The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology officially inaugurated the KAIST AI Philosophy Research Center on January 15, 2026, becoming one of the first major Asian universities to establish a dedicated interdisciplinary institute exploring the philosophical, ethical, and societal implications of artificial intelligence. The center will combine expertise from philosophy, computer science, law, and social sciences to address urgent questions raised by rapid AI advancement.
Led by renowned philosopher Professor Kim Do-wan formerly of Seoul National University and co-directed by AI researcher Professor Lee Sang-wook, the center aims to produce rigorous academic work and practical policy recommendations on issues including:
The launch event featured keynote addresses from leading global thinkers in AI ethics, including Timnit Gebru and Nick Bostrom, who praised KAIST’s initiative as “a vital step toward responsible AI development in Asia and beyond.” The center has already secured initial funding from the Ministry of Science and ICT and private tech partners, with plans to offer graduate courses, host international conferences, and publish an open-access journal starting in 2027.
KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung emphasized that “AI is not just a technology—it is a profound philosophical challenge to what it means to be human,” underscoring the university’s commitment to shaping both the technical and normative future of AI.
