NST marks 12th founding anniversary

Award recipients pose for a photo at the National Research Council of Science and Technology's 12th founding anniversary ceremony. [NST]
Award recipients pose for a photo at the National Research Council of Science and Technology's 12th founding anniversary ceremony. [NST]

The National Research Council of Science and Technology is pushing ahead with efforts to build a national research and development innovation ecosystem.

NST held its 12th founding anniversary ceremony Sunday, reaffirming its commitment to advancing national R&D innovation and strengthening the country's science and technology competitiveness.

Since its launch on June 30, 2014, NST has supported national R&D policy, backed the development of government-funded research institutes and served as a driving force for national science and technology innovation.

The council has been pursuing key initiatives to advance R&D innovation, including efforts to create a research-focused environment through specialized shared administration, strengthen strategic research projects, establish a National Science AI Research Center and support the K-Moonshot project.

NST has also worked to strengthen cooperation among government-funded research institutes and consolidate research capabilities to help secure competitiveness in national strategic technologies and generate future growth engines, while building the institutional foundations needed for those institutes to become central pillars of national innovation-driven growth.

In line with the abolition of the Project-Based System and the shift to a mission-oriented research framework, NST has been working to create an environment where researchers can focus steadily on their work. The council is also supporting the on-the-ground implementation of mission-oriented R&D portfolios and strategic research projects at each institute, and building institutional foundations that enhance the autonomy and accountability of government-funded research institutes through operational innovation and ethical management.

At the ceremony, NST recognized 11 employees for their contributions to organizational development and operational innovation and for delivering outstanding results.

NST Chairman Kim Young-sik said the 12th anniversary marks "an important turning point at which NST prepares for a new role and future at a time of transformation in the R&D system," adding that the council "must reinvent itself as an NST that changes and grows together with the government-funded research institutes."

He said science and technology innovation "begins with the challenges and collaboration happening at research sites, and ultimately it is people who make that possible," and pledged that "NST will continue to provide support and cooperation as a steadfast partner so that the institutes can grow into core research organizations leading national strategic technology development and future industries, grounded in the dedication and passion of all our staff."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com