The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced that its President Lee Kwang Hyung received the Legion of Honour (Legion d'Honneur), France's premier governmental award.
At a ceremony held at the French ambassador's residence in Seoul, Lee was bestowed the Officier distinction of the Legion of Honour for his scholarly and scientific accomplishments and his role in strengthening Korean-French collaborative efforts.
France's government presents the Legion of Honour as its most prestigious merit award to those who have supported France's growth and served the global community across military, academic, cultural, scientific, and industrial sectors.
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The Officier designation represents the fourth tier within the five-level classification system.
Lee completed his doctorate at INSA Lyon in France and has led initiatives fostering bilateral research and innovation partnerships.
In 2003, he previously received the Chevalier level of the Legion of Honour for his accomplishments.
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After assuming the KAIST presidency in 2021, Lee has enhanced international collaboration by broadening joint initiatives and scholarly exchanges with French academic institutions and research centers, such as the Ecole Polytechnique.
He holds membership in the Korea-France Club. Philippe Bertoux, France's Ambassador to Korea, stated that this recognition honors Lee's remarkable academic and scientific contributions while acknowledging his progressive outlook, evidenced by his work to strengthen bilateral relations and global partnerships.
“It is a great honor to receive France’s highest distinction,” Lee said.
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“Building on KAIST’s spirit of open science, we will further expand global research collaboration with France and the international community to prepare for the future of humanity.”