Dear esteemed Members of the Korean Society for Composite Materials,
Warm Greetings to each of you!
I am Yun-Hae KIM, the 23rd President of The Korean Society for Composite Materials.
Since its establishment 36 years ago in 1988, our society has solidified its position as a leading organization in the field of composite materials in South Korea, encompassing various metal, polymer, ceramic-based composites, as well as nano-material-based composites in the aerospace, automotive, and other related industries. Now, our society has evolved into a platform for inter-disciplinary research collaboration not only in mechanics, aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding but also in various material component fields.
Recently, with the growing interest from industries and research institutions in issues such as carbon neutrality and small aerospace vehicles, there has been an active exchange of knowledge and technology between academia and industry. The society has experienced remarkable growth, with our membership surpassing 5,000 this year, and conference registrations exceeding 1,000 participants. We will continue to strive for excellence.
Our society publishes two international journals, Advanced Composite Materials (SCI journal) and Functional Composites and Structures (SCOPUS journal), along with the Korea Research Foundation-listed journal Composites Research. Through robust academic conferences such as the spring and fall symposiums and summer workshops, we foster vibrant collaboration between academia and industry.
During my tenure as the Senior Director of Industry-Academia Cooperation, I initiated events like the Industry-Academia Night and conducted research projects for the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement-related Trade Association, fostering a culture of mutual cooperation and communication between industry and academia. I see that this atmosphere is maturing now.
As the President, I aim to further enhance the Industry-Academia Night during the spring and fall symposiums to strengthen the network between the society, industry, and government, promoting substantial technological exchange and collaboration between industry and academia. Additionally, considering the increasing demand for composite materials in various application areas from aerospace and defense to the automotive industry, I will dedicate efforts to improve research outcomes and enhance technological competitiveness, contributing to the development of the domestic composite materials ecosystem and activating the composite materials industry in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors.
I will work towards expanding the collaboration between industry and academia through the promotion of composite materials and creating a platform for mutually beneficial growth and joyful encounters.
Thank you very much!
January 2024
Yun-Hae KIM
23rd President
Korean Society for Composite Materials