Article 1(Purpose) #
The purpose of this Decree is to provide for matters delegated by the Special Act on Support of Scientists and Engineers for Strengthening National Science and Technology Competitiveness and matters necessary for the enforcement thereof.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 2(Scope of scientists and engineers) #
(1) "Persons prescribed by Presidential Decree" in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Special Act on Support of Scientists and Engineers for Strengthening National Science and Technology Competitiveness (hereinafter referred to as the "Act") means any of the following persons:
1. A person who holds a degree conferred by a university in the field of natural sciences or engineering;
2. A person who holds a qualification for an industrial engineer under the National Technical Qualifications Act or an equivalent or higher qualification;
3. A person who is recognized to hold a degree or qualification equivalent to those referred to in subparagraph 1 or 2.
(2) "Research institutes affiliated with enterprises which meet the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree" in subparagraph 3 (c) of Article 2 of the Act means research institutes attached to an enterprise recognized under Article 14-2 (1) of the Basic Research Promotion and Technology Development Support Act. <Amended on Sep. 22, 2016>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 3(Formulation of master plans) #
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT shall lay out guidelines for formulating master plans of nurturing and supporting scientists and engineers under Article 4 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as the "master plan") in consultation with the Minister of Education, and shall notify such guidelines to the heads of related central administrative agencies and the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayors, Do Governors, and Special Self-Governing Province Governors (hereinafter referred to as "Mayors/Do Governors"), by the end of February of the year preceeding the year of beginning of the master plan. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors shall formulate a plan of nurturing and supporting scientists and engineers in the fields within jurisdiction in accordance with the guidelines under paragraph (1), and submit such plan to the Minister of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(3) The Minister of Science and ICT shall integrate and adjust the plan submitted pursuant to paragraph (2) to finalize the master plan pursuant to Article 4 (2) of the Act, and shall notify the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors of the master plan. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(4) In order to formulate the master plan, the Minister of Science and ICT may request the heads of related central administrative agencies, Mayors/Do Governors, the heads of research institutes and colleges, and the heads of enterprises participating in a national research and development project to submit necessary documents. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(5) "Important matters concerning the nurturing and supporting scientists and engineers prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 4 (3) 7 of the Act means the following matters:
1. Prospects for the supply of and demand for scientists and engineers;
2. Support for research activities of new excellent scientists and engineers;
3. Domestic and overseas training of excellent scientists and engineers;
4. Deleted. <Jun. 20, 2025>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 4(Formulation of annual implementation plans) #
(1) The heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayor/Do Governors shall formulate an annual implementation plan for the fields within jurisdiction (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plan") each year pursuant to Article 5 (1) of the Act, and submit such plan to the Minister of Science and ICT by February 15 of the pertinent year, along with a report on the outcomes of implementation of the plan for the preceding year. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The Minister of Science and ICT shall consult with the Minister of Education on the implementation plan under Article 5 of the Act with respect to the nurturing of scientists and engineers, before presenting the plan for review to the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology Act. <Added on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Apr. 17, 2018>
(3) Pursuant to Article 5 (3) of the Act, the Minister of Science and ICT shall notify the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors of the results of review on the implementation plan for the pertinent year as well as on the outcomes of implementation of the plan for the preceding year by April 30 of each year. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(4) The heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors shall reflect the results of review on the implementation plan as well as on the outcomes of implementation, notified pursuant to paragraph (3), in the implementation plan for the pertinent year. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 5(Establishment of comprehensive information system regarding scientists and engineers) #
(1) In order to establish and manage a comprehensive information system regarding scientists and engineers under Article 6 (1) of the Act (hereafter referred to as the "comprehensive information system" in this Article), the Minister of Science and ICT shall perform the following activities: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. The collection of information about scientists and engineers and the establishment and management of database thereof;
2. The development, establishment, and management of a comprehensive information distribution system regarding scientists and engineers;
3. Interconnection and cooperation with institutions that retain information about scientists and engineers;
4. Standardization of the classification system for the establishment of database of scientists and engineers and the distribution of such system;
