KAIST

< 2025 OPEN KAIST (Demonstration of the cluster systems and AI drone program conducted in Prof. Il-Chul Moon’s Lab, Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering)>

KAIST announced on November 25th that it is operating the 'Science Education Sharing (KSOP),' 'OPEN KAIST,' and 'KAIST-style IT/AI Academy for the General Public, social contribution programs based on science popularization,in line with the government's policy to spread science culture. Through these initiatives, KAIST is nurturing future science and technology talent and contributing to the popularization of science culture.

KAIST President Kwang Hyung Lee stated, “Under the mission of 'a university that contributes to humanity and society through science and technology,' KAIST is creating a ladder of opportunity through education sharing,” adding, “KSOP and OPEN KAIST are core KAIST programs that help all children dream of becoming scientists, regardless of their economic or regional circumstances. KAIST will continue to actively communicate with the general public and contribute to strengthening national competitiveness in science and technology by pursuing warm science, inclusive education, and a sustainable science culture ecosystem that goes beyond cutting-edge science and technology.”

■ KSOP for Science-Gifted Students from Underprivileged Backgrounds: 8,000 Beneficiaries in 10 Years, 70% Enrollment in STEM Fields

KSOP, operated by the Science Gifted Education Research Institute, is a representative science-sharing program. It selects students with potential in mathematics and science from socially disadvantaged youth and provides direct mentoring by current KAIST undergraduate and graduate students.

Starting with 250 students in 2015, the program expanded to approximately 1,000 participants annually starting in 2022, with a cumulative total of about 8,000 participants by 2025. It has achieved tangible results, with over 70% of graduates advancing into STEM fields, and a knowledge circulation structure has become established where graduates return as mentors.

Creative science education volunteer work has been conducted in underserved areas such as Jeju, Mokpo, and Andong, in addition to Daejeon, Sejong, and Hwaseong, contributing to the alleviation of educational disparities between regions. In particular, the program where mentees teach elementary school students has been cited as a prime example of KAIST's science culture diffusion.

One KSOP graduate who advanced to KAIST and is now been a mentor for five years shared, “Through mentoring, I feel the true value of sharing and service, as well as an inexpressible sense of pride and accomplishment.”

Furthermore, family-unit programs, including parent information sessions, family camps, and counseling support, have strengthened students' emotional and career support. In 2025, the fifth family camp was held, further broadening participation.

'KSOP FRIENDS,' centered on graduates and mentors, has established a virtuous cycle ecosystem connecting scholarships, mentoring, and donations. This initiative has expanded and developed into the 'Daddy-Long-Legs Project,' a representative small-sum regular donation program in which the public can participate.

< KSOP Jeju Island Educational Volunteer Group Photo >

< KSOP Scholarship Award >

■ ‘OPEN KAIST 2025’ to Meet KAIST Laboratories: Record-Breaking Number of Visitors

OPEN KAIST, KAIST's flagship science culture event that opens laboratories and the campus to the public every two years, recorded its highest ever attendance in 2025, with the number of visitors increasing more than fourfold compared to 2023. In particular, the lab tours garnered high interest, with long waiting lists for pre-registration. An elementary school participant commented, “The earthquake research lab tour was so fascinating and very helpful for answering my questions.” Recognizing that some participation was difficult due to the larger-than-expected number of visitors, KAIST announced plans to expand participation opportunities and improve operations in the future.

■ Cultivating Digital Talent through Short-Term Non-Degree IT/Semiconductor Courses for the General Public

The 'KAIST IT Academy' for military personnel is a non-degree program that provides practical, basic training in AI, computer science, and programming, involving KAIST graduate students as instructors. Operated both online and offline, approximately 1,000 trainees participate annually.

The 'SW Academy (Jungle),' a KAIST non-degree software education course, has become a successful model for nurturing young SW talent, with a cumulative 308 people completing the course between 2021 and 2024. Major employers include Naver, Krafton, Team Sparta, Nearthlab, and Woowa Brothers. Jungle trains developers who can be immediately deployed in practical work through hands-on programming education, mentoring by active developers, and planning/design feedback.

Based on the excellence of the Jungle program, Krafton launched and has been operating 'Krafton Jungle' since 2022. This is a social contribution activity by a company founded by KAIST alumnus Chairman Byung-Gyu Jang and is regarded as a prime example of KAIST's talent nurturing model spreading to the private sector.

Furthermore, the KAIST IDEC (IC Design Education Center) trains 240 young people annually as semiconductor design experts through the nurturing of semiconductor design talent, facilitating their entry into the industry.

■ Strengthening National Competitiveness by Building a Future Talent Ecosystem

KSOP received international recognition for its excellence in 2024 by winning the Best Program Award and Best Researcher Award at the Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness (APCG).

KAIST is further expanding its future talent platform by launching 'Junior KAIST' in 2025, a science, mathematics, and AI exploration program for youth. KAIST plans to continue strengthening its role as a public research university that grows with the nation through science and technology-based social contribution and the nurturing of future talent.