"Seeking Those Who Have Advanced Korean Science and Technology"... Ministry of Science and ICT Launches Science and Technology Merit Recipient Application Process

Applications and Recommendations Accepted Until June 30
Citizens Can Also Recommend via SNS Essays

Final Selection at Year-End

New “Hall of Honor” to Be Established at the National Gwacheon Science Museum

The Ministry of Science and ICT has launched the process of designating the “2026 Science and Technology Merit Recipients” to discover and honor researchers who have contributed to the advancement of science and technology in Korea. In addition to applications and recommendations from researchers themselves or institutions, the scope of participation has been expanded to allow citizens to directly recommend candidates through essays on social networking services (SNS).

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the “2026 Science and Technology Merit Recipient Designation Plan” and stated on May 7 that applications and recommendations for candidates will be accepted until June 30.

Poster for Application and Recommendation for Designation as a Distinguished Contributor to Science and Technology. Provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT

The Science and Technology Merit Recipient system is designed to honor scientists and engineers who have made significant contributions to the nation’s advancement in science and technology at the national level. Since 2017, the Ministry has designated a total of 95 individuals as merit recipients through last year.

Applications and recommendations for candidates can be submitted by the scientists or engineers themselves, their surviving family members, or the heads of science and technology-related organizations, and must be made online via the Science and Technology Merit Recipient website. To be considered for this year’s review, applications must be completed by June 30.

The eligible candidates include: ▲ individuals who have contributed to economic and social development through the development or improvement of new technologies; ▲ recipients of internationally renowned science and technology awards; and ▲ researchers who have made continuous contributions to the development of specific fields in science and technology.

Scientific and Technological Merit Award Citizen Recommendation Essay Contest Poster. Provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT

The Ministry is also holding a “Science and Technology Merit National Recommendation Essay Contest” for public participation. Anyone can create content such as text, photos, or videos highlighting the major achievements of a scientist or engineer they wish to recommend, post it on their personal SNS, and then register the URL of the post on the website by May 31.

The designation of Science and Technology Merit Recipients will be finalized at the end of the year through a three-stage process: candidate discovery, expert review, and final evaluation. Public verification and checks for any disqualifying factors will also be conducted afterward.

To make the achievements of merit recipients more accessible to the general public, the Ministry plans to establish a new “Hall of Honor,” an exhibition and experience space, inside the National Gwacheon Science Museum to open at the end of this year. The Ministry will also operate various honor and support programs, including a certificate presented in the name of the President, a dedication ceremony, publication of records of achievements, and science and technology lectures.

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