr. Jaewan Ahn, Ph.D. candidate Dogyeong Jeon, Prof. Sung-Yool Choi, Prof. Il-Doo Kim, Dr. Chungseong Park, Ph.D. candidate Euichul Shin (top left) Dr. Hamin Shin, Dr. Jun-Hwe Cha i>
The rapid and energy-efficient synthesis of high-performance catalysts is a critical hurdle in advancing clean energy technologies like hydrogen production. Addressing this challenge, a research team at KAIST has now developed a novel platform technology that utilizes a 0.02-second flash of light to generate an ultrahigh temperature of 3,000 °C, enabling the highly efficient synthesis of catalysts. This breakthrough process reduces energy consumption by more than a thousandfold compared to conventional methods while increasing hydrogen production efficiency by up to six times, marking a significant step toward the commercialization of clean energy.
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on October 20 that a joint research team, co-led by Professor Il-Doo Kim from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor Sung-Yool Choi from the School of Electrical Engineering, has developed a “direct-contact photothermal annealing” platform. This technique synthesizes high-performance nanomaterials through brief exposure to intense light, generating a transient temperature of 3,000 °C in just 0.02 seconds.
Using this intense photothermal energy, the researchers successfully converted chemically inert nanodiamond (ND) precursors into highly conductive and catalytically active carbon nanoonions (CNOs).
More impressively, the method simultaneously functionalizes the surface of the newly formed CNOs with single atoms. This integrated, one-step process restructures the support material and embeds catalytic functionality in a single light pulse, representing a significant innovation in catalyst synthesis.
CNOs, composed of concentric graphitic shells, are ideal catalyst supports due to their high conductivity, large specific surface area, and chemical stability. However, traditional CNO synthesis has been hindered by complex, multi-step post-processing required to load metal catalysts and by reliance on energy-intensive, time-consuming thermal treatments that limit scalability.
< Schematic Illustration of the Limitations of Conventional Thermal-Radiation Synthesis and the Carbon Nano-Onion Conversion via Direct-Contact Photothermal Treatment >
To overcome these limitations, the KAIST team leveraged the photothermal effect. They devised a method of mixing ND precursors with light-absorbing carbon black (CB) and applying an intense pulse from a xenon lamp. This approach triggers the transformation of NDs into CNOs in just 0.02 seconds, a phenomenon validated by molecular dynamics simulations.
A key innovation of this platform is the simultaneous synthesis of CNOs and functionalization of single-atom catalysts (SACs). When metal precursors, such as platinum (Pt), are included in the mixture, they decompose and anchor onto the surface of the nascent CNOs as individual atoms. The subsequent rapid cooling prevents atomic aggregation, resulting in a perfectly integrated one-step process for both synthesis and functionalization. The team has successfully synthesized eight different high-density SACs, including platinum (Pt), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni). The resulting Pt-CNO demonstrated a sixfold enhancement in hydrogen evolution efficiency compared to conventional catalysts, achieving high performance with significantly smaller quantities of precious metals. This highlights the technology's potential for scalable and sustainable hydrogen production.
“We have developed, for the first time, a direct-contact photothermal annealing process that reaches 3,000°C in under 0.02 seconds,” said Professor Il-Doo Kim. “This ultrafast synthesis and single-atom functionalization platform reduces energy consumption by more than a thousandfold compared to traditional methods. We expect it to accelerate the commercialization of technologies in hydrogen energy, gas sensing, and environmental catalysis.”
The study’s first authors are Dogyeong Jeon (Ph.D. candidate, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KAIST), Dr. Hamin Shin (an alumnus of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and a current postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich), and Dr. Jun-Hwe Cha (an alumnus of the School of Electrical Engineering, now at SK hynix). Professors Sung-Yool Choi and Il-Doo Kim are the corresponding authors.\
< Inside Cover Image of the September Issue of ACS >
The research was published as a Supplementary Cover Article in the September issue of ACS Nano, a leading international journal of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
※ Paper title: “Photothermal Annealing-Enabled Millisecond Synthesis of Carbon Nanoonions and Simultaneous Single-Atom Functionalization,” DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c11229
This research was supported by the Global R&D Infrastructure Program and the Leading Research Center Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Nano Convergence Technology Center’s Semiconductor–Battery Interfacing Platform Development Project.
