Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said on the 11th that President Lee Kwang-hyung will receive the French government's "Légion d'Honneur" Officier decoration. The award ceremony will be held that afternoon at the residence of the French ambassador to Korea.
The Légion d'Honneur, France's highest distinction established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, is awarded to individuals who have contributed to the advancement of France and the international community in fields such as the military, academia, culture, science, and industry. In science, Marie Curie (two-time Nobel Prize laureate) and Alexander Fleming (discoverer of penicillin); in politics and diplomacy, Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II; and in culture and the arts, Audrey Hepburn, Steven Spielberg, and Elton John have received the decoration.
The French government decided on this conferment in high recognition of Lee's academic and scientific achievements and contributions to strengthening cooperation between Korea and France.
Lee is a graduate of the National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon (INSA Lyon) and has long led Korea–France cooperation in research and innovation. In 2003, he received the French Order of Academic Palms, "Chevalier," and after taking office as KAIST president, he expanded joint research and academic exchanges with major French universities and research institutes, including École Polytechnique.
He has also encouraged interdisciplinary research, promoted the commercialization and startup creation of research outcomes, and emphasized entrepreneurship. He has broadened global cooperation by building a partnership with New York University (NYU) and establishing a Silicon Valley campus. As a member of the Korea–France Club, Lee has also worked to advance friendly relations between the two countries.
Philippe Bertoux, the French ambassador to Korea, said in a congratulatory letter, "This conferment highly recognizes President Lee Kwang-hyung's outstanding academic and scientific achievements and forward-looking vision," adding, "We hope this will further strengthen cooperation between the two countries."
Lee said, "Based on the spirit of "open science" pursued by KAIST, we will expand global research cooperation to prepare for humanity's future together with Korea, France, and the international community."