Germany and Korea Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Basic Sciences
Germany and Korea Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Basic Sciences-Research cooperation between Germany and Korea has been fully initiated, including plans for the establishment of the IBS-MPG Center in Korea.-A strategic cooperation plan for basic sciences was outlined, and two MOUs were signed to enhance research collaboration.Germany and Korea are set to enhance their cooperation in advancing basic sciences, ranging from academic exchanges to talent development and the establishment of joint research centers.The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as 'MSIT') announced that a'Global Science Leaders Forum' was held jointly by Germany's Max Planck Society (President Patrick Cramer, hereinafter 'MPG') and Korea's Institute for Basic Science (President Noh Do Young, hereinafter 'IBS'), along with Yonsei University (President Yoon Dong-sup) on April 11th at Yonsei University. This forum marked a pivotal advancement in solidifying cooperation between the leading basic science research institutions of both countries in areas such as strategic field identification and collaboration, shared use of research facilities, and development of young researchers. Plans also include expanding cooperation to establish a joint research hub in nanomedicine, a talent development system, and ultimately, the IBS-Max Planck Center* in Korea.*Max Planck Center: Established and operated by MPG for intensive collaborative research with top global institutions (currently operating 17 centers across 9 countries, with Japan's RIKEN Center being the only one in Asia).The Max Planck Society, founded in 1948 to pioneer basic research for humanity, has been a global leader in basic sciences, producing 39 Nobel laureates. Recently, Chief Investigator Cha Meeyoung of IBS was appointed as the first Korean director of a Max Planck Institute (MPI), marking a significant milestone.*Currently, the Max Planck Society operates 84 MPIs in Germany, with an additional five institutes abroad and 17 research centers worldwide.At the forum, global science leaders from Germany and Korea gathered to emphasize the crucial role of science in society and discussed strategic approaches to expand cooperation in basic sciences. The event featured in-depth discussions and the signing of MOUs to further enhance collaboration.Vice Minister Lee Chang Yune of MSIT, present at the forum, stated, "Korea plans to strengthen its scientific and technological cooperation with Europe, including joining 'Horizon Europe.' We hope that Germany and Korea will not only strengthen their scientific and technological capabilities but also deepen their friendship through expanded strategic research cooperation, jointly addressing global challenges."For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.
Final Selection of the First Cohort of Presidential Science Scholarship for Graduate Students Completed!
Final Selection of the First Cohort of Presidential Science Scholarship for Graduate Students Completed!With a high competition ratio of 25:1, 50 master's and 70 doctoral students have been finally selected.The selected candidates will immediately receive a scholarship certificate in the name of the President and start receiving scholarship payments.Master's students will be supported with 18 million KRW per year (up to 4 semesters, totaling 36 million KRW), and doctoral students with 24 million KRW per year (up to 8 semesters, totaling 96 million KRW).The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), led by Minister Lee Jong-ho, has announced the completion of the final selection of 120 recipients for the Presidential Science Scholarship for Graduate Students. This initiative aims to enhance the prestige of master's and doctoral students in science and engineering while fostering their development into world-class researchers. Commencing from April, the selected individuals will promptly receive their scholarships.The "Presidential Science Scholarship for Graduate Students" was established this year in response to President Yoon Suk-yeol's directive during the "2022 Dialogue with Future Scientists" on December 22, 2022, to establish a distinguished scholarship program for graduate students in science and engineering.A total of 120 students were selected this year, comprising 50 master's (25 new students, 25 current students) and 70 doctoral students (30 new students, 40 current students). The rigorous selection process involved individual application submissions, followed by a first-stage document review and a second-stage in-depth interview. This process aimed to identify the most promising science and engineering talents through direct assessment of individual capabilities, with a competitive ratio of approximately 25:1 (out of a total of 2,980 applicants).The selection fields were systematically categorized based on the "Basic Research Classification System” of the National Research Foundation of Korea, encompassing a total of 17 selection fields. Expert panels were assembled to ensure the expertise and fairness of the evaluation process.The selected students represent various disciplines, including natural sciences (9 master’s and 10 doctoral), life sciences (8 master’s and 16 doctoral), engineering (13 master’s and 17 doctoral), and ICT/convergence research (20 master’s and 27 doctoral).Each selected graduate student will be awarded a Presidential scholarship certificate and a monthly scholarship of KRW 1.5 million for master's students (KRW 18 million annually, up to KRW 36 million) and KRW 2 million for doctoral students (KRW 24 million annually, up to KRW 96 million). Scholarship disbursements for new students this year will be made monthly from March 2024 to February 2025 (with March's scholarship paid in April), subject to an annual continuation evaluation for subsequent year's payments. The selection results are available from April 8th, 9 AM, on the Korea Student Aid Foundation website (www.kosaf.go.kr).MSIT has emphasized its commitment to expanding the Presidential Science Scholarship for Graduate Students swiftly. Additionally, it aims to introduce a basic allowance for science and engineering graduate students in the form of a scholarship, as promised by President Yoon Suk-yeol during the 12th Debate Forum on Improving People's Livelihoods in February. This initiative seeks to alleviate living expenses for science and engineering graduate students, enabling them to focus on their research and drive tangible change in the field.For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.