2025.10.21 View 1356 -
KAIST Launches Student Led ESG Research Platform with Brand Revenue
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 19th of October that it is launching a new action-oriented ESG program, 'PDSP (Problem Definition to Solution Program),' which returns brand revenue to students to support research aimed at solving social problems. Brand revenue refers to profits from the sale of branded products, such as 'Nubjuk-i,' and the brand shop that KAIST operates near the campus's duck pond.
This initiative is the first model to concretize KAIST's brand value and social responsibility through a student-centric approach, serving as an innovative starting point that connects 'research–startup–social contribution.'
The project is funded by dividends from Brand KAIST, a subsidiary of KAIST Holdings (CEO Hyunmin Bae), led by co-CEOs Hyun Jung Suk and Byeongjun Bok (CEO of KAI Patent Law Firm, and KAIST Industrial Design alumni).
By reinvesting brand revenue into student research activities, KAIST aims to implement a KAIST-style virtuous cycle ESG structure: 'Brand->Revenue->Student->Social Contribution.'
PDSP is a research program where KAIST undergraduate students voluntarily form teams to explore social and technological problems and propose solutions. The program name, 'Problem Definition to Solution Program,' signifies that students directly define the problem and design the solution, aiming to become a practical research platform that connects learned knowledge to solving social issues.
Through the PDSP, KAIST is expanding the concept of ESG beyond Environment, Society, and Governance to 'Practicing Social Responsibility through Education and Science.'
The process of students proactively defining social problems and proposing solutions is itself a form of ESG value realization, and KAIST seeks to build a science and technology-based, action-oriented ESG model through this.
The PDSP operates with two research tracks: Deep Tech and ESG. The 'Deep Tech Track' supports fundamental technology research that will lead future industries, leveraging KAIST's advanced science and technology capabilities in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, new materials, and energy. The 'ESG Track' focuses on research on social issues such as climate change, carbon neutrality, and aging, concentrating on realizing a sustainable society through science and technology.
<KAIST PDSP (Problem Definition to Solution Program) Poster>
This program is regarded not merely as an idea contest but as a 'student-led Deep Tech incubation program' that promotes substantial technological innovation originating from research labs.
Participation is open to approximately 20 teams, each composed of three to five undergraduate students. Each team can choose to apply for either the Deep Tech Track or the ESG Track. A maximum of 1.5 million KRW in research activity expenses will be provided per team for three months, with the funding executed according to KAIST's internal research project standards. Applications are accepted through the KAIST portal site from September 29 until midnight on November 5. Selected teams, after being reviewed by an evaluation committee, will go through stages including orientation, interim check, and performance presentation.
Hyeonmin Bae, CEO of KAIST Holdings (Professor of Electrical Engineering), stated, "The PDSP will be the starting point for KAIST-style autonomous research culture where students define problems and design solutions themselves," adding, "We plan to actively consider providing initial investments and commercialization support for outstanding research teams to develop their ideas into startups."
Hyeong-Jeong Suk, CEO of Brand KAIST (Professor of Industrial Design), said, "This program, where Brand KAIST's revenue is reinvested into student research, shows that the KAIST brand is evolving beyond a mere symbol to a platform for creating social value. I believe the true power of the KAIST brand lies in students creating new change that bridges technology and society through creative research."
A student who submitted an application for the program commented, "I wanted to explore social topics like environmental issues or technological inequality through research, and I am excited that this program offers such an opportunity," adding, "I feel a sense of pride as a KAIST student to be able to give back the knowledge I've gained to society."
KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee emphasized, "Creating a co-prosperity innovation model that returns the value generated by the KAIST brand to our students is also KAIST's strength," and "I hope that the problems defined by the students themselves will contribute to the progress of humanity, and that creative research will become the driving force for social change."
Since its establishment in 1971, leading South Korea's scientific and technological development and industrial innovation, KAIST is realizing the 'virtuous cycle of brand value' through its PDSP, presenting a new ESG paradigm that combines student-led social contribution and technological innovation.
2025.10.20 View 822 -
KAIST Seoul Campus Dormitory Remodeling Completed, Improving Student Housing
< President Kwang Hyung Lee, Booyoung Group Chairman Joong Keun Lee, and executives >
KAIST held a completion and donation ceremony for the newly remodeled Pajeongsa and Sojeongsa dormitories at the Seoul Campus on the 18th. The event was attended by key figures including President Kwang Hyung Lee, Booyoung Group Chairman Joong Keun Lee, and students.
