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“Yes, I have finally accepted the KAIST presidency. I will go to Pohang on the third week of July, right before Physics Olympiad. The contract period is 1 year. All the details of contract will be announced after talks between MOST and Stanford University.” After his selection as KAIST President, Stanford Professor Robert B. Laughlin, Nobel Laureate at Physics, got attention from Korean people mainly through speculation about his inauguration date and acceptance conditions. But he has now explcitly stated his decision to accept the presidency in an exclusive phone interview with Science Times.
As to the original anticipation that the final announcement would be made the 14th, he sought understanding, saying, “The announcement has been delayed due to the tuning some details of contract between Stanford and KAIST.$rdquo; He also said, “Both sides are determined to keep the long-term relationship amicable.” He then said with a smile, “My family supported my going to Korea at family counsel, and I positive about going as well.”
To the question of whether the conditions for accepting presidency, such as annual salary, were an urgent question, he repiled, "The parties most concerned about the presidency conditions were Stanford and KAIST." Also he added, "All the negotiations were completed by mutual consent through frank discussion.&rdquo
About the question of salary, he said, ”This is not the item to talk about by phone, but detailed number will be announced in some time. The amount of salary will be higher than that of Stanford.”
Professor Laughlin explained kindly some contract conditions which could be open. He explained, “The contract period is exactly 12 months, and the job will be full-time. I am going to Korea with the blessing of John Hennessy, Stanford University President, as the a link in a chain of Stanford University's Asian policy.”
About the question of date of coming to Korea, he suggested that he is already preparing life in Korea by saying, “It might be before Physics Olympiad, which will be held on the third week of July. I will begin my presidential duties as soon as I arrive there.”
He was distressed that his family would not accompany him. “I can't go there with my family, since my two sons are at college and my wife is obligated to her current job contract.”
But he continued with satisfaction, ”However, all of my family members supported this, and I think they are happy with it.”
Professor Laughlin said, “Understanding Korean and its culture is very important for carrying out my job there well.” He finished the interview by asking me kindly, “Would you teach me Korean culture and language if I invited you to dinner?”