Georgia Institute of Technology and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Session Submission Type: Affiliate Reception

Abstract

The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and the Graduate School of Science and Technology Policy at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) propose to co-host an affiliate reception during the 2026 APPAM Fall Research Conference in Boston. The proposed reception builds upon the success of the joint reception the two institutions organized at the 2024 APPAM Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, and reflects the continued growth of the strategic partnership between Georgia Tech and KAIST.The 2024 reception attracted approximately 40–50 attendees, including faculty, students, alumni, researchers, and policy professionals from both institutions, as well as conference participants interested in public policy, science and technology policy, and international collaboration. The event provided an outstanding opportunity for participants to establish new professional relationships, exchange research ideas, discuss emerging policy challenges, and learn about the educational and research activities of both schools. The positive feedback from attendees demonstrated the value of creating an informal setting where meaningful conversations could continue beyond the conference sessions.The 2026 APPAM Fall Research Conference, themed "Fifty States, Fifty Systems: State Policy Variations & Impacts," will bring together thousands of researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students to discuss pressing public policy challenges. APPAM recognizes affiliate receptions as an important component of the conference by providing opportunities for professional networking and strengthening scholarly communities outside the formal program.Building on this momentum, the proposed reception will provide a welcoming environment for scholars, students, alumni, and practitioners to foster new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships. The event will facilitate discussions on interdisciplinary research, science and technology policy, artificial intelligence, energy, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking while encouraging exchanges between senior scholars, early-career researchers, and graduate students. It will also introduce prospective students and collaborators to the academic programs, research centers, and global engagement initiatives of both institutions.As Georgia Tech and KAIST continue to expand their collaboration in public policy, science diplomacy, and science and technology policy, this reception will serve as an important platform for increasing the visibility of both schools within the APPAM community and for fostering new international research partnerships. By bringing together researchers and practitioners from around the world, the event will reinforce the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing interdisciplinary research and developing policy solutions to complex global challenges.

Policy Area

• Affiliate Receptions

Moderator

• Seokkyun Woo, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Organizers

• Brian Y. An, Georgia Institute of Technology

• Dasom Lee, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

• Aaron D Levine, Georgia Institute of Technology