Booyoung Group is a company that has consistently engaged in various social contribution activities, including housing rental, construction, and support for education and culture. With a deep interest in the field of education, the company is taking the lead in improving student welfare by enhancing university dormitory environments.
This remodeling project was carried out as part of a KRW 20 billion donation agreement signed by Booyoung Group last year to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for KAIST students.
< President Kwang Hyung Lee, Booyoung Group Chairman Joong Keun Lee, and executives >
This remodeling project is being conducted on a total of four dormitory buildings across the Daejeon and Seoul campuses. Three of these buildings, including Pajeongsa and Sojeongsa, have been completed, providing students with newly improved living spaces. The remaining one building is also expected to be completed soon.
Through this remodeling, the aging facilities of Pajeongsa and Sojeongsa on the Seoul Campus have been upgraded, including exterior construction and overall mechanical and electrical systems. The two buildings will be named "Ujeong Pajeongsa" and "Ujeong Sojeongsa," taking their names from the donor's pen name.
< Group photo of attendees at the Seoul Campus dormitory remodeling completion ceremony >
Chairman Joong Keun Lee said, "The dormitory remodeling project, which began with the hope that Korea's scientific talents would be able to devote themselves to their studies and research in a more stable home, has now come to fruition. I hope this will serve as the foundation for KAIST to develop into a world-class university for science and technology innovation." At the completion ceremony, President Kwang Hyung Lee said, "I am very happy to be able to introduce these buildings, which have been reborn through the chairman's donation. KAIST will engrave the chairman's great will in our hearts and dedicate ourselves to nurturing the world's best talent."
2025.09.18 View 885 -
POSTECH KAIST 22nd Student Festival in KAIST... Korea's Top Engineering Schools are Alive!"
<The 22nd POSTECH-KAIST Student Festival Poster>
The annual rivalry match between Korea's leading engineering universities, KAIST and POSTECH, will be held for the 22nd time on September 19th and 20th at the KAIST campus, the university announced on September 18th.
The POSTECH-KAIST Student Festival, also known as "Pokajeon," began in 2002 to promote exchange between the two schools. This year's event features a variety of programs, including science and athletic competitions, performances, and broadcasts.
Held every September, Pokajeon alternates between Daejeon (KAIST's location) and Pohang (POSTECH's location). This year it's being called "Pokajeon" because POSTECH is the visiting team, and the custom is to put the visiting team's name first. The event is also known as the "Science War," a fitting nickname for a competition featuring the nation's top engineering students.
This year's Pokajeon will feature seven events: three science competitions (Hacking, AI Contest, Science Quiz) and four athletic events (Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and E-sports).
<Cheering Scene for the 2023 Basketball Game>
The science competitions are unique and a highlight of the festival. The hacking competition kicks off on the first day at 2 p.m. and continues for 12 hours until 2 a.m. the next morning. In this contest, participants earn points by solving information security problems, including cryptography. All team members must participate in rotation, and using generative AI tools is allowed. A live broadcast will show real-time scores and solution processes, giving spectators a sense of the excitement.
The AI contest will take place on the same day at 5 p.m. at the Daejeon e-Sports Stadium. Based on the car-soccer game "Rocket League," the competition features AI programs created by the students themselves. The AI programs will control the cars to score goals. Matches are a best-of-five series, with each set lasting five minutes.
The Science Quiz will be held on the second day at the Ryu Geun-chul Sports Complex. Participants will solve problems on scientific knowledge and current research trends while also playing a modified version of the strategic card game "Battle Line." They must use strategy cards and soldier cards to secure flags. This event tests not just knowledge but also strategic thinking and teamwork.
<2024 Science Quiz>
The athletic events combine traditional sports with e-sports. Baseball, soccer, and basketball games will be played on the KAIST campus fields, while the e-sports event ("League of Legends") will be a best-of-three series. Each game will have on-site events to boost participation and excitement for students and spectators alike.
The university that wins at least four of the seven events will be the overall champion. KAIST currently holds a 12-8 record, having won the last three consecutive years.
