JBNU and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Oh Sang-rok) established the Dept. of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research through the university–research institute joint professorship system, the first such system introduced at a national university. The department will collaborate with local small and medium-sized enterprise Enertech International Co., Ltd. (CEO Shin Sang-gi) to begin implementing an industry–university linked education program in earnest.

JBNU announced on the 19th that the Dept. of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research, led by Department Head Professor Seung-hee Lee, will advance an Industry-University Cooperation program with Enertech International Co., Ltd. to strengthen field-centered education and employment linkage.

The department has been conducting field-centered education in partnership with companies as part of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s "Pilot Project to Establish University–Research Collaboration Platforms" and the government’s policy to remove barriers between universities and government-funded research institutes.

The Dept. of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research has continuously expanded practical, company-linked education. Following a memorandum of understanding with Vinatek Co., Ltd. in December last year to promote field training and employment linkage, and after EnerEver Battery Solution Co., Ltd. in September this year, Enertech International Co., Ltd. has joined as a new participating company.

This collaboration is operated as part of the "Jeonbuk-Style Waterloo Co-op (Co-Operative Education) Program." The program is a field training support project that redesigns the University of Waterloo’s representative practical talent development model to fit local conditions. During the semester, students take theoretical courses at the university and participate in company-based practical training during vacations. Through this, students can strengthen both their major knowledge and practical competencies.

Enertech International Co., Ltd. is a specialized company that has developed next-generation battery technologies, including lithium-ion batteries, silicon anodes, and lithium‑iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Through this collaboration, JBNU will provide graduate students with field training and employment opportunities, and the company will support students’ acquisition of new technologies and enhancement of practical skills.

For the smooth operation of the program, the Dept. of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research and Enertech International Co., Ltd. recently signed an Industry-University Cooperation agreement.

Professor Seung-hee Lee (Department of Polymer -Nano Science &Technology, JBNU), who is leading the program, said, "This program is a core track of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s policy to remove barriers between universities and government-funded research institutes. By creating a foundation that reliably channels customized talent trained through the university–research professorship into regional companies, we will continuously create model cases of industry–university–research collaboration and greatly contribute to increasing graduate employment rates."

Meanwhile, graduate students who wish to participate in the program may inquire and apply via the Dept. of JBNU-KIST Industry-Academia Convergence Research email (jbnukist@jbnu.ac.kr).