"Science in Museums, Science in Hobbies"... Researcher-Culture Connection Open Call

Ministry of Science and ICT Launches New Science Culture Program
Applications Accepted Through May 15

The government is launching a new program that connects researchers with culture and the arts, allowing people to experience science in their daily lives. The plan is to incorporate science into everything from exhibition commentary to hobbies, thereby spreading a “lifestyle-oriented science culture.”

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity announced on April 22 that they will establish a “Researcher-Culture Connection” program and are publicly recruiting participating institutions and researchers.

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. On the 21st, at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Prime Minister Kim Minseok poses for a commemorative photo with recipients of government awards at the 2026 Science and Information and Communications Day ceremony. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This program will be run along two main pillars: “Researcher Curation” for cultural facilities, and “Science Lounge” for hobby groups.

“Researcher Curation” is a program that integrates researchers’ expertise into exhibitions at cultural facilities such as museums, art galleries, and libraries. Visitors can directly hear from researchers about topics such as the materials and chemical changes of artifacts, the colors and light in artworks, and background knowledge related to scientific books.

“Science Lounge” is a participatory program that adds scientific interpretation to a variety of hobbies, including climbing, baseball, and crafts. For example, participants might learn stretching methods based on muscle structure before exercising, working with researchers to answer everyday questions through a scientific approach.

Cultural and artistic facilities and researchers wishing to participate can apply during the approximately three-week period from April 22 to May 15. After selections are made, the program will sequentially launch in local cultural facilities and hobby groups with citizen participation starting in June.

This initiative differs from previous science culture projects in that researchers participate from the planning stage, scientifically restructuring exhibitions and programs. It is expected to offer a blended experience by adding scientific interpretation to cultural content.

Lee Jaejun, Director of the Science and Culture Division at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “This will create more opportunities for people to naturally encounter science as they enjoy cultural activities. We will continue to expand science culture programs so that researchers can also connect with society in a more approachable manner.”

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