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Busan National University Selected for Preliminary Evaluation of the “National Research Laboratory (NRL2.0) Program,” Driving Innovation in University Research

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Busan Metropolitan City (Acting Mayor Kim Kyung-duk) announced that Busan National University’s “Cryogenic Meta-Hydrogen Research Institute” has passed the first stage of the “2026 National Research Laboratory (NRL2.0) Program,” jointly promoted by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The National Research Laboratory (NRL2.0) Program supports innovative research conducted by university-affiliated research institutes in science and engineering fields and aims to foster them into world-leading institutions achieving the highest level of excellence.

This year, approximately 30 universities nationwide, including Busan National University, competed for selection in this highly competitive program, in which four universities will ultimately be selected.

Following document screening and discussion-based evaluation, 7 research institutes from nationwide universities (Type 1) and 6 from regional universities (Type 2) were preliminarily selected. In Busan, Busan National University’s “Cryogenic Meta-Hydrogen Research Institute” has been selected as a candidate for the main evaluation.

The “Cryogenic Meta-Hydrogen Research Institute,” which passed the preliminary evaluation, aims to complete core technologies that connect the production and utilization of hydrogen energy at a time when the importance of energy sovereignty is increasing amid the imminent AI and space era. Its goal is to establish the final link in the hydrogen energy utilization value chain.

The development of core cryogenic technologies is essential to support energy demand infrastructure for future society, including aerospace, ocean-going vessels, polar exploration, and AI data centers.

In addition, the technology intersects with major national policy agendas, such as the development of Arctic shipping routes and the innovation and expansion of strategic industries under the “5 Poles and 3 Special Zones” initiative in the southeastern region. As such, it is closely linked to balanced national development and the growth of the southeastern region on multiple levels.

To achieve these goals, the institute plans to maximize interdisciplinary research capabilities spanning basic science, engineering, and biomedical fields. This includes establishing next-generation design platforms based on fundamental science, developing high-performance new materials utilizing meta-hydrogen, developing meta-hydrogen storage, supply, and processing systems, and conducting human and environmental impact assessments and establishing safety standards.

Busan National University has established Korea’s first specialized cryogenic testing facility, the Hydrogen Ship Technology Center, and possesses the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier, demonstrating top-tier research capabilities in this field.

From the initial stage of the project application, the city has built a collaborative framework with universities and related departments and institutions, maintaining close communication. Building on the success of passing the preliminary evaluation, the city plans to accelerate comprehensive support efforts toward final selection.

Since January, Busan Metropolitan City has formed a collaborative task force to support the attraction of a National Research Laboratory, discussing role-sharing, consulting support, and financial strategies.

Ahead of the main evaluation in June, the city plans to fully implement concrete strategies and provide comprehensive support to secure final selection.

Meanwhile, the final selection of National Research Laboratories will be determined through presentation evaluations in June and deliberation by the program promotion committee.

Acting Mayor Kim Kyung-duk of Busan Metropolitan City stated, “This preliminary selection reflects the strong recognition of the importance of industry-academia cooperation and the collective efforts of the region and universities working together.” He added, “We hope that Busan National University will be finally selected, contributing not only to balanced national development but also positioning Busan as a global hub for cryogenic hydrogen energy, and the city will actively support this endeavor.”