- Korean Women in Science and Engineering holds Future Convergence Forum

- Sessions cover AI convergence technology, industry-academia-research cooperation and leadership

KWSE President Im Chae-deok delivers an opening address at the Future Convergence Forum. [Courtesy of KWSE]
KWSE President Im Chae-deok delivers an opening address at the Future Convergence Forum. [Courtesy of KWSE]

Women scientists and engineers from across South Korea gathered to explore future technology innovation and ways to strengthen cooperation among industry, academia and research institutions.

The Korean Women in Science and Engineering (KWSE) held its 2026 KWSE Future Convergence Forum on Thursday at Didimol Plaza of the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology in Daejeon, under the theme "Convergence Technology, Leadership and Cooperation in the Age of AI."

The forum was organized in conjunction with a "Members' Day" event — the first since the 16th executive board took office. It brought together women scientists and engineers nationwide to discuss how to respond to AI-driven technological change and to chart directions for multidisciplinary convergence and future-oriented leadership.

The event was structured around three sessions covering industry-academia-research cooperation, convergence technology and leadership. The opening ceremony featured the third Cosmax Women in Science and Engineering Award, followed by a keynote address by Park Young-sun, head of the Korea Women's Political Caucus, on the theme "Three AI Superpowers — A Future We Build Ourselves."

The first session, on industry-academia-research cooperation, focused on "AI-Based Digital Healthcare Innovation Across the Female Life Cycle," covering topics including microplastic exposure in mothers and child development, the use of distributed health data, and intellectual property strategies for AI and biotech convergence. Experts discussed ways to connect clinical demand with advanced technology and explored prospects for validation and commercialization.

The convergence technology session presented a vision for the future of science shaped by AI. Participants shared trends and convergence possibilities across fields including AI-based space data analysis and exploration, artificial intelligence that reads brain activity and behavior, and carbon-free power and AI mega-grids.

The leadership session focused on the growth of women in science and engineering and the sharing of experiences. Discussions centered on a member-driven leadership program as well as work-life balance, career development and leadership.

KWSE plans to use the Members' Day as an opportunity to invigorate its subcommittee activities and expand member participation in academic exchange, policy proposals, industry-academia-research cooperation and science outreach.

Founded in 1993, KWSE is South Korea's first organization for women in science and engineering and currently has about 2,500 members.

"The 16th executive board aims to communicate with members and pursue new growth, with connection, participation and sustainability at the center of everything we do," KWSE President Im Chae-deok said. "We will serve as a solid platform so that each member's participation can lead to new forms of cooperation and become a driving force for a sustainable ecosystem for women in science and engineering."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com