From Cancer Treatment to Space Semiconductors: 20 Years of K-Radiation Technology

20th Anniversary of Advanced Radiation Research Institute
Expanding into AI and Secondary Batteries

The Advanced Radiation Research Institute of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, which has led the industrialization of domestic radiation technology—ranging from radioactive isotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment to reducing livestock odors and developing advanced materials—celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Going forward, its applications of radiation technology will expand into secondary batteries, semiconductors, space, and artificial intelligence (AI).

On September 30, at JB Awoorum Campus in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute held an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Advanced Radiation Research Institute and announced a new vision: “A New Future Opened by Radiation, a World-Leading Advanced Radiation Research Institute.”

A view of the Advanced Radiation Research Institute located in Jeongeup City, Jeollabuk-do. Provided by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

Since opening in Jeongeup in 2006, the Advanced Radiation Research Institute has broadened the scope of radiation technology to include medical and biotechnology, agricultural life sciences, advanced materials, and the environment and energy sectors. By establishing research infrastructure such as cyclotrons and the Electron Beam Demonstration Research Building, it has been producing medical radioactive isotopes and developing industrial electron beam technologies.

The Institute’s research achievements have also been commercialized. In establishing Kolmar BNH, Korea’s first research institute-founded company, it brought the herbal composition “HemoHIM”—which enhances immunity and hematopoietic functions—to market, and this company became the first research institute startup to be listed on KOSDAQ in 2015. Including the development of Biomeishin (derived from lawn grass extract Maycin), the Institute has launched a total of eight research institute-founded companies to date.

Radiation Technology Expands to Semiconductors and Space

The Institute has produced and exported next-generation medical radioactive isotopes that can be used to treat intractable cancers, and has conducted research on how fine dust and humidifier disinfectant substances behave within the body.

It has also developed technologies for reducing livestock odors using electron beams, created high-strength and lightweight composite materials for automotive parts, and invented restoration technologies for cultural heritage. Furthermore, the Institute is engaged in radiation-induced mutation breeding to develop new varieties by inducing mutations and selecting useful traits.

Since 2012, the Institute has been designated four consecutive times as an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Cooperation Center and also participates in international collaborative research in the field of radiation.

Looking ahead, research will further expand into advanced industry and space. These initiatives include developing radiation-based secondary battery technology, high-value-added improved new drugs, radiation-resistant semiconductor technology, as well as pursuing domestic development of low-energy electron accelerators.

The Institute also plans to create infrastructure to evaluate the performance of materials and components in space radiation environments, strengthen research on predicting and identifying radiation molecules using AI, and expand research into radiopharmaceuticals.

Jung Woosik, President of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, stated, “The past 20 years have proven that radiation technology is a force for innovation, transforming society beyond the laboratory. By expanding convergent research that leads the future, we will take a leap forward as a world-class research hub, contributing to public health, safety, and national competitiveness.”

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