Incheon National University Songdo Campus

Incheon National University (President: In-jae Lee) announced that a total of 49 projects have been selected in the first round of the 2026 Basic Research Program for Individuals in Science and Engineering, led by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

In this round of the program, 49 projects were selected, achieving a selection rate of 34.5%, with a total research budget of approximately KRW 23.1 billion. This marks a significant increase in the number of selected projects compared to the previous year and is evaluated as a result of strengthened basic research capabilities at Incheon National University.

Specifically, 29 projects were selected in the Core Research Program for mid-career researchers, with a selection rate of 35.4%, including challenge-oriented projects, indicating enhanced diversity and ambition in research. Selected researchers in this category include Seung-jae Lee (Department of Mathematics), Chang-yeon Lee (Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering), and Chung-wan Koo (Division of Urban Architecture).

In the Young Investigator Program, 19 projects were selected, with a selection rate of 34.5%, contributing to the expansion of growth opportunities for early-career researchers and strengthening overall research competitiveness. Selected researchers in this category include Jae-heon Choi (Department of Safety Engineering) and Chang-min Lee (Department of Chemistry).

This achievement reflects both an expansion in research participation and qualitative growth compared to the previous year.

Dong-gu Kang, Head of the Industry–Academic Cooperation Foundation at Incheon National University, stated, “The increase in selections for the Basic Research Program for Individuals demonstrates significant improvements in both the competitiveness of our researchers and the research-focused environment at our university.” He added, “We will continue to strengthen researcher-centered support and contribute to the advancement of national basic research through outstanding research outcomes.”

Meanwhile, Incheon National University plans to continuously support stable research activities by advancing its research support system and implementing stage-based research support programs.