WISET to Sustain Careers of Women in Science and Technology... Focused Investment in Childcare, Return-to-Work, and AI

Nationwide Expansion of Emergency Childcare and New Projects for Returning Researchers... Leveraging Female Talent as a Solution to Workforce Shortages

As low birth rates and an aging population rapidly weaken the talent base in science and technology, policies to prevent career breaks among women in science and technology and to support their entry into new industries are being rolled out in earnest. These are drawing attention as a talent strategy aimed at strengthening national science and technology competitiveness, going beyond a simple matter of fairness.

The Korea Center for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET) announced that, to mark the United Nations-designated International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), it has finalized its Key Initiatives for 2026 and will step up support to help women in science and technology sustain their careers and enter new growth sectors.

The key initiatives for 2026 consist of support for research and career development, strengthening capabilities in AI and new technologies, and fostering regional and future talent. In particular, WISET will concentrate its policy capacity on minimizing career gaps caused by childbirth and childcare and facilitating re-entry into fields with high demand for talent.

Infographic: Key Initiatives for 2026 by the Korean Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET). Provided by the Korean Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET).

Closing gaps in childcare and return-to-work support... Strengthening research continuity

To ensure research continuity for researchers with childcare responsibilities, WISET will expand its Emergency Childcare Support Program nationwide. Previously, the program focused on graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at the four major Institutes of Science and Technology, but starting in 2026, eligibility will be broadened to include graduate students in science and engineering across the country and non-tenure-track researchers. The maximum amount of support will also be increased to 4 million won.

Support for Research Projects for Researchers with Young Children, which targets researchers whose projects have been extended due to childbirth and childcare, will also be expanded, and a new Seed Project for Returning Researchers will be introduced for those coming back to the lab after maternity, paternity, or childcare leave. In addition, WISET plans to provide wage support for replacement staff for both male and female researchers with childcare responsibilities, along with inclusive research culture consulting for institutions.

Building practical skills in AI and semiconductors to grow into 'new industry talent'

Strengthening capabilities to respond to the AI era is another core pillar. WISET plans to add an AI-based career development service to W-Bridge, its online platform for women in science and technology, to offer individual competency assessments and tailored career and employment consulting.

To cultivate talent that can be deployed immediately in the workplace, WISET will run five practical training courses, including AI-converged data analysis, AI robot systems engineering, and generative AI professional instructor training, nurturing a total of 1,100 specialists. It will also offer career diversification programs that support entry into new growth areas such as semiconductors and intellectual property (IP), with the aim of broadening the roles and utilization of women in science and technology.

Moon Aerie, Chairperson of WISET, said, "Leveraging female talent is not a choice but a necessity," adding, "We will work to structurally ease the talent shortage in science and technology through meticulous support that minimizes career breaks and addresses challenges on the ground."