■ Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER, President: Kim Jong-nam) held a kick-off meeting for the new year and award ceremony to praise the hard work of members on January 2 (Thurs) at its head office in Daejeon. In his new year’s message, the President asked the members to cooperate together to build a pleasant and happy institute for all KIER members and take the lead in energy innovation with excellent R&D performance. He also announced priority tasks for 2020 with detailed implementation plan including organizational culture, research projects, talent nurturing, and active engagement of local organizations.

■ In the meantime, an award ceremony was held in the sidelines of the kick-off meeting and teams and individuals received awards including top energy research group prize.

■ List of prize winners
- Top energy research group: High molecule fuel cell group, gasification group
- Best team : Hydrogen Research Lab, Energy ICT·ESS Lab., Energy Resources Upcycling Research Lab, SMEs Cooperation Team, Global Strategy Team, Project Management Office, Maintenance Office.
- Best technology commercialization (group) : Choi Young-woo (Fuel cell research & demonstration center), Lee Jin-seok (Energy Conversion & Storage Materials Lab), Jeong Nam-jo (Jeju Global Research Center)
- SME support prize : Ryi Shin-kun (Energy Materials Lab.), Yoon Sang-joon (Clean Fuel Research Lab), Nam Hyeong-seok (Greenhouse Gas Research Lab.), Han Sang-seop (Clean Fuel Research Lab.), Jwa Eun-jin (Jeju Global Research Center)
- Best R&D planning : Solar Heat Convergence Research Lab., Hydrogen Lab.
- Best research note (individual) : Jo Jong-jae (Thermal Energy System Research Lab.), Chae Soo-yong (Energy ICT·ESS Research Lab.), Yoo Jung-jun (Energy Conversion & Storage Materials Lab.), Baek Jeong-hoon (Energy Conversion & Storage Materials Lab.)
- Best research note (group) : New and Renewable Energy Resource Policy Center, Ulsan Advanced Energy Technology R&D Center, Clean Fuel Research Lab.
- Integrity award : Kim Min-jeong (Jeju Global Research Center), Lee Sae-ra (Business Development Team)
- Achievement award : Lee Jun-pyo (Gwangju Bio/Energy R&D Center), Go Young-hoon (Knowledge and Information Office)
- Best invention : Seong Yoon-dong (Energy ICT/ESS Lab.), Heo Tae-won (Procurement and Asset Office)