KICT-KOREA INSTITUTE of CIVIL ENGINEERING and BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

News & Notice

President Kim Byung-suk Receives the Order of Science and Technology Merit (Hyeoksin Medal)

NameKICT
Date2023/04/21 00:00:00
Hit1,925

On April 21, KICT President Kim Byung-suk was honored with the Order of Science and Technology Merit (Hyeoksin Medal) at the “2023 Science and ICT Day Celebration” held at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Center in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

The 2023 Science and ICT Day Celebration, held in commemoration of the 56th Science Day (April 21) and the 68th Information and Communication Day (April 22), was hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Korea Communications Commission, and was organized by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies and the Korea Federation of ICT Organizations. The aim of this event was to enhance the pride and honor of professionals in the fields of science and information communications. It recognized the contributions of individuals who have made significant contributions in promoting science, technology, and information communications through government awards, and presented the vision for the future of science and digital technology in Korea. Distinguished figures in the fields of science, technology, and information communications, who included Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT, Kim Hyo-jae, a standing committee member of the Korea Communications Commission, Lee Tae-sik, President of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (and former KICT President), and Noh Jun-hyung, President of the Korea Federation of ICT Organizations, attended the event.

At this commemorative event, a total of 83 individuals were awarded with commendations for the promotion of science and technology (26 Orders of Merit, 10 Medals of Honor, 21 Presidential Commendations, and 26 Prime Minister’s Commendations). In information and communications development category, a total of 52 individuals received government commendations (5 Orders of Merit, 6 Medals of Honor, 18 Presidential Commendations, and 23 Prime Minister’s Commendations, including 4 organizations).

KICT President Kim Byung-suk was awarded with the Order of Science and Technology Merit (Hyeoksin Medal) for his significant contributions to enhancing technological competitiveness in the field through his years of consistent research and development of the world-class, long-lasting and cost-effective “Super Concrete” technology, which he initiated as the KICT and continued to research for many subsequent years. The award served as a recognition of his pioneering for the commercialization of the technology for the first time in the world.

The Super Concrete technology offers a strength five times greater than that of conventional concrete and a lifespan four times longer (up to 200 years), which results in an over 50% reduction in the production costs and an approximately 10% reduction in the construction expenses for structures. The Super Concrete technology has been applied to the construction of Hwayangjobal Bridge in Yeosu, Korea, which is the world’s first super high-performance concrete road bridge, and the construction of the irregularly shaped steel-free shell structures on Ulleungdo Island. It was also the first time that a Korean technology was applied in the construction of a road bridge in the United States. Furthermore, President Kim Byung-suk played a crucial role in the development of super long-span suspension bridge technologies both domestically and internationally, including the 3rd Bosphorus Bridge in Turkey, Chacao Channel Bridge in Chile, and Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey.