Samsung Group on Thursday announced 33 research projects it intends to fund in the first half of this year.

The group has sponsored a total of 231 research projects in basic science and material and information and communications technology fields since August 2013 as part of its efforts to help the nation secure futuristic fundamental technologies.


The group plans to spend 1.5 trillion won ($1.3 billion) by 2022.

This year’s list includes a study on sustainable amino acid synthesis by Seoul National University professor Hong Soon-hyuk. The study aims to use cheaper compounds to create value-added amino acid. If successful, it would be useful in medicine production.

Another study is on high-mobility p-type transparent oxide semiconductors by Hanyang University professor Chung Jae-kyoung. The technology is expected to be applied to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, or CMOS, and other futuristic sensors.

In the ICT sector, Yonsei University professor Lee In-kwon will be getting funding to study the abstract control of multimedia content. Based on machine learning technology, it would allow recognizing and identifying emotions.

Samsung also announced three separate research projects on quick-charging batteries, functional cladding for futuristic devices such as drones and robots and intelligence study for smart machines to attract applicants for funding.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)