Science ministry announces four-part national R&D forum series

The science ministry said that the National Science and Technology Advisory Council will begin a four-part forum series on the future of national research and development, citing technology competition and intertwined social challenges.

The National Science and Technology Advisory Council will hold the first PACST Science and Technology Forum at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Plaza Hotel's Orchid Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, in collaboration with the Science and Technology Policy Institute.

The forum will review the achievements and challenges of national R&D over the past 60 years and seek a vision for the next 60 years.

"With the environment surrounding national R&D changing rapidly, it is time to reconsider its purpose and direction from the ground up," Lee Kyung-soo, vice chair of the council, said.

Hong Seong-ju, a senior research fellow at the Science and Technology Policy Institute and a council deliberation committee member, will deliver a keynote on the historical path of South Korea's innovation ecosystem and strategies for its future transition. A discussion chaired by Daedeoknet chief Lee Seok-bong will address the basis for pursuing national R&D, the appropriateness of national-level support and how outcomes should be redefined.

The first forum will set out the overall rationale and direction for national R&D. Later sessions will focus on support approaches, outcomes and a sustainable research environment through year-end.

The forums will be held in person, and recordings will later be posted on the council's YouTube channel.