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Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea has named one of its research centers after the PADS chair, prof. Wil van der Aalst. The “Wil van der Aalst Data & Process Science Research Center” reflects his significant contributions to the fields of process mining, business process management, workflow systems, and data science.

The center was opened on November 24^th, 2024, on the campus of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH). A two-day symposium with speakers from industry and academia marked the starting point for the center.

POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) is a leading research university in South Korea, known for its strong focus on science, engineering, and technology. Established in 1986, it consistently ranks among the top universities globally in these fields. POSTECH is renowned for its cutting-edge research in fields like materials science, physics, chemistry, biotechnology, industrial engineering, and computer science. POSTECH has close ties with industrial partners, particularly in technology and engineering, allowing for real-world application of research. It collaborates with companies like POSCO (a major steel company) and many other global enterprises.

The “Wil van der Aalst Data & Process Science Research Center” aims to become a leading research hub, focusing on both theoretical and applied research in Data Science and Process Science. Professor Minseok Song, who initiated the establishment of the center, states that the three main goals are:

– Conducting high-impact research in Data & Process Science in collaboration with global and local partners.

– Strengthening industry-academic ties, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, service, and finance, where data and process science can drive innovation.

– Building a global research network by collaborating with distinguished international faculty and institutions.

The center is organized into three core research groups:

1. Data Science Group – focusing on AI fairness, deep learning, and large-scale computational algorithms.
2. Process Science Group – focusing on process mining, digital twins, and process optimization solutions.
3. DPS Application Group – focused on applying research outcomes in industries such as manufacturing, finance, and insurance.

The center will play a key role in intensifying the collaboration between RWTH Aachen University and POSTECH. This will include cooperation in the field of process mining between the Process and Data Science (PADS) group at RWTH and the Department of Industrial & Management Engineering at POSTECH. The center will also facilitate student exchanges in the field of data science.