A Turning Point for National Strategic Technologies
Reflecting Public Interest in R&D Achievements and Policy Shifts
The defining image symbolizing a year of Korean science and technology was space. On December 29, the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST) announced the 'Top 10 Science and Technology News of 2025,' stating that the selection reflected broad public support for achievements such as the successful fourth launch of the Nuriho rocket, the reorganization of artificial intelligence (AI) and science and technology governance, and world-class research outcomes.
According to KOFST, the Top 10 news stories were finalized by combining the results of two rounds of selection committee reviews and a public vote, in which a total of 8,369 people participated. It was noted that the list clearly reflected growing social interest not only in individual research achievements but also in shifts in science and technology policy and future strategies.
'Science and Technology Issues'... Signals of a National Strategy Shift
In the 'Science and Technology Issues' category, four items were selected: the successful fourth launch of the Nuriho rocket and the opening of the NewSpace era; the passage of the AI Basic Act, setting the stage for Korea to become one of the top three AI powerhouses; the revival of the Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology system after 17 years; and the introduction of the National Scientist System.
KOFST explained that these issues symbolically demonstrate the trend of redefining science and technology as a 'core national strategy' encompassing industry, security, and diplomacy. In particular, the fourth launch of the Nuriho rocket was evaluated as a milestone that elevated Korea's space development status by proving the potential for expanding private sector participation and transitioning to a regular launch system.
'Research and Development (R&D) Achievements'... From Principle Discovery to Technology Implementation
In the 'R&D Achievements' category, six accomplishments were recognized: the development of a new process technology for commercializing two-dimensional semiconductors; the world's first identification of the principles behind mRNA vaccines; the discovery of mechanisms controlling dementia-inducing proteins caused by aging; the implementation of a miniature robot based on the walking principles of water striders; the development of the world's most efficient PET plastic-degrading enzyme; and the identification of neurotransmitters that hinder spinal cord injury recovery.
KOFST highlighted that Korean researchers demonstrated world-class competitiveness in future core fields such as semiconductors, biotechnology, robotics, environment, and health. The inclusion of achievements ranging from fundamental principle discovery to practical technology implementation was seen as evidence of the maturity of Korea's R&D ecosystem.
KOFST stated, "The Top 10 Science and Technology News of the Year serve as an indicator of Korea's future competitiveness and the direction of scientific and technological advancement," adding, "We hope it will provide the public with a window to understanding science and technology, and become a driving force for challenge and innovation in research and industry."
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