Science ministry seeks director for K-Moonshot AI scientist mission

The science ministry said Friday it had opened a public search through Aug. 24 for a program director to lead the K-Moonshot project's AI scientist mission.

The mission aims to develop by 2035 an AI able to independently conduct scientific research, from forming hypotheses to designing, validating and analyzing experiments and generating results.

The appointee will join the National Research Council of Science & Technology's National Science AI Research Center to lead the mission. The director will set a phased roadmap, plan core research-and-development programs, and manage results including technology commercialization and derivative spin-offs. The director will also plan R&D for technology gaps and help secure budgets, oversee the selection, evaluation and progress of related programs, and coordinate with government ministries, dedicated agencies, industry, academia and research institutes.

A final selection and appointment are expected in September. The successful candidate will serve through July 2029 as a council national special researcher.