Science ministry begins research-security program at eight universities

The science ministry said it had begun supporting research-security management systems at eight universities to address vulnerabilities including potential overseas technology leaks and support safe international collaboration.

Under the 2026 program, each selected school will create a research-security organization with dedicated personnel and a management system suited to its specialist fields, priority activities and internal systems. The ministry said its goal is to give the organizations and support systems a sustainable operational foundation.

The recipients are Busan, Seoul, Yonsei, Yeungnam, Incheon, Changwon, Pohang University of Science and Technology and Hanyang universities. A ministry official, representatives of the eight schools and the Research Security Centers met to discuss operating plans and cooperation.

Support will include consultations, guidance and training for university members, as well as campus communication and awareness-raising efforts. Lawyers and other specialists will advise on international cooperation, contracts and intellectual property. The ministry will link the universities with Research Security Centers at KAIST and Chung-Ang University and the Global Research Security Policy Support Center at the Science and Technology Policy Institute. The government plans a national research-security response system spanning government ministries, related organizations and the research community.

"We plan to continue supporting efforts to strengthen research security," Hwang Seong-hun, director general for international cooperation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said.