- 건국대학교

	[Cover Story] Konkuk University Continues to Take its Great Leap in 2014
	관리자		2557		2014.03.25

In 2014, Konkuk University (KU) celebrates its 83rd Anniversary since its establishment in 1931 as a medical institution. KU has taken innovative steps during the past decade, which include inviting superb professors and students, carrying out various social contribution activities, and facilitating international exchange. Rooted in the "People's Hospital" (or "Minjoong Hospital") founded by Dr. Yoo Suk-chang (pen name "Sanghuh"), KU is a comprehensive, research-oriented university which comprises 22 undergraduate colleges and graduate schools, four professional graduate schools (Architecture, Law, Business, and Medicine), and 10 specialized graduate schools.
KU's remarkable development is evidenced by its latest rankings. In the 'Asia University Rankings 2013' of the Times Higher Education (THE), KU ranked 92nd among 100 Asian universities, 8th among domestic comprehensive private universities, and 13th among all domestic public and private universities. In the Leiden Ranking 2013 of the Universiteit Leiden (Netherlands) which assessed the quality of research papers of 500 universities worldwide, KU was listed as the 97th among Asian universities and 10th among domestic comprehensive private universities.
KU is also continuing with its globalization efforts. In the International Indicator section of the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings of June 2013, it was placed 38th among Asian universities. As of January 2014, KU has concluded agreements with 404 partner universities and institutions in 54 countries. Meanwhile, the University has been carrying out various international programs such as the Dual Degree Program, Exchange and Visiting Student Programs, and International Internship Program. As a result, approximately 700 students have been sent each year to study at universities overseas. KU's initiative has also resulted in inviting about 1,400 undergraduate degree-seeking international students and 600 inbound exchange and visiting students annually.
Going further, to provide top quality education and reinforce research competitiveness, KU has been operating the 'KU Global Lab' with Dr. Roger D. Kornberg of Stanford University, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2006), and Dr. Louis J. Ignarro, UCLA Professor and Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1998). In addition, the Flexible Display Roll to Roll Research Center (FDRC) has been founded with the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, a globally networked organization specializing in multitechnological applied research. Also, a joint study is underway at the Konkuk University MAT-Fraunhofer ISE Next Generation Solar Cell Research Center (KFnSC) with the cooperation of Fraunhofer of Germany, a world-renowned application-oriented research organization. Moreover, KU has been selected for the 'BK21 PLUS (Brain Korea 21 Program for Leading Universities & Students)' project, through which three project groups and nine teams at KU will receive an annual fund of approximately 3.4 million USD (2013-2019).
Such noteworthy achievements can be attributed to the KU Foundation's active investment based on a sound financial standing. The KU Foundation has a total asset of 2.3 billion USD, the second largest among that of all private universities in Korea. The majority of the revenue, derived from diverse profit-making businesses, has been invested in improving the school environment.
KU has set its objective to join the top five universities in Korea, top 30 in Asia, and top 100 in the world, under the vision of 'Leap for the Future, Soar up to the World.' In order to strengthen the institution's educational and research competitiveness, five academic disciplines with the potential to develop into top-tier programs have been designated as 'PRIDE Leading Groups.' (For more information, please refer to the article on KU's 'Selection and Concentration' in the KU News section.) By fostering PRIDE Leading Groups, KU is prepared to become a top global university, fully equipped with not only its traditionally renowned programs in veterinary medicine and animal bioscience, but also its competitive programs in the basic sciences, high-tech engineering technology, liberal arts, social sciences, and media.
* This article is a translated/edited version of the article published by The Chosun Ilbo (Dec. 12, 2013)
 
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