Science ministry to inspect semiconductor labs after accidents nearly double

The science ministry said Wednesday it will launch special on-site safety inspections and tailored support for semiconductor research laboratories at universities and research institutes, after accidents in those labs nearly doubled to 32 in 2025 from 18 in 2023.

Semiconductor research relies heavily on strong acids and toxic gases and is conducted inside sealed clean rooms, where even a small release of hazardous material can quickly endanger researchers and nearby living areas, the ministry said.

The inspections will begin late this month at Korea University of Technology and Education as a pilot covering three institutions through the end of the year. From next year, the program will expand to 22 major universities and government-funded research institutes nationwide.

The ministry is also preparing support for researchers to check safety themselves during experiments. A self-inspection checklist covering essential on-site safety items will be distributed by the end of this year, followed next year by safety guidelines and training content specialized for semiconductor research. Universities and institutes building new semiconductor labs will receive consulting from the design stage.

To add expertise, the ministry will sign a memorandum of understanding with the National Institute of Chemical Safety, a specialist agency for chemical accident response, by the end of this year. The two will conduct joint inspections, accident investigations and consulting for semiconductor labs, and will operate a regular safety consultative body to share and address pending issues.

"Creating a safe environment where researchers can focus on semiconductor research without worrying about lab accidents is more important than anything else," said Lee Jun-bae, head of the ministry's future talent policy bureau. "We will actively support cooperation with specialized agencies to build a tight safety net suited to the field."