GIST Announces Vision for Official Elevation to Institute of Advanced Optical Technology

Opening Ceremony and Vision Declaration of the Institute of Advanced Optical Technology. Photo by GIST

On May 9, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced that it held an opening ceremony and vision declaration to commemorate the official elevation of the former Institute of Advanced Photonic Technology to the Institute of Advanced Optical Technology (APRI, headed by Ko Dokyung).

The event was attended by National Assembly members Cho Incheol and Min Hyungbae; Noh Doyoung, President of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS); Kim Youngjip, President of Gwangju Technopark; Shin Yongjin, President of the Korea Photonics Technology Institute; Kim Donggeun, Vice President of the Korea Photonics Industry Promotion Association; Yoon Jinhui, President of the Korean Physical Society (Professor of Physics at Inha University); Lee Sangmin, President of the Optical Society of Korea; as well as representatives from over 50 local small and medium-sized enterprises and executives from more than 10 defense and military industry companies. From GIST, President Lim Gicheol, Vice President for Research Chung Sungho, Vice President for External Affairs Chung Yonghwa, and approximately 100 other members participated.

The event was divided into two parts. In the first part, the "Post-Photonics Industry Technology Exchange," Lumenix Co., Ltd., a laser technology company, was introduced as a successful example of technology commercialization by the Institute of Advanced Optical Technology. During the "Open Tech" session, researchers from the Institute, including Son Ikbu, Kim Kihyun, Yoo Nani, and Kim Bokhyun, shared their patented technologies directly with local small and medium-sized enterprises.

The second part began with an unveiling ceremony marking the launch of the Institute, followed by the official opening declaration, introductions of distinguished guests, congratulatory remarks from National Assembly members Cho Incheol and Min Hyungbae and IBS President Noh Doyoung, a presentation on the Institute's history, the announcement of the "APRI 2050 Vision," and a business agreement ceremony among related organizations to promote the development of the photonics convergence technology industry.

Four-Party Business Agreement Ceremony during the Opening Ceremony of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. Provided by GIST

During the event, GIST Institute of Advanced Optical Technology, Gwangju Technopark, Korea Photonics Technology Institute, and Korea Photonics Industry Promotion Association signed a four-party business agreement. This agreement marks the starting point for establishing a collaborative system for the joint advancement of the photonics convergence industry and technology. The parties agreed to work closely together in research collaboration, technology development, and talent cultivation in the field of advanced optical technology.

Ko Dokyung, Director of the Institute (Professor of Physics and Photonic Science at GIST), stated, "Based on the research capabilities we have accumulated so far, we will lead in ultra-high-power laser and photonics-based technologies and focus on research in future strategic fields such as space, defense, bio, quantum information, and energy." He added, "We aim to become a world-class optical technology research institute that contributes both to fostering the nation's next-generation photonics industry and to solving global challenges."

Representative Cho Incheol commented, "The GIST Institute of Advanced Optical Technology is recognized as a world-class research institution in the fields of optical science and laser technology. As we enter an era of major transformation centered on science and technology, I hope the Institute will play a leading role in securing national strategic technologies."

Representative Min Hyungbae stated, "Photonics technology is a key field for strengthening strategic technological capabilities in areas such as semiconductors, nano, ultra-precision processing, defense, and laser systems. The National Assembly will also provide active support."

Noh Doyoung, President of IBS, remarked, "With greater independence ahead, efforts to strengthen the foundation for self-reliance, including budget and personnel, will become even more important. I hope that the IBS Photonics Cluster Research Group and the Institute of Advanced Optical Technology will work together to take a leading role in national core basic and applied research fields."

Lim Gicheol, President of GIST, emphasized, "It is meaningful to embark on a new journey under the name 'Institute of Advanced Optical Technology,' building on the achievements made as the Institute of Advanced Photonic Technology. Photonics technology is not only at the core of advanced industries such as semiconductors, bio, energy, and aerospace, but also at the center of national competitiveness."