5. Other activities necessary for the establishment of a comprehensive information system.
(2) The goals for policies, etc. shall include the following matters: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Jun. 20, 2025>
1. Statistics of the number of scientists and engineers by gender, majors, and the field of profession engaged in;
2. Statistics of the number of students enrolled in colleges, majoring in natural science and engineering, by grades, gender, master and doctoral degree courses, field of major, and profession they desire to be engaged in;
3. Information about the demand from enterprises, colleges, and research institutes (hereinafter referred to as "industrial, academic, and research circles") for scientists and engineers by fields;
4. Results of the surveys on scientists and engineers under Article 6 (1);
5. Information about prospects for the supply of and demand for scientists and engineers, based on the data referred to in subparagraph 1 through 4 and other necessary data;
6. Other information that the Minister of Science and ICT deems necessary to include in the comprehensive information system.
(3) When the Minister of Science and ICT establishes the comprehensive information system, he or she shall fully utilize outcomes of surveys and statistics produced by other administrative agencies or organizations, etc. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 6(Timing and method for surveys of scientists and engineers) #
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT shall conduct a survey of scientists and engineers under Article 7 (1) of the Act (hereafter referred to as “survey of scientists and engineers” in this Article) of the following institutions every three years; provided, surveys may be conducted from time to time whenever deemed necessary:
1. Universities and research institutes;
2. Enterprises falling within the range determined by the Minister of Science and ICT, taking into consideration the types of business, the number of employees, etc.;
3. Other institutions and organizations for which the Minister of Science and ICT deems it necessary to conduct surveys of scientists and engineers, for the purpose of efficiently fostering and supporting scientists and engineers.
(2) "Surveys of scientists and engineers prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 7 (1) 6 of the Act means the following matters:
1. Surveys on the perceptions and activities of scientists and engineers regarding career development;
2. Surveys on the current employment status, working conditions, career development, etc. of foreigners among scientists and engineers;
(3) Surveys of scientists and engineers shall be conducted by means of on-site surveys, mail surveys, online surveys, statistical surveys, literature reviews, etc.
(4) "Specialized institute prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 7 (4) of the Act means an institute or organization designated by the Minister of Science and ICT from among the following institute or organizations:.
1. A specific research institute;
2. A government-funded research institute;
3. The Human Resources Development Service of Korea under the Human Resources Development Service of Korea Act;
4. The Korea Foundation for Women In Science, Engineering and Technology under Article 14 (2) of the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women in Science, Engineering and Technology;
5. A corporation or organization under subparagraph 5 of Article 49 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Science and Technology.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 20, 2025]
Article 7(Provision of information concerning promising majors in natural sciences and engineering) #
(1) Pursuant to Article 8 (1) of the Act, the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors shall prepare university admission guide, including curricula, career, characteristics, and prospects of each major in natural science and engineering at a university, and publish such guide each year in consultation with the heads of related central administrative agencies, or provide such information to students enrolled in elementary and secondary schools and graduates from such schools through related administrative agencies, educational institutions, and mass media, etc.
(2) Pursuant to Article 8 (4) of the Act, the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors may entrust the following institutions with the provision of relevant information under paragraph (1): <Amended on Jun. 20, 2025>
1. The Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity established pursuant to Article 30 (4) of the Framework Act on Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as the "Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity");
2. The Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, the Korea Educational Development Institute, and the Science and Technology Policy Institute established pursuant to Article 8 (1) of the Act on the Establishment, Operation and Fostering of Government-Funded Research Institutes;
3. The Human Resources Development Service of Korea under the Human Resources Development Service of Korea Act;
4. A local government-funded research institute established pursuant to the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Local Government-Invested Research Institutes (hereinafter referred to as "local research institute").
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 8(Support for science and engineering students) #
(1) Pursuant to Article 9 of the Act, the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors may select brilliant students from among any of the following students, to pay them research grants or to support with loans for living expenses:
1. Students with excellent academic achievements and recommended by the head of relevant university or college;
2. Students whose thesis has been published in an internationally recognized scientific journal (limited to the principal author in cases of a thesis collaboratively written by multiple authors);
3. Students who published an excellent thesis and received an award therefor from a relevant academic society;
4. Students who won a prize for an excellent thesis, invention, or proposal presented at a domestic or foreign competition of thesis on science and technology or a competitive exhibition of science and technology;
5. Other students recognized to have qualifications as equivalent to those referred to in subparagraph 1 through 4.
(2) The research grants under Article 9 (1) of the Act (hereafter referred to as "research grants" in this Article and Article 8-2) shall be paid within budgetary limits, but the amount of a research grant shall not be less than the tuition fees paid by a student eligible for the research grant. <Amended on Jun. 20, 2025>
(3) The interest rate on the loans lent for living expenses under Article 9 (1) of the Act shall be lower than the lowest lending rate applied by the banks whose business territory is nationwide, among banks established pursuant to the Banking Act.
