‘KIAT Should Grow into a Reliable Institution to Support Substantial Growth of Field’

President Min Byung-joo of Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). (Photos: KIAT)

Min Byung-joo, a politician-turned nuclear power researcher, took office as president of Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) at the Korea Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 7. Her term ends on Sept. 6, 2025.

KIAT elected Min Byung-joo, a visiting professor at Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST), as the 5th president of the industry technology R&D support institute, KIAT said on Oct. 7.

KIAT President Min, 63, was born in Busan. She graduated from Ewha Womans University Physics Department and Graduate School and obtained a doctorate in nuclear physics from Kyushu University of Japan.

Min entered the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute as the first female researcher of the institute, after she had been with the Japanese Atomic Power Research Institute.

Min served as chair of the Association of Korea Woman Scientists and Engineers and chair of the Korea Nuclear Society.

Min, recognized for her expertise in the engineering sector, also served as a representative lawmaker from the predecessor of the ruling People Power Party. Min is the first politician-turned KIAT president.

In her inaugural speech, KIAT President Min said, “KIAT should grow into a reliable institution to support the substantial growth of the field.”

“In an era of industrial revolution, competition is heating up to secure global technology hegemony., and KIAT should play an aggressive part to help companies overcome outside uncertainties,” she said.

KIAT hosted a technology-sharing event in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Korea Electric Power Corp. at Samjung Hotel in Seoul on Sept. 21.

KIAT Teams Up with IDB to Expand Industry and Energy ODA Projects to Central & South America

Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) signed an MOU on the sustainable development of Central and South America, and joint support on the transition to a low-carbon economy using innovative technologies and Korea’s experience with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), KIAT said on Sept. 29.

IDB, established in 1959, is the largest source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean.

KIAT, an institution responsible for the implementation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, provides assistance for the economic development of developing countries and Korean companies’ exploration of emerging markets.

Under the deal, KIAT and IDB will further cement cooperation in the conventional areas of common concern such as renewable energy and green industry infrastructure.