Applications and Nominations for This Year's Science and Technology Merit Awards Open Until June 30

Ministry of Science and ICT Announces Designation Plan on the 21st

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the '2021 Plan for Designating Science and Technology Meritorious Persons' on the 21st to designate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of science and technology in the Republic of Korea.

Applications or recommendations can be submitted online through the Republic of Korea Science and Technology Meritorious Persons website by the candidates themselves, their bereaved families, or heads of related organizations. To be eligible for this year's review, applications must be submitted by June 30.

The candidates are scientists and technologists who have made remarkable contributions to the national development of science and technology. Detailed information can be found in Article 7 of the 'Act on the Treatment and Support of Science and Technology Meritorious Persons' and Article 5 of the Enforcement Decree of the same Act.

Specifically, these include ▲ individuals who have significantly contributed to economic and social development through the development of new technologies or improvement of existing technologies ▲ recipients of world-class science and technology awards or those with outstanding academic achievements ▲ individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the advancement of specific scientific and technological fields through continuous research and development and technological innovation activities ▲ and others recognized as having contributed to the development of science and technology at a level equivalent to those in the first to third categories.

The Ministry of Science and ICT will form a committee to discover excellent candidates and decide on the designation of science and technology meritorious persons at the end of the year through a three-stage review process (preliminary review → expert review → final review), public verification, and inquiry into designation restrictions.

Designated individuals will receive honors and conveniences such as a certificate issued in the name of the President and induction into the Hall of Fame, and support for social activities including science and technology lectures.

Since 2017, designated science and technology meritorious persons have included prominent Korean scientists such as the late Woo Jang-choon, the founding director of the Agricultural Science Research Institute, as well as former and current business leaders like Yoon Jong-yong, former Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics.