#South Korea #Seoul #InnoCORE AI+S&T #KAIST

InnoCORE AI+S&T Fellowship: A New Era for South Korea's Scientific Research

South Korea has embarked on an ambitious journey to elevate its stature in global AI-convergent science and technology (AI+S&T) through a groundbreaking initiative—the InnoCORE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), this program seeks to recruit up to 400 talented postdoctoral researchers from around the world, ensuring that South Korea remains at the forefront of innovation.

Objectives of the InnoCORE Program

The InnoCORE initiative is not just about numbers; it's a strategic move to enhance research capabilities across critical sectors such as biomedicine, aerospace, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. By fostering international collaborations, the program aims to tackle pressing global challenges while also addressing the domestic problem of brain drain. The goal is to nurture a new generation of leaders in AI+S&T—those who will drive transformative breakthroughs not only within South Korea but also on the global stage.

International Job Fairs: Connecting Talent

To attract top-tier talent, InnoCORE will host international job fairs across major innovation hubs. Here are the scheduled events:

• - Boston: June 18, at Northeastern University
• - New York: June 20, at the NYU-KAIST Global Innovation and Research Institute
• - Silicon Valley: June 23, at KIC Silicon Valley in San Jose

These job fairs will provide prospective candidates with insights into the program, facilitate on-site interviews, and introduce them to various research groups.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Supported by a substantial five-year government investment of approximately USD 222 million, each fellow will receive an annual base salary of USD 66,000. Furthermore, there are opportunities for additional funding through research projects and industry partnerships. The fellows will benefit from access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including supercomputing systems, semiconductor cleanrooms, and cutting-edge biomedical research centers.

InnoCORE also plans to implement a multi-mentor system, pairing fellows with both domestic and international experts from academia and industry, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their research journey.

Research Focus Areas

This innovative program comprises eight research clusters, collaborating with prestigious institutions and industry leaders, including:

• - AI-based Drug Discovery
• - Smart Manufacturing Solutions
• - Advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs)
• - Aerospace Innovations Powered by AI
• - AI-Nano Convergence for Neurodegenerative Disease Detection
• - Bio-Embodied Physical AI Projects
• - AI-Driven Hydrogen Technologies
• - Solar Technology for Space Applications

As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of AI in various domains, South Korea seeks to position itself as a leader in the field, particularly by focusing on the integration of AI with other scientific and technological advancements.

Commitment to Scientific Excellence

A representative from the Ministry of Science and ICT emphasized, "In the global competition for AI expertise, postdoctoral researchers are strategic assets for national innovation. Through the InnoCORE program, we are committed to creating a world-class research environment and fostering global partnerships that empower early-career scientists to lead transformative breakthroughs in South Korea."

Outreach and Promotion

The InnoCORE initiative is being actively promoted through leading academic and industry-focused platforms, such as Nature, Science, and LinkedIn. The program also reaches out to diaspora networks, including the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) and the Korean Scientists and Engineers Network (KOSEN).

Application Process

Eligible candidates must hold a PhD in a STEM-related discipline, or be set to complete their doctoral studies by August 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend one of the global job fairs for direct engagement.

For more information, visit the InnoCORE job fair website. This initiative not only aims to fortify South Korea's position in global science and technology but also shows a firm commitment to attracting and nurturing top scientists from across the world.