The Ministry of Education and the Korea Research Foundation announced the preliminary selections for the 2026 University Basic Research Institute Support (G-LAMP) program on August 1. Four universities have been selected for new support: Jeju University and Yeungnam University from non-capital regions, and Sejong University and Chung-Ang University from the capital region.
The G-LAMP program (Global-Learning & Academic Research Institution for Master’s, PhD students, and Postdocs) aims to innovate the support management system for individual research institutes at universities, focusing on large-scale interdisciplinary research in basic science and engineering, as well as nurturing emerging researchers. The program began in 2023.
Starting with eight universities in its first year (Seoul National University, Ajou University, Gyeongsang National University, Kangwon National University, Kyungpook National University, Pukyong National University, Busan National University, and Chosun University), the program expanded to six universities in 2024 (Sogang University, Changwon National University, Yonsei University, Chonnam National University, Jeonbuk National University, and Chungbuk National University) and six more in 2025 (Kyung Hee University, Soongsil University, Ewha Womans University, Dong-A University, Soonchunhyang University, and Chungnam National University). This year, four additional universities were added, bringing the total to 24 universities (15 from non-capital regions and 9 from the capital region).
With Jeju University’s selection this year, all 10 regional national universities across the country are now participating in the G-LAMP program. This development positions regional universities as key hubs for basic science research and provides strong momentum for nurturing emerging researchers in those areas.
The four newly selected universities will receive government funding of 5 billion won annually for up to five years (three years plus two years). The decision on the additional two years of funding and budget will be determined based on a mid-term evaluation conducted in the third year of support.
Following the preliminary selection announcement, the Ministry of Education plans to finalize the support recipients after a 10-day objection period. In August, the ministry will review key agreements and implementation plans with each university before signing final agreements, with the program set to commence in September.
The ministry aims to cultivate over 1,000 advanced personnel in the basic science field (including 200 emerging faculty and 100 postdoctoral researchers), double the influx of postdoctoral researchers from other universities, and publish more than 20 papers in top-tier journals such as NATURE, CELL, and SCIENCE (within the top 1% of JCR).
The four universities selected this year have proposed plans to expand their research scope from pure basic science to applied and advanced technology areas, tailored to their unique characteristics.
Sejong University, selected as a Type 1 university in the capital region, will focus on physics, particularly in optics and atomic molecular physics, to secure 'quantum materials and quantum-AI convergence core technologies.' The university aims to establish a world-class quantum convergence research hub by elucidating the fundamental principles of quantum materials and phenomena, and developing core technologies in quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum information processing, and quantum AI convergence. To achieve this, Sejong University will promote integrated research linking quantum materials, information, computing, and sensing technologies with AI, establishing a comprehensive research platform that supports the entire cycle from quantum data generation to utilization.
Jeju University, selected as a Type 1 university in a non-capital region, will pursue 'tropical climate, marine, and ecological convergence research' based on earth science with a focus on marine and polar science. The university plans to establish a global tropical research hub in the Jeju region, which is at the forefront of climate crisis, using it as a 'natural laboratory.' It aims to create a sustainable research ecosystem centered around the 'Tropical Butterfly (NAVI) Research Institute.' Researchers will conduct observational and predictive studies in multi-media environments, including marine, atmospheric, groundwater, and soil, while elucidating the structural changes in ecosystems and biological response mechanisms, and conducting predictive and verification research based on integrated data from 14 detailed projects using AX (AI transformation).
Yeungnam University, selected as a Type 2 university in a non-capital region, will utilize electric and electronic-based convergence fields such as AI, big data, and biosensing to establish an 'electronic-bio convergence healthcare platform.' The university aims to address issues related to an aging population and medical disparities by developing an intelligent AI-based platform centered around its industrial technology research institute, and plans to nurture 12 full-time faculty members and 12 postdoctoral researchers. Specifically, it will carry out three overarching and 12 detailed projects, including continuous biosignal monitoring based on implantable microsystems, wearable gait assistance actuation systems, and AI disease prediction based on multimodal big data.
Chung-Ang University, selected as a Type 2 university in the capital region, has focused its research on electric and electronic-based convergence fields, including computer networks and nano-convergence materials. The university will establish and operate the 'A-HUMAN Research Institute' under the vision of '20W Intelligence, Beyond Human Limits,' expanding the principles of ultra-low power and high-efficiency in human nervous systems, brains, and muscles into foundational research in electrical, electronic, and communication fields. The institute will promote collaborative research based on four major research axes connecting Neural-Brain-Muscle-Human, institutionalize integrated management of on-campus research institutes and differential support systems, and manage research infrastructure such as semiconductor processing equipment and GPU servers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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