Clear Shift Toward AI and Semiconductors... Half of Science-Gifted Students Choose Engineering

Youth Science Gifted Mentoring Program Launched by the Academy
30 Leading Scholars and Next-Generation Scientists Join as Mentors

As interest in cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and robotics grows, it has been observed that science-gifted students are increasingly choosing career paths in engineering fields.

The Science Academy of Korea announced on the afternoon of May 15 that it held the "2026 Youth Science Gifted Orientation" and officially launched this year's mentoring program.

Orientation for the 2026 Youth Science Gifted Program. Provided by the National Academy of Sciences

Now in its 19th year, the "Youth Science Gifted Mentoring Program" is designed for first- and second-year high school students with an interest and talent in science and technology, enabling them to carry out research projects through one-on-one mentoring with leading scholars and next-generation scientists in Korea. The program aims to foster students' self-directed inquiry skills and creativity.

This year, 87 students recommended by high schools nationwide applied, and 30 were ultimately selected. The Academy explained that the selection process reflected a balance of region, school type, and gender, with 13 students (43%) from outside the Seoul metropolitan area, 9 students (30%) from general high schools, and 13 female students (43%).

Notably, this year, 44 applicants—accounting for 51% of the total—applied for the engineering field, marking the highest proportion in the past five years. The Academy analyzed that this reflects the growing interest among youth in advanced industries such as semiconductors, AI, and robotics.

Mentors Include Professor Park Hongkyu of Seoul National University and Professor Son Youngwoo of the Korea Institute for Advanced Study

This year, 30 domestic scholars and next-generation researchers, including Professor Park Hongkyu of Seoul National University, Professor Son Youngwoo of the Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Professor Ko Seunghwan of Seoul National University, Professor Lee Jio of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and Professor Yoo Minsu of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), are participating as mentors.

Mentors and mentees will undertake individual mentoring activities over approximately five months, including planning and conducting research projects and visiting laboratories. During the summer vacation, the "Academy Future Science Camp" will also be held, featuring research site visits and group practice sessions.

After the mentoring program ends, three outstanding mentees will be selected and given the opportunity to participate in a scientific study tour in Sweden, accompanied by their supervising teachers.

Jin Ho Jung, President of the Science Academy of Korea, stated, "As securing talent in science and technology has become a core task for national competitiveness, it is important for young people to directly experience the joy of research and the social value of science and technology. We will actively support Korea’s leading scholars and next-generation scientists to serve as reliable mentors for the growth of future talent."

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