Table of Contents
- Announcement of the Birth of a World-Class Research Hub: Pusan National University’s 'Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute' Preliminary Selection
- Reasons Why Pusan National University’s 'Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute' is Gaining Attention
- Busan City Provides Comprehensive Support to Attract the Research Institute
- Overview of the National Research Institute (NRL2.0) Project
- Conclusion: Changes in the Future of Busan Following the National Research Institute's Main Evaluation
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Announcement of the Birth of a World-Class Research Hub: Pusan National University’s 'Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute' Preliminary Selection

Pusan National University achieved the result of being selected as the 'Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute' in the preliminary evaluation of the National Research Institute (NRL2.0) contest. This project is conducted under the joint management of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and ICT, aiming to nurture world-class university-affiliated research institutes. The selected research institutes will receive government support of up to 100 billion KRW annually for a maximum of 10 years. This support is expected to significantly enhance the research capabilities of Pusan National University.

This preliminary selection is an important achievement, combining the research capabilities of Pusan National University and the cooperative support of Busan City. In September, four research institutes will be decided upon through the main evaluation and the project promotion committee's review, with full-scale research expected to start from the end of this year.
Reasons Why Pusan National University’s 'Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute' is Gaining Attention

The 'Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute' proposed by Pusan National University has a primary goal of securing energy source technologies that can be utilized in cryogenic and ultra-low environments. This research goes beyond basic science to engage in interdisciplinary convergence research linked to various fields such as advanced materials, life sciences, biomedical engineering, and port logistics, closely tied to Busan's industrial ecosystem.
The specifics of the research are divided into several components. First, it includes the exploration of ultracryogenic phenomena and the development of advanced materials, as well as the analysis of ultra-low temperature biological phenomena and the application of regenerative medicine technologies. Additionally, energy storage technologies and industrial application technologies will be secured, and a scientific information database will be constructed, along with initiatives to foster connections with applied industries.
In particular, 'ultra-low temperature technologies' are linked to the nation's major projects such as Arctic route exploration, marine logistics, and decarbonized energy strategies, making it a highly regarded core research subject that aligns with policy initiatives. The development of this research institute is expected to contribute to the industrial growth of Busan and the enhancement of national competitiveness.
Busan City Provides Comprehensive Support to Attract the Research Institute

Busan City demonstrated its commitment to advancing the local R&D ecosystem through this contest. Since the initial stages of preparation for attracting the institute, extensive support has been provided, including the formation of a task force team led by the vice mayor for attracting national research institutes. In collaboration with the Busan Institute for Science and Technology Education, administrative support, consultation, and financial assistance have been generously provided.
This regional effort goes beyond merely attracting the research institute; it is expected to become an excellent example of 'Industry-University Cooperation.' Once the institute operates fully, innovative technology exchanges among companies, universities, and research institutions in the Busan area will be activated, paving the way for greater application in the industrial sector. This will further enhance Busan's competitiveness as a research and industrial hub.
Overview of the National Research Institute (NRL2.0) Project

The NRL2.0 (National Research Institute) project is a new program focused on creating sustainable large-scale and convergence research hubs, moving beyond simple support for individual labs.
The existing NRL program has assisted over 400 laboratories since 1999, and this NRL2.0 prepares to leap to a world-class level through structural innovation in university-affiliated research institutes.
Item | Details |
Project Purpose | Leading the world's first and highest-level research, innovation of the research ecosystem |
Support Target | University-affiliated research institutes registered in KCI |
Support Scale | Up to 10 billion KRW per research institute annually (50% from the Ministry of Education, 50% from the Ministry of Science and ICT) |
Support Method | Block Funding (Package support) - Research funds + manpower + equipment, etc. |
Support Period | Up to 10 years (3+4+3 phased) |
2025 Budget | Total of 20 billion KRW (4 research institutes expected to be selected) |
Conclusion: Changes in the Future of Busan Following the National Research Institute's Main Evaluation

The successful passing of the main evaluation by Pusan National University's Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute represents a critical opportunity for Busan to leap towards becoming a center of advanced science and technology beyond merely university research achievements. The development of ultra-low temperature technologies is closely linked to national policies, and future cooperation with large-scale government projects is highly anticipated.
Busan City plans to devote its full efforts to ensure these achievements. They have pledged to spare no administrative or financial support until final selection is reached. There is considerable interest in the results of this main evaluation to promote the advancement of science and technology in South Korea from Busan.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the significance of Pusan National University’s Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute being selected in the preliminary evaluation of the National Research Institute (NRL2.0)?
The Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute at Pusan National University has secured the possibility of receiving up to 100 billion KRW in government support for ten years by passing the NRL2.0 preliminary evaluation.
The selection of Pusan National University’s Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute in the preliminary evaluation for the National Research Institute (NRL2.0) contest is a significant achievement. This project is co-managed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and ICT, aiming to nurture world-class university-affiliated research institutes. Selected research institutes can receive government support of up to 100 billion KRW annually for a maximum of ten years, enhancing their research capabilities.
Q. What are the research goals and main contents of the Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute at Pusan National University?
The core focus is on energy source technologies based on ultra-low temperatures and interdisciplinary convergence research.
The Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute aims to secure energy source technologies in ultra-low temperature environments. The research content includes the exploration of ultracryogenic phenomena, development of advanced materials, analysis of ultra-low temperature biological phenomena, regenerative medicine technologies, energy storage technologies and industrial applications, and the construction of scientific information databases, among other interdisciplinary convergent research. These technologies are closely linked to Busan's industry, including maritime logistics and biomedical engineering, and are expected to have significant ripple effects.
Q. What role did Busan City play in attracting and supporting the Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute?
Busan City provided comprehensive support for attracting the research institute through the formation of a task force team and administrative, financial, and consulting support.
Busan City formed a task force team led by the vice mayor for attracting national research institutes and collaborated with the Busan Institute for Science and Technology Education to provide consultation, administrative, and financial support. These efforts are expected to serve as a model for activating industry-university cooperation and significantly promote technological exchange and industrial applications between local companies, universities, and research institutions.
Q. What distinguishes the NRL2.0 project from the existing NRL?
NRL2.0 focuses on structural innovation and fostering convergence research hubs.
The NRL2.0 project is designed to enable university-affiliated research institutes to leap to a world-class research hub, unlike the existing NRL program, which supported over 400 labs since 1999. It is a new support program aiming for sustainable large-scale and convergence research beyond simple lab support.
Q. What changes will occur for Busan and the nation if the Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute passes the main evaluation?
It will contribute to the growth of Busan as a center of advanced science and technology and enhance national competitiveness.
If the Ultra-low Temperature Research Institute passes the main evaluation, Busan will become a significant turning point to grow as a center of advanced science and technology. Particularly, ultra-low temperature technologies are linked to national core policies such as Arctic route development, marine logistics, and decarbonization energy strategies, raising expectations for future collaborations on large-scale government projects. Busan City plans to make every effort to support the operation of the research institute, promoting the development of science and technology at both local and national levels.