Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) and Purdue University jointly established the JBNU-Purdue Research Institute (JPRI), which marked the start of global collaborative research through an international conference. Researchers from both universities gathered to share research visions across all fields of future strategic industries, including Physical AI, future mobility, and advanced defense, and announced the full-scale launch of a Korea–U.S. research collaboration platform.

JBNU held the JPRI international conference established jointly with Purdue University on June 12 at the Donghaeng Hall of the JBNU International Center, and shared a joint vision and development directions for expanding global research collaboration.

The conference was organized to introduce JPRI’s research vision, jointly pursued by the two universities, to internal and external audiences and to promote international collaborative research and the establishment of an industry–university collaboration network in future advanced industry sectors. The event was attended by President Yang O-bong, Purdue University Senior Vice President Dimitrios Peroulis, university researchers, domestic and international experts, students, and industry representatives, who discussed measures to strengthen global research collaboration.

On the day, JPRI Director Guk Gyeong-su and Purdue University Professor Martin Jun presented the background and operational direction of JPRI. President Yang O-bong delivered the keynote speech announcing JBNU’s AI-based education and research innovation strategy, “JBNU on AI.” Senior Vice President Dimitrios Peroulis presented Purdue University's global research collaboration strategy and JPRI’s development vision, proposing ways to expand cooperation between the two universities.

Notably, Purdue provided consultation and advisory input on education and research innovation models related to the 'Seoul National University 10' initiative, drawing attention. JBNU presented its education innovation strategy, plans for fostering branded colleges, and directions for pursuing the AI hub university project. Purdue faculty offered policy and academic improvement suggestions based on cases of operating globally leading universities. Through this, the two institutions were assessed to have concretized a cooperative model that extends beyond simple collaborative research to encompass university-wide innovation.

In the afternoon session, presentations by researchers from both universities continued on themes in future strategic industry fields, including Physical AI, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, future mobility, next-generation energy, and the defense industry. From Purdue, Professor Inseok Hwang (cyber-physical systems in aerospace), Professor Michael Sealy (functional materials based on advanced manufacturing technologies), and Professor Amy Marconnet (thermal engineering technologies for next-generation electronic devices) each delivered presentations.

At JBNU, Professor Kim Sun-tae (development of leading models for Physical AI), Professor Jo Hyeong-gi (Spatial AI and robotics), and Professor Jang Won-jun (AI-based future defense industry development strategies) presented research outcomes that attracted attendees' attention. Bae Jong-sik, Vice President of DH Group, outlined directions for the development of AI-based future mobility and human–machine interface technologies, proposing university–industry joint research and talent development cooperation measures.

Taking this conference as an opportunity, the two universities agreed to expand research cooperation by identifying international collaborative research projects, exchanging researchers, and operating joint graduate education programs, and to build a global research cooperation system centered on Physical AI-based future mobility, smart energy, and advanced bio sectors.

In particular, JPRI plans to participate in branded colleges and specialized convergence research institutes linked to JBNU's ongoing 'Seoul National University 10' initiative, and to operate global joint education and collaborative research programs. JPRI will also expand university–industry joint research through cooperation with companies such as DH Group, and actively participate in the AI hub university project and the attraction of large national research projects.

JBNU plans to further expand strategic cooperation with Purdue centered on JPRI to establish a Korea–U.S. research collaboration platform that encompasses international collaborative research, global talent development, and industry–university collaboration, and to develop into an international collaborative research hub leading the creation of world-class research outcomes.

President Yang O-bong said, “JPRI is a global research collaboration platform that consolidates the research capabilities of JBNU and Purdue University,” adding, “We will lay the foundation for advancing into a world-class research university through branded colleges linked to the 'Seoul National University 10' initiative, specialized convergence research institutes, and the establishment of AI research hubs.”

Meanwhile, JPRI is an international research collaboration platform jointly pursued by JBNU and Purdue University. The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding last year to establish a strategic cooperation system and have been working to establish JPRI. With this international conference as an opportunity, they plan to fully launch global collaborative research and researcher exchanges.