(4) Except as otherwise provided for in subparagraphs (1) through (3), detailed matters necessary for the payment of research grants and the loans lent for living expenses shall be determined by the head of each related central administrative agency or each Mayor/Do Governor, who pays research grants or lends loans for living expenses.
(5) The Government shall take the following matters into consideration when formulating policy measures under Article 9 (2) of the Act: <Added on Jun. 20, 2025>
1. Fostering talent in the fields of advanced technology and convergence;
2. Promotion of the integration of degree courses;
3. Innovation in the research system of science and engineering universities;
Article 8-2(Recovery of research grants) #
(1) “Good cause prescribed by Presidential Decree, including cause not attributable to the person’s responsibility” in Article 9-2 (1) of the Act means any of the following cases: <Amended on Jun. 20, 2025>
1. Where the person who has received research grants under Article 9 of the Act (hereafter referred to as "beneficiary" in this Article) is dead;
2. Where a beneficiary ceases learning due to events beyond his or her control, such as a disease, a bodily injury, or a natural disaster;
3. Where the department to which a beneficiary belongs no longer exists as a result of a reorganization in the college of natural science and engineering; provided, the foregoing shall not apply where the department has been renamed or merged into a similar department;
4. In other cases where the head of the related central administrative agency and the Mayor/Do Governor that provide research grants recognizes that the case is equivalent to subparagraphs (1) through (3).
(2) “Field which is not science or engineering prescribed by Presidential Decree” in Article 9-2 (1) 2 of the Act means a major in humanities and social sciences, art and physical education, or medical sciences (based on the primary major) set forth in Appendix 1 attached to the Regulations on the Establishment and Operation of Universities; provided, the department of pre-medicine, the department of pre-dentistry, the department of pre-oriental medicine, the department of pre-veterinary, the science of nursing, public health science, pharmacy, and oriental pharmacy shall be deemed medical sciences, notwithstanding Appendix 1.
(3) Deleted. <Jun. 20, 2025>
(4) Deleted. <Jun. 20, 2025>
(5) If a beneficiary falls under any of the following, the head of the related central administrative agency and the competent Mayor/Do Governor may cease to pay research grants:
1. Where the beneficiary ceases to study at school on grounds other than those set forth in paragraph (1);
2. Where the beneficiary changes his or her major to any field other than natural science and engineering under paragraph (2).
(6) If a beneficiary who has received research grants for not less than two years while studying in a bachelor degree program changes his or her major to a field other than science and engineering under paragraph (2), the head of the related central administrative agency and the competent Mayor/Do Governor may recover the amount calculated by the following formula: <Amended on Jun. 20, 2025>
Article 8-3(Support for science and engineering postdoctoral researchers) #
(1) "Persons prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 9-4 (1) of the Act means postdoctoral researchers under subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Basic Research Promotion and Technology Development Support Act.
(2) The standard guidelines under Article 9-4 (2) of the Act shall include the following:
1. Matters related to recruitment support for science and engineering postdoctoral researchers Article 9-4 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "science and engineering postdoctoral researchers");
2. Matters related to support for career development of science and engineering postdoctoral researchers;
3. Matters related to support for creative and challenging research by science and engineering postdoctoral researchers;
4. Matters related to the creation of an immersive research environment for science and engineering postdoctoral researchers;
5. Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Science and ICT to support science and engineering postdoctoral researchers.
(3) The Government may request the heads of universities and research institutes to submit necessary materials for the establishment of standard guidelines under Article 9-4 (2) of the Act and the examinations and opinion submissions under paragraph (3) of that Article.
[This Article Added on Jun. 20, 2025]
Article 9(Subsidization of programs for strengthening ties among industrial, academic, and research circles) #
(1) The head of a related central administrative agency and a Mayor/Do Governor may fully or partially subsidize an enterprise or research institute referred to in any subparagraph of Article 10 (2) of the Act for necessary expenses.
