Daejeon Launches Prestigious Award for Scientists and Engineers
Honoring Excellence in Basic Science, Industrial Technology, and Startup·Commercialization Fields Starting in 2026
Aiming to become the "Nobel Prize of Science City Daejeon," the "Daejeon Outstanding Scientist and Engineer Award," the highest honor in science and technology presented by Daejeon City, will be implemented starting in 2026.
This prestigious award, which any scientist and engineer would aspire to receive, has been established to enhance the social recognition and honor of those in the field of science and technology.
Daejeon is the center of science and technology in South Korea, home to 27 government-funded research institutes and approximately 40,000 researchers. To further strengthen this status, the city has introduced a new award system for scientists and engineers.
Each year, two local scientists and engineers will be selected and awarded. The award will recognize outstanding research achievements and impact in three fields: basic science, industrial technology, and startup·commercialization.
In basic science, academic achievements in fields such as physics, chemistry, life sciences, mathematics, and earth sciences will be evaluated. In industrial technology, the focus will be on technological innovation and commercialization in areas like ICT, bio, health, semiconductors, materials, components, and equipment. For startup·commercialization, indicators such as spin-offs, attracting investment, sales performance, and job creation will be key evaluation criteria.
Winners will receive a research grant of 20 million won (paid in installments over two years) and a certificate of recognition as an outstanding scientist or engineer. Their achievements will be commemorated in the "Hall of Fame for Outstanding Scientists and Engineers" inside the Convergence Research Innovation Center, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.
The city plans to support awardees in becoming respected scientists within the local community through recognition programs such as invitations to science culture events and promotion via city newsletters and social media.
Son Cheolung, Director of the Future Strategic Industry Bureau of Daejeon City, stated, "With the establishment of this award, we will solidify Daejeon's status as the nation's science capital and provide an opportunity to elevate the honor and pride of scientists and engineers. We will continue to provide support so that every scientist and engineer conducting research in Daejeon can be confident that they are respected."
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