Sub-Committee Meeting under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology Held
Transformation of R&D System into Innovative R&D and Expansion Plans for 2025 R&D Investment Discussed at the Sub-Committee Meeting under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology- Sub-committees under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology convened to review the achievements and challenges of R&D innovation under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.- There were requests for the advisory council to complete the transition to an innovative R&D system within this year and aim to scale up R&D investments in 2025 based on these improvements.On April 3rd, 2024, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) hosted a meeting of the sub-committees under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology. The meeting included about 20 participants, featuring Park Sang-wook, the Senior Secretary to the President for Science and Technology (Secretary of the Advisory Council), along with the chairpersons and members of the sub-committees. The MSIT presented the agenda of "Transforming Support Mechanisms for Innovative R&D" and " Government R&D Investment Direction for Science and Technology Innovation and Future Generations in 2025," sparking extensive discussions.The government acknowledges the necessity for a comprehensive reform of the R&D system towards a globally leading, pioneering R&D approach. This initiative was solidified with the passage and announcement of the 'Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s R&D Innovation Plan' through the advisory council last November. Many initiatives from the plan have already been implemented, with the remainder expected to be completed within the year.The aim of this meeting was to collect expert insights to thoroughly transition our R&D system to a model of innovative R&D by the end of the year, building on prior achievements, and to kickstart the quantitative and qualitative expansion of R&D from next year. The meeting began with opening remarks by Park Sang-wook, followed by agenda presentations from the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and an open discussion.Park Sang-wook, serving as a secretary member of the advisory council, noted, "The President stated that last year marked the initial steps towards 'innovative R&D.' Now, we are poised for a significant increase in R&D investments, including the three game-changing technologies such as AI, quantum technology, and advanced biotechnology." He stressed the imperative for the government to finalize the reforms towards an innovative R&D-focused support system.He further articulated the need for the government to back researchers and transparently disclose their results to the public, mentioning the government’s ongoing commitment to communicate with the research community and to improve outdated systems that impede research. Park emphasized the advisory council's crucial role in this transformative process, acting as a vital link between the government and the research sphere, and he solicited their ongoing support. He also highlighted the proactive efforts of the President’s Office, in collaboration with related ministries, to ensure rapid integration of the innovative R&D strategy across research fields.Highlights from the Presentations:[ Presentation 1: Transforming Support Mechanisms for Innovative R&D ]The first presentation outlined the achievements and remaining tasks, as well as the expected changes to the R&D system.➊ (Timeliness and Just in time) Funding will be promptly provided when needed to prevent delays from the planning to the commencement of research. The preliminary feasibility study (PFS) process will see significant enhancements, and fiscal year alignment guidelines will be reviewed to facilitate the initiation of research projects throughout the year.➋ (Trust and Transparency) Enhancements to evaluation processes will include the abolition of the ‘same-institution conflict of interest avoidance system’ and the use of AI for selecting evaluation committee members. A transparent research environment will be established by disclosing research cost and outcomes to the public.➌ (Co-petition) Barriers between ministries and institutions will be removed to strengthen research capabilities across industry, academia, research institutes, and hospitals. International cooperation, such as joint research with top global researchers, will be facilitated through engagement in multilateral cooperation platforms and the expansion of global flagship projects.❹ (Innovation and Challenge) Emphasis will be placed on innovative and challenging R&D to boldly invest in the first-to-market and best-in-class research efforts, creating a conducive environment for young researchers to freely pursue their interests.