Science ministry convenes K-Moonshot leaders on 12 national missions

The science ministry said it will bring together directors for the 12 K-Moonshot missions on Monday to map out ways to deliver results the public can feel from the national research project.

The meeting follows an Aug. 1 change that made mission directors national special-appointed researchers with broader authority. It is also being held as a K-Moonshot implementation support team opens an office in Jiphyeon-dong, Sejong City. The discussion will cover mission-specific road maps and greater use of AI in the research process.

Gu Hyeok-chae, the first vice minister, said: "I offer deep thanks to the directors and related institutions for their efforts in building the foundation for the 12 missions. Now that you have been newly appointed as national special-appointed researchers, I hope you will boldly broaden links across industry, academia and research and actively tackle national challenges with a moonshot spirit that does not fear failure."

The ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with 160 related companies on March 11, then selected the directors and launched the K-Moonshot task force on May 27. Led by the 12 directors, the task force provides an interministerial structure to oversee the missions.

K-Moonshot calls for the active introduction of AI into science and technology research, with targets to double research productivity by 2030 and resolve 12 missions needed for a national competitiveness leap by 2035.