The Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Center for University wide Research Facilities of National Universities was held successfully June 25–26 at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Convention Center amid strong interest from stakeholders.

This general meeting, held in person for the first time in seven years since COVID-19, brought together representatives from the Center for University wide Research Facilities of national universities to share each institution's operational status and major achievements, and to discuss future development directions and mutual cooperation measures.

At the meeting, various proposals to revitalize the operation of the Center for University wide Research Facilities were presented, and substantive discussions were held to strengthen inter-institutional information exchange and cooperation systems. In particular, concrete measures for sustainable development were discussed in depth, including joint equipment utilization, enhancement of research support systems, and improvement of operational efficiency.

Participants shared exemplary operational cases and current issues from each university and formed a consensus on the need for cooperation to expand the role of and strengthen the competitiveness of the Center for University wide Research Facilities. In addition, the Division of Academic Research Policy, Ministry of Education, delivered a policy briefing, and Professor Seon-tae Kim of JBNU gave a special lecture titled "In the Data Era, I Am Also a Data Scientist," which drew strong interest from attendees.

The association's chair, Director Lee Hyo-jung of JBNU, stated, "This annual general meeting was a meaningful occasion to further solidify the cooperative foundation among the Center for University wide Research Facilities of national universities and to seek practical directions for joint development," and added, "We will continue to strengthen the role and functions of the Center for University wide Research Facilities through close exchange and cooperation."

Meanwhile, the National Association of Center for University wide Research Facilities of National Universities continues to collaborate to share research infrastructure among universities and to enhance laboratory and practical training support capabilities. It plans to sustain joint development through regular exchanges going forward.