[Insight & Opinion] The Science and Technology Community Also Needs Self-Purification Efforts

Baek Kyunghoon, Minister of Science and ICT, chose Seoul Bio Hub as his first official schedule. The new government's science and technology policy, launched in haste without even having time to form a transition team, has begun its work in earnest. The appointment of Minister Baek is considered groundbreaking. He is a "field engineer" in his 40s who studied electronic engineering in Korea, worked at Samsung and SK, and led the development of LG's artificial intelligence (AI) platform "Exaone." This is a fresh shock to the science and technology community, which has been accustomed to solemn ministers.

The selection of Park Inkyu as Head of the Office for Science and Technology Innovation is also remarkable. He is a leading authority in experimental particle physics and has been actively participating in the international research group at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) since 2007, making him a "field basic scientist." He has consistently voiced his opinions on science and technology policy and has shown exceptional interest in science culture. The appointment of Ha Jungwoo as Chief of AI Future Planning, also an AI expert, is an excellent choice that dispels concerns about the neglect of basic science due to the focus on AI. The balance with Vice Ministers Koo Hyukchae and Ryu Jemyung, both former bureaucrats, is also notable.

Currently, the global science and technology sector is experiencing severe turmoil. The United States, which has led advanced science and technology, has suddenly seen its investment in science and technology plummet. This is particularly evident in the fields of basic science, healthcare, and the environment. The main reason is President Donald Trump's anti-science and technology stance after his successful return to the White House. There are also concerns about China's aggressive "technology rise," which is rapidly absorbing global science and technology resources, and the European science and technology sector is unsettled due to the harsh tariff war with the United States.

Korea is facing similar anxieties. The aftermath of the previous government's abrupt announcement at the National Fiscal Strategy Meeting in June 2023, followed by the hasty reduction of the national research and development (R&D) budget, still weighs heavily on us. All scientists have been reduced to "cartel" members who split and share research funds, and doctors have been driven into the roles of "devils" and "targets for elimination." As a result, the foundation of grassroots basic research has collapsed helplessly, and the "giveaway-style" global R&D, hastily introduced under the pretext of restoring the cut budget, has lost its direction.

The Ministry of Science and ICT bears a heavy responsibility. The most urgent task is to restore the "honor" and "pride" of scientists and doctors, which have been deeply tarnished. The ministry must clearly reveal the truth behind the "cartel remarks." If we fail to restore the morale of our scientists, the dream of becoming one of the "top three AI nations" will remain an empty promise. There must also be a clear determination and commitment not to let overly ambitious AI investments become a tsunami that sweeps away the hard-won achievements in science and technology. The appointments of heads of science and technology institutions such as KAIST and the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), whose terms have ended, must also be expedited. "Innovation," which is certain to end as an empty slogan, has lost its effectiveness.

The science and technology community must also make active efforts. Voluntary and rigorous "self-purification" efforts are urgently needed to restore scientists' "ethics." In particular, the recent series of disgraceful incidents at the Korean Academy of Science and Technology and the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies cannot be tolerated. Of course, there is no reason to interpret individual misconduct as a structural problem. "Polifessors" and "Gwanfia"?those who lack even the minimum sense of ethics and frequent the political sphere, turning the science and technology community into a cesspool?must be fundamentally eliminated. Strengthening the "Charter of Science and Technology," established by the Federation in 2004, could be the starting point for self-purification efforts.

Lee Deokhwan, Professor Emeritus at Sogang University, Chemistry and Science Communication

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