Science ministry briefs regional universities on 2027 basic research budget

The science ministry said Tuesday that Park In-kyu, head of its science and technology innovation office, met researchers at regional universities to explain the direction of next year's basic research budget and hear their views on how it should be spent. The meeting was arranged to walk the research field through the main contents of the 2027 government R&D budget bill approved at a Cabinet meeting on Sept. 1, and to discuss basic research support in terms that universities and young researchers could feel. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, early- and mid-career faculty and private-sector experts attended.

The 2027 basic research plan emphasizes researchers at different career stages. The ministry described an expansion of research incentives for master's and doctoral students, along with a new university block funding scheme that lets universities decide how to spend research money on personnel, facilities and equipment. The block grants are intended to widen stable research opportunities for doctorate-level researchers, including postdocs. It is also creating a regional track that runs for 10 years, giving early-career researchers at regional universities a longer, more stable period in which to work.

"It is most important to provide stable research opportunities so that young researchers who will lead the future of our science and technology can take on challenges and grow," Park said, adding that the ministry will keep up stable investment in basic research so that universities and regions can train talented people and researchers can put their abilities to use.