Latest news with #MinistryofScienceandICT
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Science
- Scoop
APEC Opens Scientist Exchange Program In Korea
Issued by APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation Sejong, Republic of Korea, 2 July 2025 APEC has kicked off a new exchange program to boost cross-border research, with Korea hosting the first cohort of scientists in Seoul this year. The Scientist Invitation Program to Korea 2025 marks the first program under the APEC Scientist Exchange Initiative, a new regional effort to enhance scientific mobility and long-term collaboration. This is the first time APEC has launched a dedicated mobility track for scientists, signaling a significant step toward institutionalizing scientific exchange as part of the region's broader agenda for inclusive innovation and sustainable growth. Funded and implemented this year by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, the program supports researchers from APEC member economies through structured training and joint research opportunities. It also offers streamlined visa application processes and fast-track entry and exit at Korean ports of entry. The launch comes at a time when economies are navigating post-pandemic recovery, an accelerating digital transformation and rising demand for interdisciplinary scientific talent. By investing in mobility and peer exchange, the program responds to calls for deeper regional cooperation in science and technology. 'Capacity building and exchange programmes empower scientists to share knowledge, foster innovation and create solutions that transcend borders, driving global progress through shared mission collaborations via human-to-human exchanges,' said Hazami Habib, Vice Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI). 'This could lead to not only enhanced connectivity but also significant impacts across the APEC region. The Scientist Invitation Program to Korea 2025 is a commendable initiative which stimulates further interest in collaborative research within the region,' Habib added. 'Korea has emphasized the importance of innovation driven by cultivating science and technology talent,' said Sunghoon Hwang, Director General for International Cooperation at Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT. 'We hope that the Scientist Invitation Program will enable scientists from Korea and participating APEC members to build research networks and create scientific collaboration opportunities across the region, particularly with Korea.' The program offers two distinct pathways for participation. The first is a 10-day capacity-building track that includes mentoring, expert lectures and policy discussions to support future collaboration. The second is a 90-day research placement, where participants conduct joint research at leading Korean institutions. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or a master's degree with at least three years of relevant professional experience. The first session, focused on physics, ran from 26 May to 6 June in Seoul. It brought together 21 researchers and professors from Malaysia, Peru and Thailand, who engaged in lab visits, including the Center for Quantum Nanoscience at Ewha Womans University, and took part in cultural experiences that strengthened professional and personal ties. "This program will help me to have an international collaboration. I feel good, and this is a good opportunity for me,' said Dr Nuttawadee Intachai, a lecturer at Chiang Mai University in Thailand who participated in the session. The second session, focused on chemistry and involving scientists from Indonesia and the Philippines, concluded on 27 June. Upcoming sessions in earth sciences and life sciences, along with the first round of 90-day research placements, are set to begin in July. With up to 100 scientists expected to participate this year, the Scientist Invitation Program is laying the groundwork for a more connected, collaborative, and innovation-driven APEC region. The broader initiative also includes plans for an APEC Scientist Travel Card, modeled after the APEC Business Travel Card. Once developed, the card would streamline mobility for scientists attending conferences, seminars, or joint projects by facilitating visa-free or expedited entry. More information is available on the official program website.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Korea's InnoCORE Attracts Top Global Postdocs Through U.S. Job Fairs
Over 100 postdoctoral researchers from top global universities were interviewed, underscoring Korea's rising global research appeal. SEOUL, South Korea, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea has launched its first large-scale initiative to attract outstanding global researchers in science and technology through InnoCORE, a new fellowship program aimed at recruiting international talent in Artificial Intelligence and Science & Technology (AI+S&T). The Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the country's four Institutes of Science and Technology (KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST), will invest KRW 300 billion (approximately USD 225 million) over the next five years to recruit and support 400 postdoctoral researchers in the interdisciplinary field of AI+S&T. As part of its global outreach efforts, InnoCORE hosted in-person job fairs in Boston (June 18, Northeastern University), New York (June 20, NYU-KAIST Global Campus), and Silicon Valley (June 23, KIC Silicon Valley). More than 100 postdoctoral researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with Korean research group leaders at these job fairs. The job fair not only attracted participants from local institutions—such as Harvard, MIT, NYU, Columbia, UC Berkeley, and Stanford—but also from other premier universities across the United States, including Cornell University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Florida. The strong turnout of students reflects a growing interest in Korea's evolving role as a global research hub. Professor Hee-Seung Lee, Research Group leader of the AI Co-Research & Education for Innovative Drug Institute at KAIST, noted: "We had the chance to meet highly capable and motivated researchers with a strong potential to lead groundbreaking work in AI+S&T and was able to hear firsthand their enthusiasm for such a unique opportunity. Korea's strategic efforts through InnoCORE are resonating internationally. If these talented researchers enter our network, it will not only elevate Korea's global scientific standing but also strengthen our global talent pipeline in the future." Dr. Hyojun Lim, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT who participated in the job fair, commented: "For U.S.