First Nationwide Institutionalization of "Research Administration Day" and "Research Administration Knowledge Festival"
Introduction of "Professional Certification System," Establishing R&D Partners That Support Research Immersion
UNIST (President Chong Rae Park) was selected as an exemplary case of advanced research administration at the '2025 Research Administration Conference' held on December 17, and received the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Award.
UNIST research office officials are posing for a commemorative photo after receiving the Minister of Science and ICT Award at the '2025 Research Administration Conference.' Provided by UNIST
The university received high praise for redefining research administration as a professional R&D partner that co-creates research outcomes, rather than simply providing administrative support.
UNIST moved away from the traditional approach of processing researchers' requests after the fact and established a system in which research administration is involved throughout the entire process, from research planning to outcome generation.
The administrative system was completely reorganized based on the research process, and a support structure was established to communicate in the same language as the research field, creating an environment conducive to research immersion. Research administration was institutionalized as a core pillar in achieving research outcomes.
These changes led to institutional innovation. UNIST became the first in Korea to designate a 'Research Administration Day,' officially recognizing the role and value of research administration. In addition, UNIST organized the 'Research Administration Knowledge Festival,' developing it into a nationwide knowledge-sharing platform where universities and research institutes can share their experiences. This is an example of research administration expanding beyond internal functions of individual institutions to a public and professional domain.
UNIST also focused on strengthening expertise. The university introduced a research administration professional certification system covering the entire research process, establishing research administration as an independent professional role.
Research administration personnel have become partners who understand the language of researchers, enabling researchers to focus on their work by reducing administrative burdens.
This advanced research administration model has been reflected in government policy discussions and institutionalization processes, making it a leading example of spreading a research administration culture.
President Chong Rae Park of UNIST stated, "Outstanding research outcomes are only possible when research administration understands the field," adding, "We will continue to strengthen the expertise and role of research administration so that researchers can focus solely on their research."
Lee Gwangho, Head of the Research Planning Team who led this advancement, said, "Research administration is an area that grows by tackling problems together with researchers," and added, "I hope UNIST's experience will spread throughout universities and research institutes, establishing Korean research administration as a global standard."
UNIST plans to further enhance the capabilities of its research support staff, advance its field-oriented research support system, and contribute to strengthening the nation's research competitiveness through research administration innovation.
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