Seoul National University of Science and Technology Selected as Final Institution for 2025 Specialized Graduate School in Environmental Sector

A Large-Scale Advanced Talent Development Project Worth 4.5 Billion Won Over Five Years

Seoul National University of Science and Technology announced on December 5 that it has been selected as the final institution for the 2025 Specialized Graduate School Development Project in the Environmental Sector (De-Plasticization) promoted by the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute.

Bae Jaegun, Director of the Project Group at Seoul National University of Science and Technology. Seoul National University of Science and Technology

With this final selection, Seoul National University of Science and Technology will receive a total of 4.5 billion won in government funding over the next five years, starting this year, to train highly skilled professionals in the de-plasticization field. In particular, based on the CE:PLAHUB (Convergent Hub for Advanced Fields Across the Entire Plastic Lifecycle) model, the university will conduct education and research spanning the entire plastic lifecycle. In addition, by continuing the existing "De-Plasticization Specialized Graduate School (focused on master's and doctoral research)" extension project, the university has established a top-tier system for nurturing advanced talent in de-plasticization in Korea.

The project group plans to sign interdepartmental MOUs (collaborative agreements) among the Department of Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Department of Fine Chemistry within the university to promote micro-degree-based credit linkage and research exchange. Externally, the group will form a consortium with Mokpo National University and Pukyong National University to establish a nationwide joint education system.

This project is open to graduate students interested in all areas related to the plastic lifecycle, including plastic reduction, collection and sorting technologies, development of alternative materials, and artificial intelligence applications. Participating students will receive a monthly academic support grant of 1 million won and research activity funding.

Jaegeun Bae, Director of the Project Group at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, stated, "With this final selection and the agreement signed on December 1, Seoul National University of Science and Technology has established itself as the nationwide leading platform for training advanced talent in the de-plasticization field." He emphasized, "Over the next five years, based on 4.5 billion won in national support, we will generate tangible results by linking research, education, and industry-academia cooperation."