UNIST has been recognized in the 2025 Government Research Fund Management Best Practices Competition, receiving excellence awards in both the institutional and individual categories. The honors reflect the university's commitment to creating an environment where researchers can focus on their work, supported by streamlined and standardized administrative processes.
The UNIST Research Supporting Team was honored at a ceremony hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea, competing against research management organizations from universities and government-funded institutes nationwide. The biennial competition identifies and promotes exemplary practices in government research fund administration.
UNIST earned the institutional award for its 'Innovative Model for Supporting New Research Administration Staff.' By combining monthly foundational training with one-on-one mentoring, the program reduced the adaptation period for new staff from six months to three and significantly lowered administrative errors. The improvements directly benefit researchers, allowing them to dedicate more time to their work.
SooYoun Son (Right), Head of the UNIST Research Supporting Team, received the Grand Prize for her submission, 'Creating a Practical Research Administration Manual.'
SooYoun Son, Head of the UNIST Research Supporting Team, received the individual category Grand Prize for her submission, 'The Making of a Practical Research Administration Manual.' The manual provides clear, replicable standards for research administration.
Since 2019, Ms. Son has consolidated support processes that previously varied across departments. She developed the manual and implemented the 'U-space Electronic Manual System,' aligning operational standards university-wide. The initiative has accelerated staff onboarding, stabilized work quality, and increased researcher satisfaction, fostering a more focused and productive research environment.
Tai Jin Park, a member of the UNIST Research Supporting Team, was also recognized in the 'IRIS Improvement Ideas Competition' hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). She will be awarded the Bronze Prize at the end of December 2025.
Director Kwan-Myung Kim of the Office of Research Affairs at UNIST praised the team's efforts, stating, "This achievement reflects the dedication of all members of the research administration team. UNIST's approach-combining training, systems, and expertise-has had a tangible impact. We remain committed to supporting researchers so they can focus entirely on their work."
