Call for Summer Research Internship
Summer 2026 · apply through GIST AI 창의융합경진대회 · Track 3 or G-SURF
Two Application Pathways
Choose the track you're eligible for. Both lead to the same internship.
AX-Challenge
GIST AI 창의융합경진대회 · Track 3
G-SURF
GIST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
REAL Lab studies the mathematical foundations of generative models and applies them to solve real-world problems — across scientific generation, world modeling, and safe sampling. Summer interns join an ongoing research line, work directly with the PI, and aim toward a publishable contribution by the end of the program.
Research Topics
Generative Modeling
- •Cross-Modal Generation
- •Diffusion Language Models
- •Safe and Controllable Generation
- •Reward-Guided Sampling
Generative Models for Science
- •Protein and DNA Sequence Generation
- •Physics-Aware Generative Modeling
World Models
- •Video-Based World Modeling
- •Long-Horizon Sequence Generation
- •Physics-Aware Dynamics & Prediction
What You'll Do
Resources
Who We're Looking For
- ✓Comfortable building and training deep learning models from scratch — PyTorch fluency assumed.
- ✓Solid working knowledge of linear algebra, probability, and optimization.
- ✓Prior exposure to computer vision, machine learning, or generative modeling is helpful but not required.
- ✓On-site participation at the lab during the program. REAL Lab, Dasan Building, GIST, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Korea.
- ✓Candidates open to extending the engagement into the following semester are preferred. Remote arrangement may be considered for the extension.
How to Apply
The internship is supported through two parallel programs — the AX-Challenge (Track 3) and G-SURF. There is no separate application form on our side; submission windows and review schedules are announced on each program's official page.
Two-step process
- 1Reach out firstSend a short email to k0.kim@gist.ac.kr before the official submission. Briefly describe your background and which research direction interests you so we can confirm fit and discuss a topic. Attach a transcript and CV/resume if available, and mention which track (AX-Challenge or G-SURF) you intend to apply through.
- 2Submit through your chosen trackFile your application via the official channel of the track you're eligible for — AX-Challenge (Track 3) for any Korean undergrad, or G-SURF for GIST undergrads in Year 3–4. Each program announces its own documents, deadline, and review dates. If you are eligible for both, we recommend applying through G-SURF.
What's provided
FAQ
Q. What's the difference between AX-Challenge and G-SURF?
A. They are two parallel programs that both lead to the same internship in our lab — stipend and benefits are identical. AX-Challenge (Track 3) is open to undergraduates at any Korean university. G-SURF is a GIST-internal program reserved for GIST undergrads in Year 3–4. If you are a GIST student in Year 3–4, we recommend applying through G-SURF first.
Q. Can students from other universities apply?
A. Yes, through the AX-Challenge track — it is open to undergraduates enrolled at any Korean university, non-GIST students explicitly welcome. G-SURF, on the other hand, is limited to GIST undergraduates in Year 3–4. Please contact the PI in advance to discuss fit before submitting.
Q. Is dormitory housing available for non-GIST applicants?
A. Yes. On-campus housing can be arranged for non-GIST students during the program. Mention dormitory needs in your initial email so we can coordinate in advance.
Q. Can I take a short break during the internship?
A. Yes — up to one week off is acceptable with prior approval. Just discuss it ahead of time.
Reach out before you apply
A short pre-submission email helps us align on a topic that genuinely fits.
k0.kim@gist.ac.kr