-based researchers seeking career opportunities in Korea, InnoCORE provided a truly practical and insightful platform. Direct discussions with the lead professors of the research projects gave me a clear sense of each research group's mission and future direction—far beyond what a website or brochure can convey." Building on the success of these events, the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea will officially commence the selection and onboarding of fellows in July. Each selected postdoctoral researcher will be offered a competitive base annual salary of KRW 90 million (~USD 66,000), with opportunities for additional research funding and compensation available through partnerships with industry and academic institutions. Fellows will also have access to advanced research infrastructure, including supercomputers, semiconductor cleanrooms, and cutting-edge biomedical facilities. The program will also implement a multi-layered mentoring system involving academic advisors, industry experts, and international researchers—designed to strengthen both independent research and multinational cooperation capabilities. InnoCORE currently operates through eight interdisciplinary research clusters. The projects are run in collaboration with Korea's top, major industry leaders (Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Naver), and global research giants such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, Meta, Google, and IBM Research. Research areas include large language models (LLMs), generative AI, AI-based drug discovery, advanced manufacturing, aerospace AI, clean energy, and nanotechnology for brain disease diagnostics. Mr. Chang-yoon Lee, first vice minister of Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea stated: "The InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair showed that Korea is emerging as an attractive destination for the world's top scientific talent. We will continue to invest in building an open, globally connected research ecosystem—one where talent from around the world can grow, collaborate, and lead globally impactful science from Korea."
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Korea's InnoCORE Attracts Top Global Postdocs Through U.S. Job Fairs
Over 100 postdoctoral researchers from top global universities were interviewed, underscoring Korea's rising global research appeal. SEOUL, South Korea, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Korea has launched its first large-scale initiative to attract outstanding global researchers in science and technology through InnoCORE, a new fellowship program aimed at recruiting international talent in Artificial Intelligence and Science & Technology (AI+S&T). The Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the country's four Institutes of Science and Technology (KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST), will invest KRW 300 billion (approximately USD 225 million) over the next five years to recruit and support 400 postdoctoral researchers in the interdisciplinary field of AI+S&T. As part of its global outreach efforts, InnoCORE hosted in-person job fairs in Boston (June 18, Northeastern University), New York (June 20, NYU-KAIST Global Campus), and Silicon Valley (June 23, KIC Silicon Valley). More than 100 postdoctoral researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with Korean research group leaders at these job fairs. The job fair not only attracted participants from local institutions—such as Harvard, MIT, NYU, Columbia, UC Berkeley, and Stanford—but also from other premier universities across the United States, including Cornell University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Florida. The strong turnout of students reflects a growing interest in Korea's evolving role as a global research hub. Professor Hee-Seung Lee, Research Group leader of the AI Co-Research & Education for Innovative Drug Institute at KAIST, noted: 'We had the chance to meet highly capable and motivated researchers with a strong potential to lead groundbreaking work in AI+S&T and was able to hear firsthand their enthusiasm for such a unique opportunity. Korea's strategic efforts through InnoCORE are resonating internationally. If these talented researchers enter our network, it will not only elevate Korea's global scientific standing but also strengthen our global talent pipeline in the future.' Dr. Hyojun Lim, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT who participated in the job fair, commented: 'For U.S.-based researchers seeking career opportunities in Korea, InnoCORE provided a truly practical and insightful platform. Direct discussions with the lead professors of the research projects gave me a clear sense of each research group's mission and future direction—far beyond what a website or brochure can convey.' Building on the success of these events, the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea will officially commence the selection and onboarding of fellows in July. Each selected postdoctoral researcher will be offered a competitive base annual salary of KRW 90 million (~USD 66,000), with opportunities for additional research funding and compensation available through partnerships with industry and academic institutions. Fellows will also have access to advanced research infrastructure, including supercomputers, semiconductor cleanrooms, and cutting-edge biomedical facilities. The program will also implement a multi-layered mentoring system involving academic advisors, industry experts, and international researchers—designed to strengthen both independent research and multinational cooperation capabilities. InnoCORE currently operates through eight interdisciplinary research clusters. The projects are run in collaboration with Korea's top, major industry leaders (Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Naver), and global research giants such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, Meta, Google, and IBM Research. Research areas include large language models (LLMs), generative AI, AI-based drug discovery, advanced manufacturing, aerospace AI, clean energy, and nanotechnology for brain disease diagnostics. Mr. Chang-yoon Lee, first vice minister of Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea stated: 'The InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair showed that Korea is emerging as an attractive destination for the world's top scientific talent. We will continue to invest in building an open, globally connected research ecosystem—one where talent from around the world can grow, collaborate, and lead globally impactful science from Korea.' Press Contact 2025 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair Secretariat
