Science and Technology 1st Vice Minister: "No Restructuring of Research Institutes, but Must Examine Inertia and Sandwich Situation"

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"(Government-funded research institutes) will not undergo physical restructuring."

Lee Chang-yoon, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated that there will be no artificial integration of government-funded research institutes under the Ministry of Science and ICT, but emphasized the need for change.

Lee Chang-yoon, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, is speaking at a press briefing held on the 3rd at the Ministry of Science and ICT press room in Sejong City. Photo by Baek Jong-min

On the morning of the 3rd, Vice Minister Lee held a press briefing at the Ministry of Science and ICT press room in Sejong City and made these remarks. Meeting with reporters face-to-face for the first time in about a month since his first day in office, Vice Minister Lee, known as a "master of communication," said he had visited various research sites to listen to suggestions and revealed his short- and mid-term goals on this day.

Vice Minister Lee said he would lead the transformation of government-funded research institutes to enable convergence research, such as with the Global Top Strategic Research Group, but drew a clear line against artificial integration or restructuring. He also said that a support and development system for government-funded research institutes after their release from public institution status would soon be established and announced.

He also clearly stated that it is time for government-funded research institutes to change. He noted that it has been 50 years since these institutes were established and diagnosed that "as the competitiveness of companies and universities rapidly rises, government-funded research institutes are becoming sandwiched." He further pointed out, "It is time to take a look not only at the research of these institutes but also at their organizational culture and research environment." He acknowledged that "changing the inertia that has been operating since the 1970s is not easy." Vice Minister Lee mentioned that government-funded research institutes are not accustomed to expanding cooperation with external entities such as companies and that there is a possibility of conflicts arising from generational differences between MZ generation researchers and existing researchers.

In the short term, Vice Minister Lee listed the successful launch of the Aerospace Administration and the establishment of a leading basic fundamental research plan as goals. In the mid-term, he identified tasks such as revitalizing science and engineering fields, preparing a turning point for the transformation of government-funded research institutes, supporting science and technology specialized universities, strengthening global cooperation, and promoting public-private cooperation in the science and technology sector.

Regarding the Aerospace Administration, he said a committee has been formed to establish the vision and philosophy of the newly established organization, gathering opinions, and that among 405 candidate projects, those aligned with the philosophy of the Aerospace Administration are being selected. Vice Minister Lee emphasized the importance of the philosophy of the head of the Aerospace Administration and the significance of the inaugural chief.

On the R&D budget cut controversy, he said, "I heard that 'the pride of scientists on the ground was hurt, which is more difficult.' The Ministry of Science and ICT must show a leading stance to other ministries in next year’s budget. We will convey to the financial authorities not only the quantitative expansion but also the meaning of restructuring to prepare for budget increases." This means that while support areas will be strengthened, improvements are needed where efficiency is required.

Regarding the expansion of medical school quotas by 2,000 students and the omission of nurturing physician-scientists, he mentioned, "There is a hope that sufficient physician-scientists will be trained to create a virtuous cycle structure that can collaborate with the science and technology community. The Ministry of Science and ICT is considering this separately." He also indirectly suggested that establishing a medical science graduate school is a long-term task.

Vice Minister Lee said that the cause of the concentration in medical schools ultimately lies in treatment conditions and stated, "Revitalizing science and engineering fields is necessary, and we will prepare a national vision and measures." He also said the government is preparing alternatives for improving the treatment of science and engineering personnel. Vice Minister Lee said he is preparing a science and engineering initiative and will communicate with companies for this purpose.

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