Gyeongsang National University Emerges as a Central Hub in the Global Aerospace and Defense Network

2nd Aerospace and Defense International Convergence Conference 2025 Successfully Held
Over 300 Representatives from Academia, Industry, Research, Government, and Military Gather
Elevating the Status of a Global Aerospace Hub City

Gyeongsang National University, a leading national university in the aerospace sector in South Korea, has emerged as a central hub in the global aerospace and defense network.

On November 25, Gyeongsang National University in Gyeongnam announced that it had successfully hosted the "2nd Aerospace and Defense International Convergence Conference 2025" at the main auditorium on the second floor of the GNU Convention Center at the Gajwa Campus.

This event was co-organized by Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Sacheon City, and Gyeongsang National University, and gained further significance by being held in conjunction with "SERESSA 2025," a world-renowned international academic conference in the field of aerospace and semiconductor reliability.

This is seen as a demonstration of Gyeongsang National University’s unparalleled capabilities as a specialized university in the aerospace sector in South Korea, and as a platform for global technological exchange.

Photos from the 2nd Aerospace and Defense International Convergence Conference 2025 at Gyeongsang National University

The conference was attended by over 300 key figures from academia, industry, research institutes, government, and the military, making it a resounding success.

Notable attendees included Kwon Jinhoe, President of Gyeongsang National University; Shin Sangbeom, President of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality; Cha Jaebyung, CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries; Choi Cheoljin, President of the Korea Institute of Materials Science; Yoon Jongseok, President of the Korea Ceramic Technology Institute; and Hwang Youngmin, Head of the Air Force Education and Training Command, among other leaders from various sectors.

Additionally, Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, and Park Dongsik, Mayor of Sacheon, sent congratulatory messages and videos, reaffirming Gyeongsangnam-do’s status as the hub of the aerospace industry.

During the keynote session, Dr. Raoul Velazco, Co-Chair of SERESSA from the TIMA Laboratory in France, delivered a presentation on "Predicting Error Rates in Programmable Circuits," while Dr. Viyas Gupta from the European Space Agency (ESA) presented on "ESA Mission Classification and Project Recommendations," both receiving enthusiastic responses. Dr. Kim Seongcheol from the Agency for Defense Development then discussed "The Future of Global Signals Intelligence Satellite Systems."

The afternoon sessions were divided into two tracks: aerospace policy and K-defense technology and industry. Leading international scholars such as Dr. Dale McMorrow from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Dr. Yoon Jaeseong from the University of Surrey in the UK, as well as industry experts like Jo Jeongil, Executive Director of Korea Aerospace Industries, and officials from the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, shared specific and practical technology strategies, including next-generation helicopter technology, defense space standardization, and materials for extreme space environments.

This event was conducted in a "paperless" format to promote environmental protection, utilizing QR codes for real-time sharing of materials and providing simultaneous interpretation services, which were well received by the more than 300 participants.

In particular, this event served as a showcase for the innovative achievements and global networking capabilities that Gyeongsang National University has accomplished in the aerospace and defense sectors since being selected for the government’s "Glocal University 30" initiative. Gyeongsang National University has established the nation’s first "College of Aerospace" to train specialized professionals, and through this event, demonstrated its role not only in education but also as a focal point for international research collaboration.

In his opening remarks, Kwon Jinhoe, President of Gyeongsang National University, stated, "Now in its second year, this conference is a declaration of Gyeongsang National University’s strong commitment, together with Gyeongsangnam-do and Sacheon City, to become a global leader in the aerospace and defense sectors." He emphasized, "As a glocal university, we will drive the growth of local industries and firmly establish a technological network with world-class scholars, faithfully fulfilling our role as a true 'hub of aerospace and defense research.'"

In the wrap-up session of the closing ceremony, Kim Hyeongjun, Director of the Gyeongnam Aerospace and Defense Institute of Science and Technology (GADIST), who organized the event, remarked, "This conference was significant in that the university and local governments came together to elevate the event’s stature and, through collaboration with SERESSA, secured a practical international network." He added, "Gyeongsang National University will continue to fulfill its role as a 'first mover' in the aerospace and defense sectors."