The POSCO Science Fellowship organizes annual academic networking events in six disciplines—mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, metals & advanced materials, and energy materials—to foster collaboration and exchange among fellows. This year, the discipline-specific events were held sequentially from July to November. While each event took place at different locations and dates, all gatherings featured rigorous academic discussions, active communication, and a rich exchange of scientific ideas.

 

Metals & Advanced Materials (July 15)

 

 

The first networking event of the year focused on metals and advanced materials and was held on July 15 at POSCO Center. Under the theme, “Expanding Horizons in Advanced Metals and Materials, Planting Seeds for Convergent Innovation,” the event gathered next-generation researchers to share their research achievements and future visions.

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The session opened with a keynote presentation by Professor Hyun-Jin Shin of GIST, followed by presentations from a total of ten professors. Each presentation was accompanied by lively questions and discussions. Although the event was relatively small in scale, it fostered concentrated and meaningful dialogue among participants.

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Physics (August 5)

 

 

The physics networking event was held on August 5 at POSCO Center, chaired by Professor Chang-Min Lee of Hanyang University, who led the overall program. Fourteen fellows presented diverse research topics, engaging in active Q&A sessions.

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Several alumni professors, including Professor Sang-Wook Lee (Ewha Womans University, 2011, 2nd cohort) and Professor Seung-Woo Son (Hanyang University, 2015, 6th cohort), attended, enriching the discussion with their experience and guidance.

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Notably, Professor Sang-Mo Chun (Hanyang University, 2018, 9th cohort) shared his experience of turning connections made at the fellowship networking events into actual collaborative research projects, highlighting the potential of these gatherings to foster new academic partnerships.

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Energy Materials (August 5)

 

The energy materials networking event also took place on August 5 at POSCO Center, beginning with an opening address by Professor Hee-Dae Lim of Hanyang University, chair of the event. Fellows introduced their individual labs and research plans, exchanged insights on current research trends, and explored potential opportunities for collaboration.

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After the presentations, participants shared dinner, deepening discussions and strengthening the network of fellows in the energy materials field, providing an informal setting for exchanging new research ideas and collaboration prospects.

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Life Sciences (August 7–8)
 

 

The largest event of the year was the life sciences networking event, held over two days, August 7–8, at POSTECH. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including cell biology, immunology, genomics, and aging, with 51 fellows actively sharing research and exchanging ideas.

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Newly selected 16th cohort researchers drew particular attention with their presentations, prompting vibrant discussion and interaction. A keynote lecture by Professor Byung-Ha Oh (KAIST) offered fresh perspectives on research direction, effectively summarizing the event. The two-day program reinforced the life sciences fellows’ network and created strong prospects for future collaboration.

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Mathematics (August 28)

 

The mathematics networking event took place on August 28 at POSCO Center. Professors Do-Hyun Kwon (University of Seoul, 2024, 15th cohort) and Hyo-Sun Yang (Kyung Hee University, 2025, 16th cohort) served as chairs, while many alumni fellows participated actively, enriching the atmosphere compared to previous years.

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A total of 25 fellows, including Professor Sang-Il Eom (IBS Discrete Mathematics Group, 1st cohort) and Professor Mi-Kyung Lim (KAIST, 2nd cohort), presented their research topics, sparking lively questions and discussion. The event highlighted the enthusiasm and vitality of the mathematics research community.

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Chemistry (November 14)

 

 

The final event of the year, the chemistry networking event, was held on November 14 at POSCO Center. Twenty fellows attended, presenting research across organic, photochemistry, materials, and protein chemistry. Active discussions on experimental methods and procedures took place throughout the session. After the presentations, fellows continued their conversations over dinner, fostering meaningful exchanges even amid the calm early winter atmosphere.

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Looking ahead, the POSCO Cheongam Foundation will continue to support and engage young and talented scientists, helping them achieve world-class research outcomes in Korea through sustained interest, collaboration, and encouragement.

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