The Ministry of Science and ICT will select 20 researchers to lead Korea's science and technology fields this year as "leader-level national scientists." Selected researchers will receive 100 million won a year in support funds for up to five years.
The ministry said on the 11th that it has announced the "2026 National Scientist Support Program (leader-level national scientists)" and begun the process to select 20 researchers.
The national scientist system was established to select outstanding scientists and engineers as national scientists to support their research activities and international influence, and to treat them as key personnel in the national science and technology sector.
Leader-level national scientists, to be selected for the first time this year, are researchers in industry, academia, and research institutes who are 55 or younger, hold Korean nationality, and conduct research and technological innovation activities domestically. In addition to existing research achievements and influence, the evaluation will consider the potential to maintain and develop world-class research activities over the next five to 10 years.
Applications are based on recommendations from the affiliated institution. Each institution may recommend up to three candidates through its own criteria and selection procedures. Researchers recommended by at least three international scholars or by a data-driven discovery committee may also apply, and in such cases are not counted toward the institution's recommendation limit. All applications are processed through the Integrated Research Information System (IRIS).
The review consists of two stages: field-specific selection reviews and a final selection review. It comprehensively evaluates the researcher's existing achievements and influence, the potential to grow to the world's highest level with support, and contributions to the nation, economy, and society.
It will also consider research characteristics by affiliation, such as universities, government-funded research institutes, and industry. To avoid concentration in specific science or engineering fields, it plans to reflect balance among disciplines based on the 16-category national science and technology standard classification.
Final selectees will receive the title of national scientist and a national scientist certificate in the president's name. Support will also include participation in establishing major national science and technology policies and research and development (R&D) strategies, introductions to domestic and international research achievements, invitations to major science and technology events, and expedited immigration (fast track).
Research activity support funds will be provided at 100 million won per year for up to five years. The ministry plans to apply the existing research and development expense system more flexibly so researchers can use the funds autonomously.
Vice Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon of the Ministry of Science and ICT said, "In the end, people are the core that determines the nation's science and technology competitiveness," and added, "We will support the selected leader-level national scientists so they can raise their research standards and international influence and contribute to the development of science and technology."
The application period is from Sept. 21 to Oct. 12. Application methods and detailed schedules can be found in the program announcement posted on the websites of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), and on IRIS. The ministry will hold a program briefing session at 2 p.m. on Sept. 16 at Royal Hotel Seoul in Myeong-dong, Seoul. In-person attendees can pre-register through the National Research Foundation of Korea website, and the briefing will also be streamed live on the foundation's YouTube channel.