Introduction to BK21 Program
Korea's flagship talent-fostering program for the past two decades
Brain Korea(BK) 21 was launched in 1999 as a creative talent-fostering program aimed at improving the educational environment and R&D capabilities of Korea's graduate schools. Since its establishment, BK21 has contributed to raising the country's research expertise and competitiveness to a global level while laying the groundwork for nurturing and fostering future academic generations; the history of BK21 is entwined with the history of higher education advancement in Korea.
BK21 differs from other research funding programs in that it directs most of its funds toward supporting master's and doctoral program students and young aspiring researchers who will lead the way in academia in the future, providing them with a robust educational and research environment where they can fully immerse themselves in research. Currently, the 4th BK21 Program(2020-2027) is underway. It is worth noting that the 4th BK21 Program has newly established a budget for Graduate School Innovation Support, and this effort is expected to further strengthen the foundation of the research-oriented university ecosystem through institutional innovation in graduate schools, mainly driven by university headquarters.
BK21 Project Divisions&Teams
Future-Oriented Talented Leading Program
Program type | Divisions | Leader | Site | |
Applied science | Applied Life | Graduate Program for Agrobiotech Glocal Education | Ilkeun Kong | |
Machine | GNU Graduate Education and Research Program for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers | Hwang Wook Ryol | ||
Basic science | Chemistry | Graduate School for Molecular Materials Chemistry | Choi Myong Yong | |
Basic science | Psychology/Child/Customer | Working Group for Training Human Resources in Conflict Resolution and Community Mental Health Management | Yang Nan-Mee | |
Innovation-Oriented Talented Leading Program
Program type | Divisions | Leader | Site | |
New industries | Bio-health /Innovative new drug | Center for Human Resource Development in the Bio-Health Industry | Byoung-Kuk Na | |
Big data | GNU Bio&Medical Big-data Research Center | Hyeon-Su Ro | ||
Advanced materials | Education and Research Program of AI Convergence Engineering for Industrial Intelligence in Gyeongsangnam-do | Lee, Seonah | ||
Artifcial intelligence | GNU Intelligent Advanced Materials Center for Research Pioneers | Nam, Sang-Yong | ||
Environment and Energy | Carbon Trade Barrier Response Carbon-Free Energy Integrated Platform Innovation Talent Training Project Group | Jung, Hyun Young | click | |
Industrial and Societal Problem Solving | Regional Innovation Group of GreenBio Convergence for Leading to Future Society | Cho, Kye Man | ||