(2) "Important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 10 (2) 3 of the Act means the following matters:
1. Exchange of human resources between colleges of natural science and engineering;
2. Joint research and development by colleges of natural science and engineering;
3. Entrustment of re-education or re-training of employees to the colleges of natural science and engineering;
4. Shared use of facilities and equipment for research and development, exchange of information about research and development, and the promotion of exchange and cooperation with the colleges of natural science and engineering.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 10(Support of research-centered universities) #
(1) When the head of a related central administrative agency intends to support a research-centered university defined under Article 11 (1) of the Act (hereafter referred to as "research-centered university" in this Article), he or she shall formulate a draft business plan, including the criteria for selection, the fields eligible for support, and the details of support, and consult with the Minister of Education thereon before providing support; provided, where the research-centered university that the head of a related central administrative agency intends to support is the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology under the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Act or the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology under the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Act, he or she shall consult with the Minister of Science and ICT thereon before providing support. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The following matters shall be taken into consideration in prescribing the criteria for selection under paragraph (1):
1. The ratio of faculty members exclusively dedicated to research on the fields of natural science and engineering eligible for support;
2. The numbers and ratios of persons holding a master or doctoral degree in the fields of natural science and engineering eligible for support;
3. The ratio of research expenses for the fields of natural science and engineering eligible for support;
4. The ratios of faculty members and students in the fields of natural science and engineering eligible for support;
5. The system for evaluation and utilization of achievements of research by faculty members in the fields of natural science and engineering eligible for support;
6. Comprehensive development plans for medium-and-long-term, including the results and plans for specialization of research and education on the fields of natural science and engineering eligible for support;
7. Results of research on the fields of natural science and engineering eligible for support;
8. Results of management of human resources, such as researchers in the attached research institute, assistants who assist in teaching or research, and specialized research assistants;
9. The extent of implementation of a system for centralized management of research expenses (referring to a system under which the principal of a university or a person with the authority delegated by the principal comprehensively administers and manages all research expenses incurred in the university);
Article 11(Re-Education of scientists and engineers) #
(1) An institution providing re-education, re-training, and career development under Article 12 of the Act (hereafter referred to as “re-education, etc.” in this Article) shall be designated and publicly announced by the Minister of Science and ICT, from among following organizations: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Jun. 20, 2025>
1. A specific research institute or government-funded research institute;
2. A university, industrial college, or junior college under subparagraph 1, 2, or 4 of Article 2 of the Higher Education Act;
3. An industrial enterprise recognized by the Minister of Science and ICT as capable of conducting re-training, etc. in consideration of the type of business, the size of the enterprise, the educational and training facilities and training personnel of the enterprise, etc.
(2) An institution that intends to conduct re-education, etc. shall submit to the Minister of Science and ICT a plan formulated for re-education, etc. which has been prepared in advance by checking personnel subject to re-education, etc. and integrating results from surveys etc. on the demand for re-education, etc. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Jun. 20, 2025>
(3) An institution designated for re-education, etc. under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "institution providing re-education, etc.") shall provide courses for re-education, etc. including the matters specified in Article 12 (2) of the Act.
(4) In order to select persons subject to re-education, etc., an institution for providing re-education, etc, shall organize and operate a selection committee. <Amended on Jun. 20, 2025>
(5) The Minister of Science and ICT may fully or partially subsidize an institution for providing re-education, etc. for expenses incurred in conducting programs for re-education, etc.. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Jun. 20, 2025>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
[Title Amended on Jun. 20, 2025]
Article 12(Submission of improvement plans for appointment of public officials and report on outcomes of implementation thereof) #
The heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors shall include an improvement plan for the expansion of appointment of scientists and engineers as public officials under Article 13 of the Act and the outcomes of implementation of such plan in the implementation plan as well as in the report on the implementation results under Article 4 (1).
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 13(Establishment and support of divisions dedicated to science and technology) #
(1) A division dedicated to science and technology under Article 14 (1) of the Act means a division or a greater organization exclusively in charge of affairs relating to science and technology.