"I hope this year's Pokajeon fosters a sense of belonging and pride in the students of both universities through healthy competition, and that it becomes an opportunity to create cherished memories for engineering students," said Oh Sang-jun, head of the Pokajeon planning committee (KAIST, Aerospace Engineering, class of '23).
KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung added, "Pokajeon is a special festival where KAIST and POSTECH students connect through science and sports. I hope they feel pride as key players representing the future of Korean engineering and work together to open up the future of science and technology."
2025.09.18 View 749 -
KAIST launches "Junior KAIST" for future scientists who will change the world
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 27th of August that it is relaunching its online gifted education program, KAIST Cyber Gifted Education, from the KAIST Center for Gifted Education, into "Junior KAIST," an open science and engineering exploration platform in which any elementary, middle, or high school student can participate.
This reorganization was carried out to respond to the declining school-age population, the tendency to avoid science and engineering fields, and the acceleration of digital transformation, with the aim of establishing a national talent development model that supports the early discovery and systematic growth of future science and technology talent. Through this, KAIST plans to expand the base of science and technology talent, reduce regional and social educational gaps, and realize inclusive science and technology education.
"Junior KAIST" is a step-by-step inquiry-based online curriculum designed to help students develop interest in science and technology fields and deepen their exploration of areas of interest. In the long term, it aims to discover outstanding science and engineering talent and strengthen connections to higher education and career pathways.
In particular, for students from the 4th grade of elementary school to the 2nd year of high school, it operates a grade-specific customized learning curriculum—Enjoy, Dive, Challenge, Boost, and ACE (Achieve Complete Exploration)—to support learning suited to individual levels and interests, while intensively strengthening core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) competencies such as mathematics, science, future technology, AI, and data-based problem solving.
In addition, the program will expand its Question-Based Learning (QBL) model, where students create and investigate their own questions. Outstanding students will also be given opportunities for real career experience, including mentoring with KAIST professors and university (graduate) students, participation in laboratory-based projects, and the presentation of research outcomes. KAIST plans to establish a virtuous cycle talent development system that will, in the long term, connect to admission into science high schools, gifted high schools, and KAIST itself.
In the second semester of the 2025 academic year, various courses such as "Enjoy Mathematics," "Enjoy Robots," and "Enjoy AI" will be offered, and registration is available until August 31 through the official website (junior.kaist.ac.kr).
Sijong Kwak, Director of the KAIST Center for Gifted Education Research, said, “Junior KAIST is not just gifted education, but a platform for fostering future science and technology talent that grows through curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. We will do our utmost to ensure that KAIST establishes itself as a representative model for national science and technology talent development.”
2025.08.28 View 2400 -
2025 APEC Youth STEM Science Exchange Program Successfully Completed
<Photo1. Group photo at the end of the program>
KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 11thof August that it successfully hosted the 'APEC Youth STEM Conference KAIST Academic Program,' a global science exchange program for 28 youth researchers from 10 countries and over 30 experts who participated in the '2025 APEC Youth STEM* Collaborative Research and Competition.' The event was held at the main campus in Daejeon on Saturday, August 9.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) refers to the fields of science and engineering.
The competition was hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and organized by the APEC Science Gifted Mentoring Center. It took place from Wednesday, August 6, to Saturday, August 9, 2025, at KAIST in Daejeon and the Korea Science Academy of KAIST in Busan. The KAIST program was organized by the APEC Science Gifted Mentoring Center and supported by the KAIST Institute for the Gifted and Talented in Science Education.
Participants had the opportunity to experience Korea's cutting-edge research infrastructure firsthand, broaden their horizons in science and technology, and collaborate and exchange ideas with future science talents from the APEC region.
As the 2025 APEC chair, Korea is promoting various international collaborations to discover and nurture the next generation of talent in the STEM fields. The KAIST academic exchange program was particularly meaningful as it was designed with the international goal of revitalizing science gifted exchanges and expanding the basis for cooperation among APEC member countries. It moved beyond the traditional online-centric research collaboration model to focus on hands-on, on-site, and convergence research experiences.
The global science exchange program at KAIST introduced participants to KAIST's world-class educational and research environment and provided various academic content to allow them to experience real-world examples of convergence technology-based research.
