[Exclusive] Minister Paik Hung Stresses Field Safety, Visits KAIST Student Injured in Laboratory Accident

Minister of Science and ICT Paik Hung-hoon (right) visited Chungbuk National University, a local research site, on the 7th and received an explanation about research achievements using quantum computers from Professor Kim Kiwoong. Photo by Baek Jongmin Tech Specialist

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On August 7, Minister of Science and ICT Paik Hung-hoon visited Chungbuk National University in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, where he listened to the concerns of researchers engaged in basic research and then quickly left the site. His next destination was Chungnam National University Hospital in Daejeon. There, Minister Paik offered words of comfort to a KAIST student who had suffered burns in a laboratory explosion.

According to the scientific community on August 8, Minister Paik expressed his intention to visit the hospital immediately after being appointed as minister, upon receiving a report from a Ministry of Science and ICT official that a KAIST student had been injured in a laboratory explosion. Minister Paik put this plan into action about three weeks after taking office. Although the visit was delayed due to pressing issues, he kept his promise.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "This is the first time a minister has personally met and comforted a student who suffered a laboratory accident." Minister Paik reportedly emphasized that the outstanding student should not face any obstacles to treatment, rehabilitation, or future research. It was also reported that the minister's visit was not announced in advance to the university.

There are four science and technology institutes under the Ministry of Science and ICT: KAIST, UNIST, GIST, and DGIST. These institutes are at the forefront of science and technology education in Korea, but laboratory accidents have occurred from time to time. At KAIST, where the injured student is affiliated, a laboratory fire also occurred last year, raising concerns.

During a roundtable meeting held before his hospital visit, Minister Paik expressed his determination to take the lead in ensuring safety at basic research sites. He said, "Various incidents and accidents are occurring due to the aging of laboratory equipment and facilities. We need to think very seriously about what is needed, including safety education, and we are establishing concrete support plans."

Minister Paik stated, "Basic research is an area where new knowledge is explored based on diverse ideas, so it is most important to create an environment where researchers can immerse themselves in their work autonomously and with predictability." He announced that the 'New Government Basic Research Promotion Plan' to lay the foundation for sustainable growth will be established by November.

Minister Paik particularly emphasized collaboration with the Ministry of Education. He said, "We will work closely with the Ministry of Education to create a stable and sustainable research and education ecosystem." Basic science education at universities, except for the science and technology institutes, falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education. On this day, Minister Paik mentioned the Ministry of Education nine times, reflecting his strong commitment to engaging with the educational field.

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