Announcement of Three Major Policy Pledges to Respect Scientists and Engineers
Guaranteeing "Honest Failure" to Encourage Challenging Research
Kim Moonsoo, a preliminary presidential candidate of the People Power Party and former Minister of Employment and Labor, pledged on May 1 to significantly improve the treatment of scientists and engineers. His promises include establishing a new Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology to efficiently manage budgets and organizations, and restoring the retirement age of researchers at government-funded research institutes to 65.
On this day, Kim's camp announced these pledges as part of the "Three Major Policy Goals for a Republic of Korea Where Scientists and Engineers Are Respected."
Kim Moonsoo, a candidate in the 21st presidential election primary of the People Power Party, is holding a policy announcement press conference at the candidate camp office in Daehabuilding, Yeouido, Seoul on the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim explained that he would revise the existing Framework Act on Science and Technology to improve the status, treatment, and protection of rights of scientists and engineers, thereby creating a system that elevates their standing at the national level.
He also stated that he would establish a new Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology to oversee budgets and organizations related to science and technology research and development, and would newly create the position of Science Ambassador-at-Large to cooperate with the global scientific community.
Regarding the establishment of the Deputy Prime Minister position, Kim said, "Through comprehensive planning and effective resource allocation, we will prevent duplication and omission of budgets and organizations, thereby building an efficient, science and technology-driven innovation growth system."
Kim stated that he would restore the retirement age of researchers at government-funded research institutes to 65, the level before the 1997 International Monetary Fund (IMF) financial crisis, and either abolish or completely reform the Project Based System for researcher compensation.
Kim emphasized, "We will guarantee the standard annual salary for research and development positions up to 80% of the level of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). We will also prepare a welfare package for scientists and engineers, including housing stability and children's education, and significantly expand the ratio of medals and decorations awarded."
He specifically explained that he would introduce a research achievement certification system for "honest failure" to encourage challenging research.
Kim also said, "We will establish 'Five Major Advanced Technology International Joint Research Centers' centered on government-funded research institutes to attract overseas research institutions and talent."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
