POSCO Cheongam Foundation Selects 33 'POSCO Science Fellows' to Lead South Korea

After over 2 months of review, 20 basic science researchers and 13 applied science researchers selected

33 young scientists chosen to lead the future of a science powerhouse, receiving up to 100 million KRW over 2 years

453 new science fellows produced over 14 years, with a total support of 27.3 billion KRW

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] POSCO Cheongam Foundation (Chairman Kim Seon-wook) announced 33 domestic scientists selected for the ‘2023 POSCO Science Fellow’.

The POSCO Science Fellowship is a core project of the POSCO Cheongam Foundation that supports research funding for young scientists conducting basic and applied science research in Korea, enabling them to focus on their research with pride and stability and grow into world-class scientists in the future.

Its purpose is especially to create an environment where outstanding talents can continue their research domestically by providing research funding to early-career scientists who have just started independent research or experiments.

The POSCO Science Fellowship is recognized in the scientific community as a fellowship awarded to the most outstanding talents of the year and has established itself as a prestigious ‘Rookie Scientist Award’ that young scientists must pass through to grow.

Now in its 14th year, the POSCO Science Fellowship supports young and talented post-docs and early-career professors conducting basic sciences in four fields?mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences?and applied sciences in two fields?metals/new materials and energy materials?with the goal of nurturing scientific and technological talents who will lead Korea’s future.

The POSCO Science Fellowship provides a total of 70 million KRW over two years to post-docs who will become core members of domestic research teams, and a total of 100 million KRW over two years to early-career professors newly appointed who are starting independent research and experiments.

Additionally, it holds annual academic exchange meetings by field to offer opportunities for networking and collaborative research among selected fellows, fostering a community.

A committee member who participated in the 14th fellow selection said, “This year, many more outstanding researchers applied than in previous years, making it truly difficult to distinguish between them,” and added, “I could feel that the research level of young scientists in our country is improving day by day, and I am grateful to the POSCO Cheongam Foundation, which has steadily supported the development of science and technology in Korea for many years.”

For the 2023 POSCO Science Fellow, 305 applicants applied during the one-month application period starting June 1, showing a fierce competition rate close to 10 to 1. By category, 82 post-docs and 223 early-career professors applied.

The POSCO Science Fellow selection process involved 18 expert professors in six academic fields who selected about 80 candidates?twice the number of final selections?based on research plans and achievements through document screening. Then, evaluation reports were obtained from renowned domestic and international scientists, followed by interviews conducted by 18 selection committee professors, ultimately selecting 33 fellows.

Now in its 14th year, the POSCO Science Fellowship has produced a total of 453 fellows, 30 to 40 each year since 2009, and has provided a cumulative research fund of 27.3 billion KRW to them.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.