Institute for Future Strategy, Seoul National University — Carbon Neutrality Cluster
1st-Year Report

The Carbon Neutrality Cluster of the Institute for Future Strategy (IFS) at Seoul National University conducted its first-year research under the overarching theme of “Korea’s Vision and Strategy for Carbon Neutrality.” The project focused on establishing foundational research and building collaborative networks necessary for implementing this national transition. The research was carried out across four main areas.

First, the study “Establishing an Integrated Education and Research Network on Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality at Seoul National University” successfully raised awareness within the university about the need for a unified carbon neutrality network and partially achieved the goal of connecting research and education experts across disciplines. This effort also led to the establishment of the SNU Carbon Neutral Campus Transition Task Force, providing a tangible organizational foundation.

Second, the research on “The Role of Science and Technology in Carbon Neutrality” explored the strategic direction of Korea’s carbon neutrality R&D policy through the SNU–KAIST Joint Innovation Forum for Human Resource Development and a collaborative forum with KISTEP. Based on these discussions, the team prepared a policy report titled “Korea’s Carbon Neutral Technology Development Strategy in the Age of Technological Hegemony.”

Third, the study “Policy Improvement for Thermal Energy in Carbon Neutrality” diagnosed the structural limitations of Korea’s current energy policy and proposed detailed policy measures to systematize the nation’s thermal energy strategy. The research contributed to creating a favorable environment for tangible improvements in the country’s heat energy policy framework.

Fourth, through the research “The Role of Science and Technology in Achieving Carbon Neutrality — SNU Experts’ Perspectives,” the cluster collected insights from Seoul National University experts regarding the current state, challenges, and future direction of carbon-neutral technologies. The report synthesizes expert opinions on technology development, international cooperation, and the education of key human resources to strengthen Korea’s carbon neutrality capabilities.

In addition, the first-year research emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration by hosting seminars with external experts and activating cooperative networks among cluster researchers. Through these efforts, the Carbon Neutrality Cluster aims to make significant contributions not only to Korea’s transition toward carbon neutrality but also to the global response to the climate crisis.

Keywords:
Carbon neutrality, thermal energy, carbon-neutral technologies, carbon neutrality R&D policy, climate change response, carbon neutrality network, Korea’s carbon neutrality vision