“Seeking Excellent Research Laboratory Safety Management”... Ministry of Science and ICT Begins Accepting Certification Applications

Spreading a Culture of Laboratory Safety
Expansion of Minister’s Commendations

The Ministry of Science and ICT is implementing the “Excellent Research Laboratory Safety Management Certification System,” which aims to identify laboratories with outstanding safety management standards. Laboratories that receive certification will be eligible for government awards and receive extra points for research environment improvement programs.

The Ministry announced the implementation of the “2026 Excellent Research Laboratory Safety Management Certification System” and began accepting applications on March 5, 2026.

Laboratory conducting the experiment. Reference photo to assist in understanding the article. The Asia Business Daily DB

This system comprehensively evaluates laboratories in the science and technology sector for their safety management systems, level of safety activities, and safety awareness, and certifies outstanding laboratories. Since its introduction in 2016, participation has steadily increased, with 94 institutions and 285 laboratories obtaining certification last year.

Certified laboratories are awarded a certificate and a plaque, and receive additional points when applying for support projects to improve laboratory safety environments. Each year, among the certified laboratories, the Ministry of Science and ICT selects the most outstanding laboratory and provides awards such as the Minister’s Commendation.

Expansion of Minister’s Commendations... Support for Education and Consulting

This year, the Ministry of Science and ICT will expand the scale of awards, introducing five new individual commendations in addition to the existing laboratory group commendations. The Ministry also plans to recognize the contributions of individual student researchers and others who have helped prevent laboratory accidents and promote a culture of safety.

This year’s awards will include 14 Minister’s Commendations (9 for laboratories and 5 for individuals) and 11 awards from the Head of the National Research Safety Management Agency.

Additionally, support programs will be offered for laboratories seeking certification, including practical training sessions (four times a year), field visits (ten times a year), and expert consulting.

Laboratories wishing to apply for certification can refer to the announcement on the Ministry’s website and submit their applications via the National Research Safety Information System by September 30, 2026.

Lee Junbae, Director General for Future Talent Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “For laboratory safety, the interest and voluntary participation of research personnel are crucial,” and added, “We hope that many laboratories will participate in the certification system so that a culture of autonomous safety management can spread.”

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