[Interview] Inha University President Jo Myung-woo "Pursuing Centennial Competitiveness through Multiversity"

Serving at Inha University since 2018
Efforts to Strengthen Research Achievements and Infrastructure
Establishment of Bio-specialized Songdo Campus
Synergy Expected in Aerospace and Mobility Fields

"If you are a student who wants to become a leader of the world, I would recommend choosing Inha University."

President Jo Myung-woo conveyed this message to prospective students wishing to connect with Inha University during an interview with Asia Economy on the 12th. Inha University is recognized as a university with better output than input. Ranking 4th in employment rate among universities that have produced over 3,000 graduates is no coincidence. Marking its 70th anniversary this year, Inha University has solidified its foundation through actions and achievements. It has spared no effort in supporting students to realize their grand dreams of becoming leaders of the world. This is the background behind the many alumni who have formed ties with Inha University and have played pivotal roles across various sectors of society, enhancing the school's reputation.

President Jo Myung-woo of Inha University is explaining about the DC-3 type passenger aircraft of Korean Air displayed on the Inha University campus in Michuhol-gu, Incheon on the 12th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Inha University's history began in 1954 as a project commemorating the 50th anniversary of Korean immigrants to Hawaii, aspiring to be the "MIT of the East." Based on the pioneering spirit of "to the sky, to the sea" of the late Chairman Cho Jung-hoon, founder of the Hanjin Group, Inha University has established itself as a prestigious institution. On the Inha University campus, a flying dragon dreaming of soaring into the sky gazes at the wider world from atop the spire. Inha University's vision extends beyond Korea to the world.

President Jo Myung-woo is preparing for a grand journey beyond 70 years of history toward the 100th anniversary. Inha University is seeking a path for a new leap forward based on a new vision called the "Global Multiversity" to mark its 70th anniversary. The Multiversity is a multifunctional campus specialized in creative convergence education in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is the result of not settling for the status quo but continuously pursuing change and development. It is a commitment to actively respond to changes in the world and strive to become a global leader university.

President Jo Myung-woo of Inha University is giving an interview at Inha University in Michuhol-gu, Incheon on the 12th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

President Jo is a person who knows Inha University's potential better than anyone else. He is dedicating his efforts to ensure that students, alumni, professors, and staff all unite to contribute to Inha University's development. His vision is already becoming a reality. In the 2024 QS World University Subject Rankings, Inha University achieved meaningful results, ranking 9th domestically in Chemical Engineering.

Additionally, In the graduate competency indicator, which measures alumni influence, Inha University ranked 12th in Korea. President Jo is very interested in creating a virtuous cycle structure to establish the university as a global institution. To be recognized internationally, the university must attract outstanding professors in various fields and build a research-centered university framework based on their achievements. With clear principles and actions, Inha University is steadily walking the path of a university that promises a brighter tomorrow than today.

President Jo Myung-woo of Inha University is giving an interview at Inha University in Michuhol-gu, Incheon on the 12th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Below is the full Q&A with President Jo Myung-woo.

- Two years have passed since your reappointment as president in 2022. What are your reflections?

▲Over the past two years, my main focus has been completing Inha University's centennial plan. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary this year, we have united our members to establish a vision and mid-to-long-term development plan that can realize Inha University's values. At the 70th anniversary ceremony last April, we presented a blueprint to create a Global Multiversity leading future value creation. During the previous term, efforts to increase faculty recruitment led to a significant increase in research funding acquisition, enhancing research capabilities. Especially on the 70th anniversary, I wanted to provide members with an opportunity to shift their perception toward the future. We are actively working to strengthen support for research project acquisition while achieving financial stabilization and a campus master plan.

- You presented the 'Global Multiversity' as the future vision for the 70th anniversary. Could you explain?

▲The Global Multiversity is a concept combining 'Global Multi-Campus' and 'Multifunctional, Multipurpose University.' To use a computer analogy, the global multi-campus is the hardware, and the multifunctional, multipurpose university is the software. Good hardware is necessary for high-performance software to operate stably and efficiently. The multi-campus Inha University aims for a future-oriented advanced convergence campus focusing on sustainability (ESG), openness, sharing, member empathy, and inter-campus connectivity. First, it seeks to eliminate boundaries between the city and campus, serving as a community hub while securing openness and scalability. Securing connectivity between campuses is also important. We plan to define specialized directions for each campus centered on promising future industries such as bio, nurturing each campus's strengths while establishing a system that allows mutual complementarity and synergy at any time.

President Jo Myung-woo of Inha University is giving an interview at Inha University in Michuhol-gu, Incheon on the 12th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

- What kind of synergy do you expect between the existing campuses and the Open Innovation Campus being built in Songdo?

▲The Songdo Open Innovation Campus is specialized in advanced bio and medical fields. Songdo in Incheon Metropolitan City represents Korea's bio industry. Numerous bio companies and research facilities, including Celltrion and Samsung Biologics, are concentrated here. Once the campus is established and bio-related departments are relocated, I believe it will create significant synergy with nearby companies. With this vision in mind, last year Inha University created the independent Department of Bio-System Convergence by merging the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Bio-Pharmaceutical Engineering (contract departments) from the College of Engineering with the Department of Life Sciences from the College of Natural Sciences. This year, we established the Department of Advanced Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences within the Bio-System Convergence Department and upgraded the Department of Nursing in the College of Medicine to the College of Nursing to lead convergence in bio and medical science fields. After relocating bio and medical-related departments, we plan to broadly expand specialized fields into future industries such as future mobility and semiconductors.

- Inha University received excellent evaluations in the 2023 QS World University Subject Rankings. What is the secret behind this?

President Jo Myung-woo of Inha University is being interviewed on the 12th at Inha University in Michuhol-gu, Incheon. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

- Inha University ranked 4th in employment rate among universities that have produced over 3,000 graduates as of 2023.

▲The reason Inha University graduates demonstrate excellent capabilities lies in the university's tailored support and the outstanding abilities of alumni active in society. First, Inha University provides a one-stop service covering the entire employment process, from career planning to one-on-one customized employment strategy counseling, through the University Job Plus Center. Additionally, by operating the IPP (Industry-linked Long-term Field Training) work-study dual system project, we provide students with NCS (National Competency Standards)-based education and training to cultivate practical talents for the industrial field. The role of alumni active in society is very important in maintaining the prestigious status of the university. The traditional culture inside and outside the university leads to excellent outputs from Inha University students.

- The College Scholastic Ability Test was held on the 14th. What would you like to say to prospective students interested in Inha University?

▲Inha University allows students to freely choose their majors and offers programs for multiple majors. There are also high-quality consulting programs for students, boasting excellent employment rates. Prospective students can envision a future where they graduate having grown even more than when they entered. As president, I will strive to make Inha University a globally recognized university beyond a prestigious Korean private university by its 100th anniversary.