Reflecting on Five Decades, and Shaping the Next Fifty Years
The College of Natural Sciences at Seoul National University (SNU) was established in 1975 following the university’s relocation from Dongsoong-dong to its current Gwanak Campus, marking its separation from the former College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Since then, it has grown into Korea’s largest institution dedicated to education and research in the natural sciences.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the College has launched the "Science, Next 50" initiative—an ambitious effort to both honor past achievements and set a bold vision for the future of basic science. As part of this initiative, the “Future Forum for Natural Sciences: Revisiting the Present” was held on May 9 at Building 28 on the Gwanak Campus.
The forum was designed to review the College’s accomplishments in basic science over the past half-century, while also exploring strategies for future breakthroughs. World-renowned scholars affiliated with or graduated from the College—including Prof. Hongkun Park (Harvard University), Prof. V. Narry Kim (SNU), Prof. Hyunseok Jeong (SNU), and Prof. Nam-Gyu Park (Sungkyunkwan University)—came together to share their research and offer insights on the future direction of natural science education and innovation.
Prof. Hongkun Park, Harvard University
Vision from Leading Scholars: “The College Should Be a Cradle for Future Leaders”
Prof. Hongkun Park, a leading figure in the field of molecular and electronic science at Harvard, referenced Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and MIT quantum computing pioneer Peter Shor in his keynote. He emphasized that the College must go beyond pursuing mere excellence, and instead aim to cultivate scientific leaders who set new trends and inspire others to follow.
Prof. V. Narry Kim, renowned for her groundbreaking work on the mechanism of mRNA vaccines, stated that "natural science expands the intellectual boundaries of humankind.” She highlighted the importance of nurturing trailblazers who venture into the realm of “unknown unknowns”—those areas of knowledge we don't even know we don't know.
Distinguished Prof. V. Narry Kim, SNU
Prof. Hyunseok Jeong of SNU stressed the growing importance of collaboration: “We are no longer in an era where one person can do everything. It’s now about merging strengths to open up entirely new fields.” Meanwhile, Prof. Nam-Gyu Park of Sungkyunkwan University pointed out that while SNU already attracts Korea’s best students, it must “break out of the traditional framework of basic science to truly stand alongside institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Oxford.”
Science, Next 50: A Bold Step into the Future
More than just a celebratory campaign, the “Science, Next 50” project serves as a blueprint for advancing basic science in the decades ahead. Amidst evolving global challenges, the College of Natural Sciences is rethinking its role and laying new foundations for the future, grounded in its past achievements.
The second Future Forum, titled “What’s Next for Natural Science?” will take place on June 13, with a focus on advanced technology and interdisciplinary research. In addition, a formal 50th Anniversary Ceremony will be held on October 17, featuring keynote lectures by distinguished scholars and the unveiling of the College’s renewed vision for the next half-century.