In the second half of this year, 20 'National Scientists of Korea' will be publicly announced. Three additional gifted schools to nurture science and technology talent will also be established.
The Ministry of Science and ICT confirmed the '5th Basic Plan for Nurturing and Supporting Science and Technology Talent (2026–2030)' at its 9th deliberation meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology Advisory held on the 31st.
The Basic Plan for Nurturing and Supporting Science and Technology Talent is the state's top-level legal plan outlining medium- to long-term policy goals and basic directions for nurturing science and technology talent nationwide. It was jointly developed by 11 ministries, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Education. Its core objective is to build a 'brain highway' that supports talent from recruitment through growth and active contribution, aiming for a nation where people aspire to become scientists and engineers and where they are respected.
Accordingly, the 'National Scientist of Korea' system, under which the state directly identifies and honors world-class science and technology experts, will be implemented for the first time in the second half of this year. Selection targets include researchers affiliated with universities, government-funded research institutes, and industry sectors. The title was changed from 'National Scientists' announced in last November's talent plan to 'National Scientists of Korea' in the final version.
The 'National Scientist of Korea' system is divided into two categories: 'Leader-level' and 'Next-generation'. Leader-level scientists are researchers in science or engineering fields who hold South Korean citizenship, are under 55 years old, and are active within the country. Starting with 20 individuals in 2026, a total of 100 will be selected by 2030. Selected recipients will receive annual research activity funds of up to 100 million won for a maximum of five years. These funds may be freely used for purposes related to research. Recipients will enjoy national-level honors such as fast-track processing during entry and exit, an annual dialogue with the President, and advisory roles in formulating national R&D (research and development) policies.
The 'Next-generation' category selects South Korean researchers with high potential to become world-class experts. For university and government-funded research institute affiliates, young researchers appointed within the past 10 years will be considered; for industry professionals, those with at least a master's degree and 15 or fewer years of research experience will be eligible. A total of 1,000 Next-generation National Scientists of Korea will be selected by 2030. Starting next year, 200 individuals will be chosen annually, each receiving annual research activity funds of 50 million won.
National Scientists of Korea will be awarded certificates and plaques, and provided opportunities to attend major national events alongside science and technology experts. The government will also support public relations regarding their research achievements. Support for National Scientists of Korea will be managed by the Korea Research Foundation. An interim evaluation will be conducted in the third year after selection to assess past performance and determine whether to extend support for an additional two years. The Selection Committee will be composed of reviewers recommended by representative organizations in the domestic science and technology community, including the Federation of Korean Science and Technology Societies, the Academy of Korea, and the Engineering Academy of Korea.
The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to announce the selection of Leader-level National Scientists of Korea next month, complete evaluations by early December, and release final results in mid-December.
Meanwhile, gifted schools under the Korea Institute of Science and Technology will also be expanded nationwide. The core initiative involves converting existing high schools into gifted schools in regions currently lacking such institutions (△Gangwon △South Gyeongsang △North Gyeongsang △Ulsan △Jeonbuk △Jeju △South Chungcheong). Currently, a total of eight gifted schools operate nationwide; the only gifted school under the Korea Institute of Science and Technology is the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) affiliated Korea Science Academy of Gifted Education located in Busan.
When a school, local education office, and local government jointly form a consultation body with a nearby science institute to apply for conversion into a gifted school, they will be designated around December following an evaluation process. The expected scale of conversion is three schools. Additionally, two new gifted schools will be established: one affiliated with GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology) in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province, and another affiliated with KAIST in North Chungcheong Province.
Bae Kyung-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "In the face of a complex crisis involving global technological hegemony competition and declining birthrates and school-age population, the only path for the Republic of Korea to leapfrog as a global leading nation is ultimately people." He added, "With all ministries working as one team, we will create a country that dreams of nurturing scientists."
in TECH