[ Presentation 2: Government R&D Investment Direction for Science and Technology Innovation and Future Generations in 2025 ]The 2025 government R&D investment strategy, defined by Article 12-2 of the Framework Act on Science and Technology, provides strategic direction and foundational principles for next year’s government R&D investment, guiding the allocation and adjustment of the R&D budget. After thorough consultations with the advisory council, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has communicated this investment direction for 2025 to the relevant ministries. The detailed investment direction and the plans for enhancing the investment system as included in the 2025 government plan are as follows:The keyword for government R&D investment in 2025 is 'first-to-market and best-in-class investment,' which seeks to elevate the ambitious scope of national R&D initiatives. This approach not only nurtures the aspirations of future generations but also establishes them as pivotal contributors to national innovation. Focused support is directed towards bold national objectives, including spearheading global technological advancements and aiming to position among the top three in three major game-changing technologies by 2030.Furthermore, to maximize the effectiveness of government investment and tailor the system to align with "first-to-market and best-in-class investment," the government is pushing for strategic reforms as follows:➊ Operating an efficient budget allocation and adjustment system where all ministries work as one team.➋ Transitioning to a swift and flexible investment system to respond to rapidly evolving technological landscape.➌ Establishing a transparent budget system that earns public trust, complemented by ongoing enhancements to ensure all systems are optimally aligned with pioneering R&D efforts.The MSIT is committed to rapidly advancing these reforms to transition towards innovative R&D within the current year. This includes engaging in extensive dialogue with the research community to foster a consensus on innovation and implementing rigorous monitoring to prevent any unforeseen challenges.For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.
Call for Application for the ASEAN-ROK Award for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation 2023
The Government of Republic of Korea (ROK), in support of Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognize the importance of science, technology and innovation in promoting the economic development of nations. To this effect, an annual award is established to encourage young scientists and engineers to take on research in science, technology and innovation. The ASEAN-ROK Award for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation recognizes the academic and professional achievements of promising, early-career scientists and engineers of ASEAN nationality. The Award is open to professionals pursuing careers in any field of natural sciences or engineering. Eligibility This year, the award features two distinctions. 1) Next ASEAN Innovator: an applicant mustbe a citizen of an ASEAN Member State; andbe a professional with less than 5 years* of working experience after earning a Ph.D.;have no record in the past two years** of receiving an award organized or supported by ASEAN, in the field of science and engineering 2) ASEAN-ROK STI Pioneer: an applicant mustbe a citizen of an ASEAN Member State; andbe currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Korea; orbe a professional whose completion of a doctoral program in Korea is less than 5 years*; orbe a professional whose completion of a doctoral program is less than 5 years* and has significant research collaboration experience (e.g. post-doctoral programme, etc.) with Korea; have no record in the past two years** of receiving an award organized or supported by ASEAN, in the field of science and engineering * 01 Jan 2018, ** 01 Jan 2021 AwardThe winner of each distinction will be awarded a cash prize of US $12,000. The winners are also invited to attend the by-nomination annual one-week ASEAN-ROK STI Training Programme held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, to present and share their work. During the closing ceremony of the Programme, the Minister of Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of ROK will present the winners of the ASEAN-ROK Award for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation with their Award.Application Process Applicant must submit the Application Form, Personal Statement, and Recommendation Letter, complete in every respect with the supporting documents, to STEPI (aseanrokawrd@stepi.re.kr) the latest by 14 August 2023.For Further Information Please refer to the following online posts for details, including application guidelines, application form, personal statement form and recommendation letter form.Should you have any further inquiries regarding the award, please contact STEPI, aseanrokaward@stepi.re.krOfficial link: https://bit.ly/5th_aseanrokaward2023
Information Brochure on the MSIT
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Information Brochure on the MSIT
Responding to Business Cyber Threats with eXtened Threat Intelligence (XTI)
The source of the article above is "ICT Industry Hot Clips " Vol. 95 of the Korea CommunicationsAgency. (Link : https://www.kca.kr/hot_clips/vol95/sub01.html?lang=en) Please refer to the attached PDF.
AI-Powered Live-Tech Blurs the Boundaries of Communication and Markets
The source of the article above is "ICT Industry Hot Clips " Vol. 92 of the Korea CommunicationsAgency. (Link : https://www.kca.kr/hot_clips/vol92/sub01.html?lang=en) Please refer to the attached PDF.
Generative AI Challenges the Human Creative Realm
The source of the article above is "ICT Industry Hot Clips " Vol. 89 of the Korea CommunicationsAgency. (Link : https://www.kca.kr/hot_clips/vol89/sub02.html?lang=en) Please refer to the attached PDF.