UKC 2026 Symposiums & Forums
Signature Symposiums
Flagship forums of UKC 2026 featuring high-impact, forward-looking topics that define the conference’s core vision.
AI
Exploring cutting-edge advances and real-world applications of artificial intelligence across industries.
Space
Highlighting innovations and collaborations in space science, exploration, and aerospace technology.
Next-generation
Semiconductors
Showcasing breakthroughs shaping the future of semiconductor technologies and global supply chains.
AI Signature Symposium:
The Genesis Mission
The Genesis Mission highlights a transformative U.S. national initiative launched in November 2025 and led by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Genesis Mission brings together national laboratories, academia, industry, and government partners to harness artificial intelligence for breakthroughs in: Energy dominance, Discovery science, and National security. This symposium showcases how AI, high-performance computing, and experimental science are converging to accelerate innovation at unprecedented scale.
Chair: Young-Kee Kim
Albert A. Michelson Distinguished Service Professor of Physics, University of Chicago
Director Emeritus of Fermilab
Past President of American Physical Society
51st President of KSEA
AeroSpace Signature Symposium: Shaping the future of Space
Chair: Eun-Suk Seo
President of KASSTA
Professor of Physics
University of Maryland
The AeroSpace Signature Forum offers a comprehensive perspective on the future of space through advances in human spaceflight, soft robotics, aerospace engineering, and next-generation space computing. Bringing together leading experts from academia, industry, and national laboratories, the forum highlights innovative technologies and interdisciplinary approaches that are redefining the capabilities of space systems and enabling the next era of exploration beyond Earth orbit. The forum is designed to inspire new partnerships and strategic collaborations while providing a forward-looking view of how scientific discovery and engineering innovation can collectively expand humanity’s presence and capabilities in space.
Speakers
Soyeon Yi
Astronaut, GBD at SPEX, Incl
Dae Young Lee
Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, KAIST
Eun Jung Chae
Professor, Dept. of Mech. and Aerospace Engineering,
California State University,
Long Beach
Kyongsik Yun
Technologist, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Semiconductors Signature Symposium:
Imagining Tomorrow’s Semiconductor Technologies
The Signature Symposium on Semiconductors will explore emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of semiconductor technologies and the global semiconductor ecosystem. The forum aims to bring together experts from academia, industry, government, and research organizations to exchange ideas on innovation, manufacturing, advanced materials, packaging, supply chains, workforce development, and future applications enabled by semiconductor technologies. Through invited talks and a panel discussion, the forum seeks to encourage collaboration, foster innovation, and promote strategic partnerships that will help advance the next era of semiconductor research, development, and commercialization.
President of KEEE
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Michigan Technological University
Chair: Jin W. Choi
Distinguished Sponsor forums
Premium sponsor-led sessions highlighting strategic initiatives, thought leadership, and long-term impact.
Sponsor Forums
Partner-led sessions presenting industry insights, technologies, and collaborative opportunities.
KSEA Forums
KSEA-organized sessions focused on community leadership, policy, collaboration, and member engagement.
KOFST Next Generation Alumni Forum
The KOFST YGF Alumni Forum at UKC 2026 brings together young global leaders to reconnect, share their journeys, and build meaningful networks. The forum celebrates the legacy of YGF/YPF and fosters continued collaboration among the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Chair: Clara Kim
Medical Impact Lead, Boehringer Ingelheim
KSEA is proud to host the KOFST Next Generation Alumni Forum at UKC 2026 in Orlando. For over two decades, the Young Generation Forum (YGF) and Young Professional Forum (YPF) have connected young scientists and engineers of Korean heritage from around the world since 2002, building a global community that continues to shape innovation and international collaboration. This year’s forum, “Roots & Reach,” invites alumni to reflect on how their YGF/YPF experience has shaped their paths, and to pass that forward. Through energizing discussion, cross-sector dialogue, and a closing reflective activity, participants will leave with renewed connections, actionable ideas for the KSEA community, and a letter to the next generation of YGF/YPF alumni — bridging the past and future of this enduring program.
University Leadership Forum
KSEA and KOFST are pleased to host the University Leadership Forum during the 39th U.S.–Korea Conference on Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (UKC 2026) in Orlando. This forum provides an excellent opportunity to hear from university presidents from the U.S. and Korea as they discuss emerging topics and strategic directions in higher education.
R&D Leadership Forum
The KSEA R&D Leadership Forum at UKC 2026 brings together leaders from the U.S. and Korea to explore international collaboration opportunities in science and technology. Through keynote insights and roundtable discussions, participants will exchange ideas and best practices to address global challenges and strengthen cross-border research partnerships.
KWiSE - WISET Women Forum
The KWiSE–WISET Women Forum at UKC 2026 brings together leaders and professionals to discuss career development, leadership, and empowerment of women in STEM. Through panels and interactive sessions, the forum explores U.S.–Korea collaboration, work-life balance, and strategies to strengthen global partnerships and support the next generation of women leaders.
Joint Science Policy and Diplomacy Forum
The Joint Science Policy and Diplomacy Forum at UKC 2026 brings together leaders from the U.S. and Korea to discuss science policy development and international collaboration. Through expert panels, the forum explores strategies to strengthen bilateral partnerships and advance global cooperation in basic science.