Ceremony Held Honoring Female Korean Scientists Kim Myung-ja and Kim Young-joong for Their Contributions

Minister Yusangim: "Women Talents in Science and Technology Are Essential Assets for Strengthening National Competitiveness"

Professor Emeritus Kim Young-jung of Seoul National University and Kim Myung-ja, Chairperson of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), were recognized for their contributions to the development of Korean science and technology through a national science and technology merit dedication ceremony.

From the left, Sang-im Yoo, Minister of Science and ICT, Young-jung Kim, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University, Myung-ja Kim, Chairperson of KAIST, Kwang-hyung Lee, President of KAIST. Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT

On the 6th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held the "2024 Korea Women in Science and Technology Conference" at the Korea Science and Technology Center, dedicating nameplates to the two honorees in recognition of their dedication and achievements.

The two honorees were designated as merit recipients in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The Ministry of Science and ICT held the dedication ceremony to enhance respect for scientists and to boost the pride of women scientists. Minister Yoo Sang-im personally presented the nameplates to the two honorees.

Kim Myung-ja, Chairperson of KAIST, said, "I don't even remember how I raised my first child born while studying abroad," reflecting on the challenges of life as a female scientist. She also shared her experience of giving birth to three children while dedicating herself to academia. Chairperson Kim added, "Although the current situation is difficult, scientists must not neglect their research."

The Women in Science and Technology Conference is an event aimed at boosting morale through awards to institutions and individuals who have worked to improve the status of women in science and technology, as well as promoting solidarity and exchange within the women’s science and technology community by sharing best practices.

The event was attended by key figures from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, the Korean Federation of Women’s Science and Technology Associations, the Korean Women Scientists and Engineers Association, the Korea Science and Technology Gender Innovation Center, and about 300 scientists from industry, academia, and research institutes.

In addition to the dedication ceremony for the national science and technology merit recipients’ nameplates, awards including the Minister of Science and ICT’s commendations and prizes (17 in total) were also presented at the event.

Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT is delivering a congratulatory speech at the "2024 Korea Women in Science and Technology Conference" held on the 6th at the Science and Technology Hall in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Baek Jong-min

Minister Yoo Sang-im, attending her first external event since the imposition of emergency martial law, said in her congratulatory speech, "Although the nation is facing a grave situation, the government is striving to carry out all policies without disruption, and I ask everyone here to do their best in their respective positions." She added, "Female talent in the field of science and technology is an essential asset for strengthening national competitiveness. I hope the capabilities and potential of women scientists will spread more widely both domestically and internationally."

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