(2) If a local government meets all the following requirements, the Minister of Science and ICT may preferentially support the local government through programs aimed at promoting local science and technology, in consultation with the heads of related central administrative agencies: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. The local government shall install a division dedicated to science and technology under paragraph (1);
2. At least 30/100 of the prescribed number of personnel of the division dedicated to science and technology shall be deployed and utilized from among Scientists and engineers.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 14(Support for research and development activities of scientists and engineers) #
(1) Pursuant to Article 15 (1) of the Act, the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors may implement research and development projects linked to employment of scientists and engineers unemployed for not less than six months after they acquire a master or doctoral degree in natural science and engineering. <Amended on Jun. 20, 2025>
(2) In order to promote the employment of scientists and engineers under paragraph (1), the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors may designate a specific research institute, government-funded research institute, or local research institute as a training institution for providing training courses.
(3) The head of a related central administrative agency and a Mayor/Do Governor may fully or partially subsidize a training institution designated under paragraph (2) for expenses incurred in training.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
[Title Amended on Jun. 20, 2025]
Article 15(Support for employment of unemployed scientists and engineers) #
When the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors intend to support small and medium enterprises and venture businesses pursuant to Article 16 (1) of the Act, they shall publicly announce a support program, including the following matters:
1. Objectives of the support program;
2. Persons eligible for support and details of support;
3. Qualification and requirements for application;
4. Evaluation methods and schedule;
5. Obligations of enterprises participating in the program;
6. Other details necessary for the support of small and medium enterprises and venture businesses.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 16(Support of small and medium enterprises) #
(1) "Support prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 16 (2) of the Act means any of the following acts: <Amended on Sep. 22, 2016>
1. Grant of subsidies for the increased number of personnel exclusively dedicated to researchers under Article 16-2 (1) 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Basic Research Promotion and Technology Development Support Act (hereafter referred to as "research personnel" in this paragraph), where more research personnel are employed compared to the previous year;
2. Subsidization for personnel expenses of probationary researchers, where unemployed graduates from college of natural science and engineering are employed as probationary researchers;
3. Subsidization for expenses for technical education and training of research personnel at domestic and overseas training institutions.
(2) The scale and duration of subsidies, personnel expenses, and education and training cost under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Minister of Science and ICT within budgetary limits, taking into consideration the terms and conditions of employment, the level of wages, etc. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 17(Scope of highly experienced scientists and engineers) #
(1) Highly experienced scientists and engineers under Article 17-2 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "highly experienced scientists and engineers") shall be scientists and engineers defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to Science and Technology who fall under any of the following categories:
1. A person who serves or has served as a senior researcher or higher at a research institution;
2. A person who serves or has served as an assistant professor or higher at a college or university;
3. A person who serves or has served as a research director or higher at a business-affiliated research institute or R&D department under Article 14-2 of the Basic Research Promotion and Technology Development Support Act;
4. A person who is or has been in charge of science and technology policy, research and development planning, or science and technology education and publicity affairs in any of the following entities or organizations, and who holds or has held a position as the head of a department or higher:
(a) The State or a local government;
(b) A public institution under Article 4 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions;
(c) A corporation in the field of science and technology incorporated under Article 32 of the Civil Act or any other statute;
(d) An industrial technology research cooperatives established under the Act on the Support of Industrial Technology Research Cooperatives;
5. A person qualified as a professional engineer or master craftsman under Article 10 of the National Technical Qualifications Act;
6. A person selected as a master craftsman of Korea under Article 11 (1) of the Act on the Encouragement of Skilled Crafts;
7. A person who is recognized to hold a degree or qualification equivalent to those referred to in subparagraphs 1 through 6.
(2) Pursuant to Article 17-2 (2) of the Act, the head of a relevant central administrative agency may collect the following information from highly experienced scientists and engineers or institutions to which highly experienced scientists and engineers belong or have belonged:
1. Names and contact information of highly experienced scientists and engineers;
Article 18 #
Deleted. <Oct. 19, 2021>
Article 19 #
Deleted. <Oct. 19, 2021>
Article 20 #
Deleted. <Oct. 19, 2021>
Article 21 #
Deleted. <Oct. 19, 2021>
Article 22(Selection and support of core scientists and engineers) #
(1) In selecting core scientists and engineers under Article 20 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "core scientists and engineers"), the achievements of research and development of technology by candidates and their contribution to the nation through such achievements shall be taken into consideration.
