New materials, such as functional chemical substances with new and special functions, play a decisive role in the growth of promising industries of the 21^st Century, and span far beyond the chemical industry to the life science, telecommunication, electronics, aerospace, aviation and environmental industries. Chemistry must take charge of the compounding of new materials, development of compounding methods, and basic theory. The development of functional substances is a scientific achievement which has a significant ripple effect in the academic and industrial circles; as well as creating a high-tech industry of vast added value. The Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials was established in 1998 to organize researchers from Busan, universities and local industries in the Gyeongsangnam-do area, centered on Pusan National University. It was also tasked with development of new materials offering vast new possibilities, and studies of chemicals related to these new materials.





< Major Operation of the Research Institute >





1) Ensure the Smoothness of Research

The process of compounding and understanding functional substances related to new substances or new materials, essential for the modern industry, can only be realized by conducting joint research with researchers from various fields of chemistry. Therefore, with the Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials serving as an essential adhesive, research related to functional materials can be more actively conducted by organizing relevant researchers, and planning, coordinating and carrying out research programs, as well as sharing research talents and facilities.





2) Revitalization of Industry-Academic-Science Cooperative Research Program

It revitalizes industry-academia-science cooperative research programs, such as research talent exchange with external industries and research institutes, technology consultation, and field visitation guidance to industries, based on the Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials’ excellent research capacity and facilities. In addition, it contributes greatly to the enhancement of national competitiveness in the 21st Century.





3) Training of Excellent Research Talents

Since the demand for functional materials related to new substances or new materials will rise suddenly in the 21st Century, there will be a significant need for excellent research talents in the field. The Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials will provide research talents at the right time and place by training them through research activities and the carrying out of industry-academic cooperative programs.





< Introduction of Major Research Activities >





1) Research Dept. No.1: Nano-Bio Chemistry Research Department

  Studies on physical, chemical properties of nano-bio substances related to the living body, and its application

  Studies on electron-transporting biomaterials





2) Research Dept. No. 2: Functional Photo-Electron Material Chemistry Research Department

  Studies on the design & compounding of photo-electron functional polymer

  Studies on application of photo-electron functional polymer as an electronic material





3) Research Dept. No.3: Basic Chemistry Research Department

  Basic chemistry studies on the development of new functional materials

  Studies on the development of organometallic reagent and the development of new reactions using this reagent