- Three finalists named for Korea Basic Science Institute, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute

- KAERI and KERI saw earlier selection attempts fail; internal and external candidates compete

Researchers work at a government-funded science and technology research institute. [Herald DB]
Researchers work at a government-funded science and technology research institute. [Herald DB]

"Will the prolonged leadership vacuum finally come to an end?"

Government-funded science and technology research institutes that have faced leadership gaps ranging from several months to nearly a year are now moving quickly to appoint new heads. Three finalists have been named for each of five institutes: the Korea Basic Science Institute, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, the Korea Institute of Energy Research, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute.

According to the National Research Council of Science and Technology on Tuesday, the three finalists for the next head of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute are Im Chae-young, a principal researcher at the institute; Jeong Woo-sik, a professor in the Department of Quantum and Nuclear Engineering at Sejong University; and Choi Ki-yong, also a principal researcher at the institute.

Im specializes in nuclear policy and economic analysis, with research covering nuclear policy and strategy as well as energy systems. Jeong is an expert in nuclear safety, severe accidents and probabilistic safety assessment. Choi is a researcher in reactor safety and thermal hydraulics, focusing on experiments and safety analysis aimed at improving nuclear power plant safety.

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. [Herald DB]
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. [Herald DB]

The three finalists for the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute are Kang Sang-hee, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Myongji University, and Kim Seul-gi and Lee Geon-ung, both principal researchers at the institute.

Both institutes had previously failed to complete the selection process after none of the three shortlisted candidates secured a majority vote from the board of directors. At the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, former head Joo Han-gyu completed his term last December and stepped down in June, leaving the institute under the acting leadership of its deputy director. At the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Director Kim Nam-gyun's term ended in January, but with no successor named, he has continued to lead the organization.

The Korea Basic Science Institute, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology and the Korea Institute of Energy Research had also previously finalized their three finalists each.

Candidates for the next head of the Korea Basic Science Institute: Park Sung-kyun (from left), a professor at Pusan National University, and Choi Jong-soon and Hwang Geum-suk, principal researchers at the Korea Basic Science Institute. [Source: Korea Basic Science Institute, Pusan National University]
Candidates for the next head of the Korea Basic Science Institute: Park Sung-kyun (from left), a professor at Pusan National University, and Choi Jong-soon and Hwang Geum-suk, principal researchers at the Korea Basic Science Institute. [Source: Korea Basic Science Institute, Pusan National University]

The three candidates vying to lead the Korea Basic Science Institute are Park Sung-kyun, a professor in the Department of Physics at Pusan National University, and Choi Jong-soon and Hwang Geum-suk, both principal researchers at the institute. Hwang researches metabolomics and analytical science and has served as head of the Regional Analytical Science Division, director of the Seoul West Center and deputy director. Choi has served as deputy director twice and focuses on research and development related to metabolic diseases.

All three candidates for the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology come from within the organization: Kim Taek-su, a senior researcher currently serving as acting director after previously serving as deputy director; Son Ung-hee, a senior adviser who has served as deputy director and as head of the Korea Robot Industry Promotion Agency; and Choi Tae-hun, a senior researcher who heads the Foundational Technology Research Institute.

Candidates for the next head of the Korea Institute of Energy Research: Kwak Ji-hye (from left) and Jeong Hak-geun, principal researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research, and Lee Si-woo, chief executive of Enfloss. [Source: Korea Institute of Energy Research, social media]
Candidates for the next head of the Korea Institute of Energy Research: Kwak Ji-hye (from left) and Jeong Hak-geun, principal researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research, and Lee Si-woo, chief executive of Enfloss. [Source: Korea Institute of Energy Research, social media]

The three finalists for the Korea Institute of Energy Research are principal researchers Kwak Ji-hye and Jeong Hak-geun, along with Lee Si-woo, chief executive of Enfloss. Kwak has served as head of the New and Renewable Energy Research Institute and the Renewable Energy Research Institute and currently leads the Solar Energy Research Division. Jeong is an expert in energy efficiency and previously headed the Energy Efficiency Research Division.

Lee worked as a senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Energy Research and later served at the National Energy Technology Laboratory under the US Department of Energy, as well as heading the central research laboratory at Samsung Electro-Mechanics.

The National Research Council of Science and Technology plans to hold board meetings to select a new head for each institute from among the three finalists.

Regarding the process, an official at one of the institutes said the selection of heads had repeatedly been delayed without clear reason, adding that swift appointments were needed — particularly because key research plans and budget allocations for the year-end period must be finalized quickly.


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com