Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University Selected for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ “Fisheries Food Automation and Innovation Research Center”

- Cultivating AI-based Blue Food convergence talent; KRW 4 billion in support over five years

A research team led by Sang-Gil Lee, Professor of the Major in Food and Nutrition at Pukyong National University, has been finally selected for the “Fisheries Food Automation and Innovation Research Center” project under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ “Marine and Fisheries Convergence Professional Workforce Development Program.”

This national R&D project aims to foster interdisciplinary talent and drive industrial innovation in the marine and fisheries sector. With support of up to KRW 4 billion over approximately five years from 2026 to 2030, the research team will advance AI-based fisheries food processing technologies and cultivate specialized professionals in the field.

This research focuses on developing an intelligent automation system that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, big data, and 3D printing technologies throughout the entire fisheries food processing cycle, while also establishing a field-oriented talent development system. Through this initiative, Pukyong National University plans to conduct full-cycle research covering everything from blue food production and processing to customized food development and the resource utilization of fisheries byproducts, while cultivating more than 45 master’s- and doctoral-level professionals. In addition, Pukyong National University will operate industry？academia cooperation-based education programs and practice-oriented projects to foster interdisciplinary professionals who can respond to industrial demands.

This project brings together researchers from various fields led by Sang-Gil Lee, including Professors Won-Il Nam (Electronic Engineering), Ji-Hwan Ha (Big Data Convergence), Woo-Young Choi (Control and Instrumentation Engineering), Jong-Yong Park (Naval Architecture and Marine Systems Engineering), Ho-Jeong Kwak (Food Science and Engineering), and Yun-Hee Choi (Aquaculture Applied Life Science). The team will carry out highly interdisciplinary research in areas such as AI-based robotics control for fisheries food processing, customized food design, and the development of high-value-added materials.

In addition, Pukyong National University plans to collaborate with Dongguk University, Pusan National University, Kyungpook National University, Dong-Eui University, and Jeonju University to carry out joint education and research and to establish a nationwide Blue Food research network. The major research tasks include △development of an AI-based robotics control system for processing irregularly shaped fisheries products △development of personalized fisheries food and flexible production technologies △development of high-value-added materials using fisheries byproducts △development of industry？academia cooperation education programs and manufacturing systems. In particular, cooperation with regional industries is expected to contribute to the commercialization of research outcomes and the enhancement of industrial competitiveness.

Professor Sang-Gil Lee stated, “This project is meaningful in that it establishes a new research and education model that converges fisheries food with advanced engineering technologies.” He added, “We will focus on cultivating interdisciplinary talent that will lead the sustainable Blue Food industry.” <Pukyong Today>