Neuroscientist stresses importance of creativity, interdisciplinary thinking in AI era

Jeong Jae-seung, a professor in the department of brain and cognitive sciences at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), speaks during a lecture organized by the University of Seoul, May 29. Courtesy of University of Seoul

Jeong Jae-seung, one of Korea’s leading neuroscientists, emphasized the importance of creativity, interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills for the next generation of science and engineering students in a recent lecture.

During the lecture hosted by the University of Seoul on May 29, Jeong highlighted the unique human capacities for thinking and learning from a neuroscientific perspective.

He said the ability to generate insights and ask meaningful questions will remain a key source of competitiveness amid rapid technological advancement in an era of artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking on the theme, “Reflecting on the Future of Science and Engineering through Neuroscience in the Age of AI,” he discussed the impact of AI advances on industry and society.

Jeong currently serves as a professor in the department of brain and cognitive sciences at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

The University of Seoul said Friday that the lecture was held on its Seoul campus on the sidelines of an information session designed to introduce the Early Employment Contract-based Graduate School Program to prospective students.

During the session, the university explained the curriculum, industry-academia joint research projects and industry-linked education system offered by the department of biohealth and eco-convergence's graduate program. It also provided aspiring science and engineering professionals with opportunities to explore career paths.

The university said particular attention was paid to the department’s demand-driven curriculum, designed to meet industry needs, and efforts to nurture practice-oriented education through collaborative research conducted by the university and corporate partners.

Jeong Jae-seung, a professor in the department of brain and cognitive sciences at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), delivers a lecture at the University of Seoul, May 29. Courtesy of University of Seoul

The Early Employment Contract-based Graduate School Program operates under an industry-integrated education model in which students are hired by participating companies on admission and pursue academic studies while gaining practical work experience.

By fostering industry-ready students with skills in demand in the workplace, the program has achieved high employment rates and strong satisfaction among participating companies.

“The event helped prospective students deepen their understanding of the Early Employment Contract-based Graduate School Program while gaining insights into the future industrial trends,” Chung Yun-doo, director of the program, said. “We will continue to nurture the next generation of industry leaders through high-quality educational programs and diverse industry-academia collaboration initiatives.”