(2) Core scientists and engineers shall be selected from among the following persons: <Amended on Jan. 16, 2013; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. A person who won an internationally recognized prize in science and technology, such as the Novel Prize in science or the Fields Medal in mathematics;
2. A person who was awarded the Order of Science and Technology Merit or received a presidential citation in science and technology under the Regulations on Government Commendation;
3. A person who has made an epoch-making contribution to economic or social development by the development of new technology or improvement of existing technology;
4. A person who has made significant academic achievements with his or her treatise published or quoted in a world-famous scientific journal;
5. A person who has made a great contribution to the expansion of the base of science and technology through writing or lectures on science and technology;
6. Other persons recognized by the Minister of Science and ICT as equivalent to those under subparagraphs through 1 through 5 in terms of having rendered distinguished services to the development of science and technology.
(3) The research grants under Article 20 (1) of the Act shall be commensurate with the results of research and development of technology and each person’s contribution to the nation.
(4) The living subsidies under Article 20 (1) of the Act shall be paid to the persons who are not receiving research grants, and the payment of such living subsidies shall discontinue when the person becomes the beneficiary of research grants.
(5) The recommendation procedure for candidates for core scientists and engineers, the evaluation criteria and procedure for such candidates, the payment guidelines, procedure, duration for research grants and living subsidies, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by the Minister of Science and ICT. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 23(Financial resources for supporting core scientists and engineers) #
The financial resources for the research grants or living subsidies to be paid to core scientists and engineers under Article 20 of the Act are as follows: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Dec. 29, 2020>
1. Contributions from the Government or any person other than the Government;
2. Royalties paid to the head of a central administrative agency under Article 38 (2) of the Enforcement Decree of the National Research and Development Innovation Act;
3. The Science and Technology Promotion Fund under Article 22 (1) of the Framework Act on Science and Technology;
4. Other financial resources determined by the Minister of Science and ICT as necessary to encourage research activities of core scientists and engineers or assist them in stabilization of livelihood.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 24(Support for supply and demand programs of scientists and engineers) #
(1) Where the heads of related central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors intend to select colleges implementing or intending to implement a program referred to in any subparagraph of Article 21 (1) of the Act (hereafter referred to as "program" in this Article) with the aim of supporting them with such program, he or she shall publicly announce in advance the aims of support, criteria for selection, details of support, methods of application, etc.
(2) Any college that intends to receive the support in accordance with the public announcement under paragraph (1) shall submit a program implementation plan, including the following matters, to the head of the related central administrative agency or the competent Mayor/Do Governor:
1. Necessity;
2. Goals;
3. Strategy, method, and system for implementation;
4. Specific details of the program and necessary expenses;
5. Focus of and standards for the evaluation of the program;
6. Expected effects;
7. Other matters deemed by the head of the related central administrative agency and the competent Mayor/Do Governor as necessary for selecting eligible colleges.
(3) The head of a related central administrative agency and a Mayor/Do Governor may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in the implementation of a program under Article 21 (1) of the Act.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 25(Establishment and operation of centers for placement of scientists and engineers) #
(1) Pursuant to Article 22 (1) of the Act, the Minister of Science and ICT may directly establish and operate a job placement center for scientists and engineers, or may authorize the following institutions or organizations to establish and operate such center: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. A specific research institute or government-funded research institute;
2. A university or industrial college under subparagraph 1 or 2 of Article 2 of the Higher Education Act;
3. A corporation or organization under subparagraph 5 of Article 49 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Science and Technology.
(2) A job placement center for scientists and engineers under paragraph (1) shall perform the following business activities:
1. Collection, analysis, and provision of information about job opportunities by the type of occupation in the field of natural science and engineering and job counselling thereon;
2. Real-time provision of information about jobs sought for by unemployed scientists and engineers and jobs offered by employers;