<Photo2. Program Activities>
First, the KAIST Admissions Office participated, introducing KAIST's admissions system and its educational and research environment to outstanding international students, providing an opportunity to attract global talent. Following this, Dr. Tae-kyun Kwon of the Music and Audio Computing Lab at the Graduate School of Culture Technology presented a convergence art project based on musical artificial intelligence data, including a research demonstration in an anechoic chamber.
<Photo3. Participation in a music AI research demonstration>
Furthermore, a Climate Talk Concert program was organized under the leadership of the Graduate School of Green Growth and Sustainability, in connection with the theme of the APEC Youth STEM Collaborative Research: 'Youth-led STEM Solutions: Enhancing Climate Resilience.'
The program was planned and hosted by Dean Jiyong Eom. It provided a platform for young people to explore creative and practical STEM-based solutions to the climate crisis and seek opportunities for international cooperation.
<Photo4. Participation in Music AI Research Demonstration >
The program was a meaningful time for APEC youth researchers, offering practical support for their research through special lectures and Q&A sessions on:
Interdisciplinary Research and Education in the Era of Climate Crisis (Dean Jiyong Eom)
Energy Transition Technology in the Carbon Neutral Era (Professor Jeongrak Son)
Policies for Energy System Change (Professor Jihyo Kim)
Carbon Neutral Bio-technology (Professor Gyeongrok Choi)
After the afternoon talk concert, Lee Jing Jing, a student from Brunei, shared her thoughts, saying, "The lectures by the four professors were very meaningful and insightful. I was able to think about energy transition plans to solve climate change from various perspectives."
Si-jong Kwak, Director of the KAIST Global Institute for Talented Education, stated, "I hope that young people from all over the world will directly experience KAIST's research areas and environment, expand their interest in KAIST, and continue to grow as outstanding talents in the fields of science and engineering."
KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee said, "KAIST will be at the center of science and technology-based international cooperation and will spare no effort to support future talents in developing creative and practical problem-solving skills. I hope this event served as an opportunity for young people to understand the value of global cooperation and grow into future science leaders."
2025.08.11 View 3833 -
KAIST GESS Team Awarded Honorable Mention at 2025 Entrepreneurship Olympiad
<Photo: eaureco team at the final pitch>
The KAIST Global Entrepreneurship Summer School (GESS) winning team, eaureco, earned an Honorable Mention at the 2025 Entrepreneurship Olympiad, held July 21–23 at Stanford Faculty Club and hosted by Techdev Academy. Competing in the college track, the team showcased their innovative solution among participants from top institutions including Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego.
Team eaureco—comprising KAIST undergraduate and graduate students Jiwon Park(Semiconductor Systems Engineering), Si Li Sara (Julia) Aow, Lunar Sebastian Widjaja (both Civil & Environmental Engineering), Seoyeon Jang (Impact MBA), and Isabel Alexandra Cornejo Lima (BTM/Global Digital Innovation)—presented a B2B solution that upcycles discarded seaweed into biodegradable ice packs for cold-chain companies. Their business model was recognized for its alignment with sustainability, resource circulation, and social impact goals.
<Photo: eaureco team preparing for the final pitch>
The team’s ability to rapidly adapt their pitch based on mentor feedback and clearly communicate the value of their idea to judges contributed to their recognition. This accomplishment further highlights the impact of KAIST's GESS program, which supports students in building real-world entrepreneurial skills through immersive learning experiences in Silicon Valley.
“The GESS program helped us refine every aspect of our business idea—from identifying the problem to developing a go-to-market strategy,” said Si Li Sara (Julia) Aow, a member of the eaureco team. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase our work on a global stage and hope to continue developing innovations that drive meaningful change.”
“This award reaffirms the creative potential and practical capabilities of KAIST students in global innovation ecosystems,” said Dr. Soyoung Kim, Vice President of International Office. “We will continue to invest in programs like GESS to empower our students as future leaders in entrepreneurship.”
The Entrepreneurship Olympiad is a global event designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among young change-makers. This year’s program featured keynote talks, panels, and workshops led by industry pioneers including Marc Tarpenning (Co-founder, Tesla Motors), Pat Brown (Founder, Impossible Foods), and other influential entrepreneurs from the biotech, fintech, and deeptech sectors.
The Honorable Mention recognition underscores KAIST’s commitment to global entrepreneurship education and the growing international visibility of the GESS program.
2025.07.29 View 2433