Founded in 1971, the Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (KSPST) has played a pivotal role in the emergence and advancement of pharmaceutical sciences in Korea. Over the past five decades, the society has grown into a leading academic organization and is now stepping onto the global stage as an internationally recognized society.
The roots of KSPST trace back to 1970, when prominent figures from academia, hospital and community pharmacies, research institutes, and the pharmaceutical industry united with a shared vision: to advance pharmaceutical sciences and contribute to human welfare. This collective effort led to the establishment of the society’s founding committee, and on June 26, 1971, the inaugural general assembly was held at the Faculty Club of Seoul National University under the founding mission: “To foster applied pharmaceutical sciences in harmony with academia and industry, and to align with global trends.”
Since then, KSPST has continually evolved, making remarkable strides in both scope and impact. It has become a prestigious academic institution, fostering the exchange of scientific knowledge and technological innovations.
For more than 50 years, KSPST has hosted annual general meetings and academic conferences without interruption. In addition, the society organizes a wide range of scholarly events— including 2024 KSPST Commemorative Symposium for Science Month, KSPST Formulation Technology Workshop, and KSPST Formulation Technology Seminar — offering timely insights into current issues in the pharmaceutical industry and providing valuable platforms for academic and industrial dialogue.
Following its incorporation as a legal entity in 2003, the society officially adopted its English name, The Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (KSPST), in 2005. Since then, KSPST has actively fostered international collaborations with global organizations such as the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Controlled Release Society (CRS), American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), and the Asian Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (AFPS), hosting joint symposia and workshops that have elevated its global standing.
A cornerstone of the society’s international presence is its official journal, Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation (JPI), which entered the SCIE index in 2021. This milestone further solidifies KSPST’s reputation as a world-class scientific society dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and technology.
Formation of the Founding Committee
Leaders from academia, hospitals, pharmacies, research institutes, and the pharmaceutical industry united to initiate the establishment of a national society for pharmaceutical sciences in Korea.June 26 – Official Foundation of KSPST
The Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (KSPST) was officially founded at the Faculty Club of Seoul National University, under the vision of advancing pharmaceutical sciences in harmony with academic and industrial sectors.November 13 – 1st Annual Scientific Conference
KSPST held its first academic conference, initiating what would become a long-standing tradition of annual scientific gatherings.November 15 – Launch of the Society's Official Journal
The inaugural issue (Vol. 1, No. 1) of the KSPST official journal was published, marking the beginning of scholarly communication with in the society.First Korea–Japan Formulation Seminar
Held in celebration of Science Month, this event marked the beginning of international academic collaboration.May 23 – Special Lecture by Prof. William Higuchi
Renowned pharmaceutical scientist Professor W. Higuchi was invited for a special lecture, enhancing academic exchange and global insight.August 25 – 1st Pharmaceutical Technology Workshop
The first Pharmaceutical Technology Workshop was held, initiating a series of practice-oriented academic events for sharing formulation techniques and industry trends.September 13–14 – FIP Seoul International Symposium
KSPST hosted the FIP Seoul International Symposium in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), strengthening Korea’s global presence in the pharmaceutical sciences.September 24–26 – KSP–CRS Joint Symposium
KSPST co-hosted an international symposium with the Controlled Release Society (CRS), further advancing global collaboration in drug delivery and pharmaceutical technologies.January 5–6 – KSP–AAPS/FIP International Workshop
An international workshop was co-organized with the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) and FIP, contributing to high-level scientific exchange and fostering global academic partnerships.April 18–19 – 1st Korea–Japan Joint Symposium
KSPST and its Japanese counterpart co-hosted the first Korea–Japan Joint Symposium, establishing a platform for continued East Asian scientific collaboration.Legal Incorporation
KSPST was officially registered as a legal entity (incorporated association), strengthening its institutional foundation.Adoption of the English Name “KSPST”
To enhance international engagement, the society adopted the English name The Korean Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (KSPST).March 17 – MOU Signed with The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (PSJ)
KSPST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (PSJ) to promote mutual academic exchange and joint scientific activities.Renaming of Official Journal to Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation (JPI)
The society’s official journal was renamed to Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, marking a strategic step toward internationalization and broader global readership.Expansion of International Collaborations
Joint symposia and workshops were launched with international organizations such as:JPI Indexed in SCIE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation (JPI) was indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), solidifying its status as an internationally recognized scientific journal.Annual Conferences and Scientific Events
KSPST continues to host general meetings and scientific events including: