Vice Minister Koo Hyukchae: "Young Scientists Should Embrace Challenges Without Fear of Failure"

Meeting with Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Researchers at Kangwon National University
"Strengthening Stable Support for Regional Basic Research"

Koo Hyuk-chae, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, visited Kangwon National University and emphasized his commitment to stable research support, telling young researchers that "challenging fundamental research that is unafraid of failure is necessary."

On May 20, Vice Minister Koo visited Kangwon National University, delivered a lecture to graduate students in science and engineering and postdoctoral researchers, and held an on-site roundtable discussion on basic research.

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. Koo Hyuk Chae, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This visit marked the 17th event of the 'Project Gonggam 118', a field communication program in science and technology. 'Project Gonggam 118' is an on-site communication initiative, inspired by the 118 elements of the periodic table, designed to foster dialogue with a diverse range of science and technology professionals.

During his lecture, titled "A Future Opened by Science and Technology, Creating Change Together," Vice Minister Koo explained the importance of technology-driven growth amid global competition for scientific and technological sovereignty, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), and an era of low growth. He also introduced key policy achievements since the launch of the new administration, including the reinstatement of the position of Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology and the securing of the largest-ever budget for research and development (R&D) and basic research.

He further evaluated Gangwon as an innovation hub for science and technology, equipped with the Gangwon Research and Development Special Zone, universities, and the Yemi Lab of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), and announced continued support for the region's basic research ecosystem.

At the subsequent roundtable, researchers from Kangwon National University, who are currently engaged in basic research projects such as the Core Research, Emerging Research, and Sejong Science Fellowship programs, participated and shared the challenges faced in regional research and their policy suggestions.

Vice Minister Koo stated, "Kangwon National University serves as a leading research hub in the Gangwon region and is strengthening the foundation for future strategic industries, establishing itself as a pillar of scientific and technological innovation. We will continue to provide stable support so that young researchers can focus on challenging fundamental research with a long-term perspective, rather than short-term achievements."

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