Future Tech
The Samsung Group announced on April 10 that 40 research projects were selected by the Samsung Future Technology Promotion Foundation as this year’s first support projects.
In the field of basic science, 17 projects were chosen, including research on bio-molecular networks that describe the reasons and provide the solutions for incurable diseases stemming from proteins such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In the materials technology area, 10 projects were selected, which include research on insulation materials that can keep noise from traveling between floors using a new porous metamaterial. In the field of ICT convergent creative projects, 13 projects are going to be supported, including a study on conveying sound to a specific person without them wearing earphones using the phenomenon where ultrasonic waves change into audible sound waves.
The three future technology promoting programs are aimed at nurturing future technology with an investment of 1.5 trillion won (US$1.4 billion) in basic science, materials technology, and ICT convergent creative projects for 10 years. Last year, 26 projects were selected for the first time. The application and screening process for the next selection is going to be conducted between June and July.
“About 70 Korean examiners tried their best to choose creative and challenging projects by discussing the basic concept of each project while staying together for a few days,” said Kuk Young, head of the screening committee and professor at the Department of Physics & Astronomy of Seoul National University. He added, “Renowned scholars abroad who also participated in the screening process, including Nobel laureates, were impressed by the high caliber of submitted research projects.”