GIST Holds Blue Technology Symposium Integrating Science, Art, and Humanities

Group photo of GIST Blue Technology and Economy Symposium.

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) recently announced on June 17 that it held the "Blue Technology and Economy Symposium" under the theme "The Philosophy and Practical Possibilities of Blue Technology."

This symposium was planned under the leadership of Professor Lee Eunji of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Organizing Committee Chair), and was supported by the Research Support Team. It brought together experts from various fields to discuss the technological and social directions for a sustainable future.

Blue technology refers to a next-generation sustainable technology based on the principles of natural ecosystem cycles and life-centered design, aiming for efficient use of resources, energy conservation, and biodiversity protection. It is gaining attention as a new technological paradigm that goes beyond simple eco-friendly technology by integrating science, technology, art, and the humanities.

The symposium began with a welcoming address from GIST President Lim Ki-chul. A total of six speakers presented on a variety of topics related to blue technology, sharing and proposing the practical possibilities and future directions of the technology.

Lee Insik, Director of the Knowledge Convergence Research Institute, presented on "Blue Technology and Blue Economy," offering philosophical backgrounds and technological alternatives for blue technology. Professor Song Youngmin of the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering introduced robot technologies inspired by animal vision systems in his presentation, "How Do Animal Eyes Inspire Robots?" and emphasized the importance of ecology-based technology.

Next, Professor Kwon Oseok of Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Nano Engineering introduced edge device receptonics diagnostic technology based on blue technology, sharing research cases and visions from the GIST DiVAS Research Center. Professor Yoon Jeongwon of the Department of AI Convergence presented on "Development of a Strong and Flexible Soft Robotic Arm Based on Nematode Muscle Mimicry," introducing soft robotics technologies suitable for marine environments.

Professor Jeong Seokhee of Chonnam National University's Department of Environmental Energy Engineering highlighted the possibilities of convergence technologies that combine ecological imagination in his presentation, "Microbial Electrochemical Systems: The Art of Bioelectricity Inspired by Nature." Kim Hyunju, Principal Researcher at the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering's Seawater Energy Research Center, shed light on cases of blue technology applied to the marine industry and its potential for industrial expansion in her presentation, "Blue Technology and the Marine Industry."

GIST President Lim Ki-chul stated, "Blue technology is a new technological approach that seeks answers from nature and explores ways for humans and nature to coexist. GIST has long recognized the potential of blue technology, participating in related research and industrialization planning, and we will continue to actively pursue practical actions for a sustainable future."

Lee Insik, Director of the Knowledge Convergence Research Institute, commented, "I hope this event will contribute to solving social problems such as job creation through blue technology and blue economy, which are at the core of carbon-neutral industries and climate tech."

Professor Lee Eunji, Chair of the Symposium Organizing Committee, said, "Blue technology is more than just eco-friendly technology; it is the foundation for convergent thinking that connects science, the humanities, and the arts. I hope this symposium will serve as an opportunity to spread awareness of a technological philosophy that values life and sustainability as its core principles."