3. Career management to help employment;
4. Surveys and research for the development of appropriate policies.
(3) The Minister of Science and ICT may fully or partially subsidize the job placement centers for scientists and engineers under paragraphs (1) and (2) for expenses incurred in the installation and operation of such centers within the budget. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 26(Support for broadcasting programs on science and technology) #
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT may reflect relevant matters in the basic broadcast communications plan under Article 8 (1) of the Framework Act on Broadcasting Communications Development so that broadcasting businesses can pro-actively organize broadcasting programs related to science and technology under Article 23 (1) of the Act. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
(2) The Minister of Science and ICT may provide broadcasting service specializing in programs related to science and technology under Article 23 (2). In such cases, the Minister of Science and ICT may partially subsidize the expenses incurred in searching for and producing broadcasting programs related to science and technology from the Broadcast Communications Development Fund under Article 24 of the Framework Act on Broadcasting Communications Development. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 26-2(Support for production of science and technology-related content) #
"Projects prescribed by Presidential Decree" in subparagraph 4 of Article 23-2 of the Act means the following:
1. Support for training and utilization of professional workforce specializing in the production and distribution of science and technology-related content;
2. Support for the management and dissemination of outcomes of producing and distributing science and technology-related content;
3. Support for activities of the private sector and local communities for the dissemination of science and technology culture;
4. Discovering and rewarding cultural products related to science and technology.
[This Article Added on Jun. 20, 2025]
Article 27(Support of organizations related to science and technology) #
(1) The organizations eligible for the support under Article 24 (1) of the Act shall be designated by the Minister of Science and ICT, from among the organizations conducting any of the following programs: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
1. A program for commemorating and preserving the honor of scientists and engineers;
2. A program for raising the morale of scientists and engineers and enhancing their rights and interests;
3. A program for searching, nurturing, and utilizing excellent scientists and engineers;
4. A program for promoting international exchange of scientists and engineers;
5. Other programs deemed by the Minister of Science and ICT as necessary for searching, nurturing, and utilizing excellent scientists and engineers and commemorating their excellent achievements in the field of science and technology.
(2) The Minister of Science and ICT may fully or partially subsidize an organization designated under paragraph (1) for expenses incurred in the implementation of a program. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 4, 2012]
Article 27-2(Work-life balance) #
(1) The Minister of Science and ICT may organize and operate a consultative body with the Minister of Employment and Labor and the heads of relevant central administrative agencies to prepare guidelines under Article 24-2 (4) of the Act.
(2) Where the Minister of Science and ICT prepares guidelines under Article 24-2 (4) of the Act, he or she shall notify research institutes thereof and post them on the website of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
[This Article Added on Jun. 20, 2025]
Article 28(Entrustment of tasks) #
(1) The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and Mayor/Do Governors shall entrust the following tasks to any of the entities and organizations designated under paragraph (3) in accordance with Article 25 of the Act. <Amended on Sep. 22, 2015; Jun. 20, 2025>
1. Payment of research grants or financial support for living expenses under Article 9 (1) of the Act;
2. Restitution of research grants and suspension of the payment thereof under Article 9-2 (1) of the Act;
3. Deleted; <Oct. 19, 2021>
4. Payment of research grants or living allowances under Article 20 (1) of the Act;
5. The conduct of a broadcasting business specialized in programming science and technology programs under Article 23 (2) of the Act;
6. Deleted. <Oct. 19, 2021>
(2) The head of the relevant central administrative agency shall, in accordance with Article 25 of the Act, entrust the collection of information necessary for the career management of highly experienced scientists and engineers, identification of suitable job opportunities, provision of support for their activities under Article 17-2 (2) of the Act, to an entity or organization designated under paragraph (3); <Added on Jun. 20, 2025>
(3) The head of the relevant central administrative agency and the Mayor/Do Governor shall designate and publicly notify a person to be entrusted with the tasks under paragraphs 1 and 2 from among the following entities and organizations: <Amended on Sep. 22, 2015; Jun. 20, 2025>
1. A specific research institute;
2. A government-funded research institute;
3. A local research institute;
4. The Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity;
5. The National Research Foundation of Korea under the National Research Foundation of Korea Act;
6. Korea Student Aid Foundation under the Act on the Establishment of Korea Student Aid Foundation;
7. A corporation or an organization under subparagraph 5 of Article 49 of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Science and Technology.
(4) When any of the heads of relevant central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors entrusts tasks under Articles 6 (3), 7 (4), 8 (3), or 25 of the Act, he or she shall publicly announce the following: <Amended on Jun. 20, 2025>