South Korea Expands National Nanofab Network and Advances Technology Research Initiatives

The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT announced on January 5th that participation in the national nanofab integrated information system, 'MoaFab,' will double from six to 14 institutions beginning this month. Nanofab facilities support nanotechnology research and development as well as prototype production for materials utilizing nanotechnology. Eight new institutions are joining the network, including the Korea Electronics Technology Institute's Jeonbuk Nano Technology Integrated Center, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology's Gwangju Nano Technology Integrated Center, Daegu Technopark Nano-Process Center, UNIST Center for Research Equipment & Education, Chonbuk National University Semiconductor Physics Research Center, KIST Research & Convergence Support Division, Cheorwon Plasma Research Institute, and Gyeongnam Technopark Nano Convergence Center.

In other science news, the National Science Museum will present "Laboratory from New York," a convergence art exhibition featuring seven New York-based artists, from January 6th through 11th. The exhibition displays works by alumni from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Interactive Telecommunications Program who examine contemporary society through cutting-edge technologies including sensors, AI, algorithms, and interactive software. Admission to the special exhibition is free, with additional information available on the museum's website.

Meanwhile, corporate R&D investment is showing signs of recovery but remains below previous levels. The Korea Industrial Technology Association released results on January 3rd from its December R&D Outlook Survey of 500 companies with research centers. The R&D Investment RSI and Researcher Hiring RSI scores reached 99.7 and 94.9 respectively—an improvement from the dramatic drops to 79.6 and 84.2 recorded after last year's martial law declaration, but still below the 100-point threshold that would indicate growth compared to the previous year.

In a unique commercialization initiative, the Korea Railroad Research Institute announced on January 5th a partnership with Koiro, a railway merchandise social enterprise, to develop and sell products based on the institute's railway technology research. This represents the first instance of a government-funded research institute commercializing its work as merchandise in public infrastructure retail spaces. Koiro currently collaborates with approximately 10 manufacturers and operates the '#SRT' store at SRT Suseo Station.

Finally, the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute held its 2024 kickoff ceremony on January 5th, with President Kim Nam-kyun emphasizing the institute's expanding role in the government's '15 Mega Projects for a Hyper-Innovative Economy.' Kim urged staff to approach their work with heightened responsibility and confidence to ensure the successful completion of these national initiatives.

Nanotechnology World