In 2025, the Korea Next Generation Academy of Science and Technology (Y-KAST) selected 20 young scientists with an average age of 40.4, known for their outstanding research achievements. The Korea Academy of Science and Technology announced on the 17th that it elected 20 young scientists, including Professor Shin Yoo-jung from Jeonbuk National University, as Y-KAST members.
Y-KAST chooses members from young scientists aged 43 or under who have achieved significant academic success, focusing on achievements as independent researchers in Korea after obtaining their doctoral degrees. Being selected for Y-KAST signifies recognition as a ‘next-generation leader’ likely to contribute to future advancements in science and technology.
The average age of this year’s elected members is 40.4 years. They include:
– 1 member from the Policy Division (Professor Shin Yoo-jung from Jeonbuk National University)
– 5 from the Natural Sciences Division (Professor Kim Jae-hoon from KAIST, Professor Park Jin-hee from DGIST, Researcher Lee Sang-kyu from IBS, Professor Lee Sung-bin from KAIST, and Professor Choi Chang-hyeok from POSTECH)
– 8 from the Engineering Division (Professor Kim San-ha from KAIST, Professor Shin Mi-kyung from Sungkyunkwan University, Professor Ahn Ji-hwan from POSTECH, Professor Oh Dong-yeob from Inha University, Researcher Lee Woong from KIST, Professor Cho Kang-woo from POSTECH, Professor Joo Jin-hyun from KAIST, and Professor Hwang Ui-jong from KAIST)
– 3 from the Agriculture and Fisheries Division (Professor Kwon Chun-tak from Kyung Hee University, Professor Park Joon-won from Seoul National University, and Professor Jeong Young-hoon from Kyungpook National University)
– 3 from the Medical Division (Professor Lee Shi-hyung from Seoul National University, Professor Jeong Hyun-jeong from KAIST, and Professor Cha Jae-kook from Yonsei University).
This year marked the first time Y-KAST members were selected from Kyungpook National University and IBS. The academy plans to hold the ‘2024 Y-KAST Members Day’ on the 19th to present membership certificates to the new members.