Sogang University selected for five major humanities and social science research projects by Ministry of Education

Sogang University has achieved a significant milestone by securing funding for five collective research projects in the humanities and social sciences for 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea. These projects, set to begin on September 1, will delve into critical contemporary issues including the societal impact of artificial intelligence, the climate and energy transition, the future of children, and language accessibility.

The university's success highlights its robust capabilities in interdisciplinary research, covering a wide range of topics from AI and social policy to digital history, child studies, Korean language accessibility, and renewable energy transitions. The projects aim to provide in-depth analysis and practical solutions grounded in humanities and social science methodologies.

One major project, led by Professor Lee Cheol-seung of the Sociology Department, focuses on the "Fair State in the Age of AI Transition: Integrated Redesign of Industry, Labor, Population, and Social Policy." This research, funded with up to 10 billion KRW over five years, will examine AI's effects on labor, care, regions, and social inclusion, proposing policy models for a fair and inclusive transition. Sogang University will receive 4 billion KRW of this funding.

Additionally, three research institutes within the university have been selected for the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Institute Support Project. These institutes will receive approximately 330 million KRW annually for up to six years, totaling nearly 6 billion KRW. This funding will support pure academic research, strengthen research capabilities, and foster a balanced academic ecosystem. The selected institutes will explore diverse areas, including digital history, child studies, and language accessibility, aiming to create new historical perspectives, redefine the concept of childhood, and improve information access for vulnerable groups.

Another project, led by Professor Yang Hyun-joo of the Economics Department, will investigate "Institutional Design for a Symbiotic Energy Transition: International Comparison of Renewable Energy Expansion and Long-Term Regional Development Outcomes." This research, funded with approximately 930 million KRW over three years, aims to identify principles for regional energy transition models that incorporate community participation and benefit-sharing, ultimately reducing regional conflicts and promoting long-term development.