Alumnus Jeong Cheol-woong Donates KRW 100 Million to Support Life Sciences and Chemistry

Alumnus Jeong Cheol-woong, who serves as Director of the ADC Research Institute at LigaChem Biosciences, has donated a total of KRW 100 million to his alma mater, with KRW 50 million designated for each of the Department of Life Sciences and the Department of Chemistry, where one of his children is currently enrolled. Alumnus Jeong previously contributed to a development fund in 2016 alongside fellow alumni of the Department of Life Sciences to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of GIST's establishment. He earned his master's degree from the GIST Department of Life Sciences in 1999 and his doctoral degree in 2003, and developed expertise in drug research and development while working as a research fellow at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S. and as a researcher at LG Life Sciences. Since joining LigaChem Biosciences in 2014, he has led the company's research and development as a member of its core management team. Alumnus Jeong remarked, “My research experience at GIST made me who I am today,” adding, “I hope this contribution will help create an environment where younger researchers can pursue ambitious research without fear of failure.” He also expressed his desire to pass on the benefits of his drug development experience to the next generation. With this donation, GIST plans to further strengthen its educational and research environments in life sciences and chemistry and expand the support available to outstanding researchers pursuing ambitious work.

Dr. Ko Gwang-heung Donates KRW 500 Million to GIST in Reflection of His Philosophy of Life

A ceremony was held to mark Dr. Ko Gwang-heung's donation of KRW 500 million to GIST, together with the unveiling of Suun Hall, the auditorium of the Advanced Photonics Research Institute (APRI) named after his pen name. Dr. Ko is a water resources expert who worked for approximately 40 years at the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Office of Waterworks and Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water). Throughout his career, he contributed to improving public-sector management efficiency and policy development through research on such topics as optimal pricing for regional water supply systems and the economic effects of multipurpose dams. He has also devoted himself to educating students at several universities. This donation was made to support the development of future talent and improvements to GIST's research environment, drawing on the experience Dr. Ko accumulated throughout his career in public service and academia. To honor his wishes, GIST named the APRI auditorium “Suun Hall.” The name “Suun” carries the meaning, “Give as water does and live as freely as the clouds,” embodying his life philosophy that values sharing, freedom, and the public good. Dr. Ko stated, “This donation stems from my belief that water flows toward the lowest places and benefits all, while clouds linger and disperse freely without attachment,” adding, “I hope GIST will grow into a university that contributes to human progress by cultivating world-class scientists and engineers.” The KRW 500 million donation will be used to develop research infrastructure at the APRI and improve student housing, including the renovation of dormitories.