- Korean scientists and engineers from around the world gather to share research results and expand human exchanges.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter "MSIT") announced that the opening ceremony for the 2nd World Congress of Korean Scientists and Engineers will be held at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Science and Technology Center on July 10 (Wednesday). The congress will run until Thursday, July 11.
Hosted by MSIT and organized by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (hereinafter "KOFST") and 19 overseas Korean scientists and engineers associations, the World Congress of Korean Scientists and Engineers was first held last year. This initiative by President Yoon Suk Yeol aims to invite Korean scientists and engineers from around the world to Korea to expand international networks and facilitate the exchange of research achievements.
On the first day of the congress (Tuesday, July 9), events included a "Next Generation Leaders Forum" focused on the challenges and roles of young scientists and engineers, a special lecture by Stratio CEO Jae Hyung Lee, and a welcome dinner for participants. The program also featured the opening ceremony, various lectures, and sessions on academic, policy, and cooperation topics, along with conversations with Korean scholars and dialogues with future generations..
The opening ceremony was attended by Korean scientists and engineers, international scholars, and government officials from 22 countries. It featured opening remarks by KOFST President Lee Tai-sik, greetings from Dongwoon Bae, President of the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association in Germany (VeKNI), congratulatory remarks from MSIT Minister Lee Jong Ho, and encouraging remarks from Members of the National Assembly Lee In-sun, Kim So-hee, Lee Joon-seok, and Park Chung-kwon.
In addition, the 2024 Korea Best Scientist & Engineer Award was presented to Professor Park Nam-gyu of Sungkyunkwan University, a pioneer in perovskite solar cells. He received a presidential award certificate and a cash prize of 300 million KRW.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, Willie E. May, President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), delivered a keynote lecture on "Our Changing Climate: The Need for New Technologies to Benefit People and the Planet." This was followed by a presentation from Koo Hyuk-chae, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination of MSIT, who introduced the current status and future policy directions of the ministry’s international cooperation in science and technology.
Over the next two days, the program will feature eight academic sessions on research trends and prospects by technology, three policy sessions on R&D innovation, international cooperation, and next-generation human resource development, and four collaboration sessions, including the World Women in Science and Technology Forum and the Industry-Academia-Research Forum on Technology. These sessions will cover a total of 15 different topics.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 10, during "Policy Session II: International Science and Technology Cooperation," Lim Yo-up, Deputy Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Coordination of MSIT, will deliver a keynote lecture titled "National Innovation for Expanding International Cooperation in Science and Technology This session will involve discussions with domestic and foreign scientists and the presidents of the 19 overseas associations to explore ways to enhance international collaborative research.
In his congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony, MSIT Minister Lee Jong Ho stated, "As global scientific and technological alliances intensify, the importance of strategic cooperation and solidarity around advanced technologies is increasing. Korean scientists and engineers, who are firmly rooted and active in their respective countries, are the main protagonists and leaders in cooperation and exchange."
"We will actively expand opportunities for joint research and personnel exchanges to ensure that the valuable knowledge and experience of Korean researchers are disseminated within the domestic research community. Additionally, we will support more Korean researchers in venturing abroad to foster their growth."
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.