1,000 US and Korean Scientists Gather in America to Explore AI and Aerospace Collaboration

KFSTS Opens "UKC 2026" in Orlando, the Largest Korean Science and Technology Conference in North America

Joint Research and Commercialization Discussed in Strategic Technologies such as AI, Semiconductors, and Biotechnology

Over 1,000 scientists and engineers from both the United States and South Korea have gathered in Orlando, Florida to discuss collaborative strategies for future strategic technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, and biotechnology.

The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KFSTS) announced on August 7 that it is co-hosting the "2026 US-Korea Conference on Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (UKC 2026)" in Orlando, Florida, together with the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) and the Korea-U.S. Science Cooperation Center (KUSCO).

A panel discussion is underway at the UKC 2026 AI Forum. Provided by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies

This event, which runs through August 8, is the largest academic conference for Korean scientists and engineers in North America. Under the theme "From Imagination to Innovation – Into Reality," participants are discussing joint research and technology commercialization strategies in strategic technology sectors such as AI, biohealth, aerospace, semiconductors, and clean energy.

During the event, various programs are being held, including a signature symposium on topics like AI-driven drug discovery and physical AI, 12 academic symposia across different fields, a forum for women in science and technology, and an R&D leadership forum.

In particular, at the AI Forum, participants discussed strategies to connect AI, high-performance computing (HPC), basic science, and industry, focusing on the "Genesis Mission" led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The forum was attended by prominent figures such as Nobel Laureate in Physics William Phillips, professor at the University of Maryland; Young-Kee Kim, professor at the University of Chicago; Rebecca Willett, director of the AI Research Center at the University of Chicago; and Seok-Yee Jhee, Chairman of Elsevier.

Kwon Onam, President of KFSTS, stated, "When US and Korean scientists and engineers collaborate beyond national and disciplinary boundaries, we can achieve tremendous breakthroughs that change humanity's future," adding, "KFSTS will further strengthen its role as a science and technology cooperation platform, connecting industry, academia, and research both at home and abroad."

The event also included awards for Korean scientists and engineers working overseas. The Minister of Science and ICT Award was presented to Eun-Sook Seo, professor at the University of Maryland. The KFSTS President's Award went to Jihyun Lee, professor at the University of Florida; Youngshin Jeon, professor at Washington University in St. Louis; and Woojong Kim, senior consultant at Socotec US.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.