URI means Us.
The name URI is derived from the Korean word oori, which can mean “us,” “our,” “we,” or even “my.” It reflects a deep sense of belonging and shared ownership. We believe that when people feel they belong to something, and that they own it, they will genuinely care for it. And us does not just mean the people inside URI. It also includes the communities, partners, and collaborators who walk with us.
This spirit of us is exactly why URI was born.
Scientific research should be about us.
URI were founded out of a deep frustration after observing how most scientific research ends its journey on paper. And it’s very common to find expensive research equipment gather dust in campus after the paper is published and the research is discontinued because the fund runs out.
Research should begin with a question:
Which problem in the community is this research trying to solve?