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
SK Telecom to resume new subscriptions after completion of USIM replacement
Seoul : The Ministry of Science and ICT here said on Monday it will lift a ban on new subscription sales by SK Telecom Co., following the mobile carrier's completion of universal subscriber identity module (USIM) replacements for its entire user base of 25 million. SK Telecom is allowed to resume new subscription services starting Tuesday, the ministry added, reports Yonhap news agency. The move comes about two months after the government suspended new subscriptions due to a data breach , in which sensitive USIM data may have been leaked during an unidentified cyberattack on the company's servers. The suspension remained in place while SK Telecom carried out a large-scale USIM replacement effort. "SK Telecom has secured a sufficient supply of USIM chips, and its USIM booking system is operating smoothly," the ministry said. "We lifted the ban as the goal of our administrative guidance has been achieved." However, the ministry instructed SK Telecom to continue prioritizing USIM replacement requests from users. SK Telecom said new subscriptions will be available at its 2,600 T World retail stores starting Tuesday. "We will provide services to new subscribers without interruption in close collaboration with our nationwide distribution network," the company said in a statement. "We will also continue supporting customers who wish to replace their USIM cards due to the security breach." SK Telecom began offering free USIM card replacements in late April to all of its subscribers, including 2 million budget phone users, to prevent potential identity theft or financial fraud following the data breach. The South Korean government had issued an administrative guidance demanding the company suspend new subscriptions at its retail stores nationwide until the replacement process is completed. As the replacement neared completion, SK Telecom resumed limited new subscriptions using embedded SIMs (eSIMs) last week, according to the report.
Korea Herald
24-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
World's largest quantum tech event returns to Seoul with global momentum
Ministry of Science and ICT hosts Quantum Korea 2025 to bolster international ties Korea is ramping up efforts to bolster global cooperation in the quantum ecosystem as Quantum Korea 2025 kicked off Tuesday at the Yangjae aT Center in southern Seoul. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the host of Quantum Korea, the event, which is held from Tuesday to Thursday, has brought together 57 quantum companies and organizations from eight countries. Over 5,500 people attended the global quantum event in Korea last year, solidifying its position as the world's biggest quantum gathering since it began in 2023. 'We are entering the era of quantum error correction and the next five years will see significant advances in performance. …This is going to be a very exciting period,' said Oskar Painter, director of quantum hardware at Amazon Web Services who doubles as professor of physics at Caltech, in his keynote speech on the opening day of Quantum Korea 2025. To bolster international quantum cooperation and partnerships, the Ministry of Science and ICT has put together roundtables with the delegates from the European Union, the United States' Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) and Finland. The Korean government is also holding an open seminar with quantum experts from Korea, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The science ministry has organized eight international conferences that cover four areas of quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing and quantum science by inviting 24 prominent scholars from around the globe. 'There are many countries investing public money in quantum technology. … The top five countries include China, US, UK, Germany and South Korea. So right here, what is happening is very impressive,' said Celia Merzbacher, executive director of the QED-C, in her keynote speech, noting that the total of global quantum investments amounts to $55 billion. 'The market (for quantum computing) is growing, but it's still early stage, so it is important for governments to continue to invest and bridge into the future.' As the United Nations proclaimed this year the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, with the global quantum community celebrating the 100th anniversary of the initial development of quantum mechanics, countries across the globe are pouring investments into the quantum industry. To that end, Quantum Korea 2025 is holding special industry conferences on the trend and revolution of global quantum technology, the status of the quantum industry ecosystem by country and efforts to establish global quantum clusters. A total of 13 representatives from the quantum industry in the US, EU, Japan and Korea will deliver their insights. The exhibition hall will feature the latest studies and products from the participating companies and organizations including the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science; major universities and state-run science research institutes as well as leading telecommunication carriers such as SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus from Korea; Quandela, a French company specializing in the development of photonic quantum computers; IBM, IonQ, a US quantum computer manufacturer; QuEra, a US provider of neutral atoms-based quantum computers; and Zurich Instrument, a Swiss test and measurement company. 'Like the slogan of Quantum Korea 2025 — '100 Years of Quantum, Awakening Industry '' — Korea is seeking to take a bigger leap in quantum technology,' said Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-im. 'We hope Quantum Korea 2025 will serve as a platform for achieving such a vision and strengthening partners of reciprocal trust without borders.' A report from the QED-C showed that the broad quantum industry generated $1.45 billion in revenue in 2024 and is growing at 25-plus percent annually. According to McKinsey & Company, the quantum sector and related sectors are projected to create a $2 trillion won industry worldwide by 2035 as quantum technologies are expected to solve the problems of massive power generation and large-scale data computing in the era of AI that will lead unprecedented innovation across all industrial sectors such as energy, bio, finance, logistics and manufacturing. Quantum Korea 2025 is accepting on-site registrations at the Yangjae aT Center. More detailed information about the event can be found on its official website.
