Career Development Support Program for S&T Undergraduate and Graduate Students

• Purpose
  • - To support career and R&D competency development for undergraduate and graduate students in science and technology (S&T) fields, and to promote the continuous cultivation of outstanding talent and their successful transition into diverse career pathways.
• Program
  • - (Undergraduate Students in S&T) Provide programs that encourage progression to graduate studies and support early-stage career exploration.
  • - (Graduate Students in S&T) Provide structured career development programs, networking opportunities, and hands-on R&D experience initiatives.

  This table was divided into Research Career Exploration for S&T Undergraduate, Career Development for S&T Graduate Students, R&D Competency Development for S&T Graduate Students

  Research Career Exploration for S&T Undergraduate	Career Development for S&T Graduate Students	R&D Competency Development for S&T Graduate Students
  - (Education) Provide educational programs for undergraduates to explore graduate school pathways and career options	- (Education) Provide educational programs that support career planning and field-specific mentoring for master’s and doctoral students - (Networking) Operate the “Career Concert” program to facilitate networking with senior researchers and peers in relevant fields and to share career development insights	- (Team Project) Operate the “National R&D Real Challenge” program to strengthen practical R&D competencies through simulated planning of actual national R&D projects

• Contact
  • - [Undergraduate Students] Career Growth Division, Research Fellow Kwon Hyuk-sang (042-820-4049 /hskwon@kird.re.kr)
  • - [Graduate Students] Career Growth Division, Associate Research Fellow Lee Yun-hwa (042-850-4050/yhlee@kird.re.kr)

Career Development Support Program for S&T Postdoctoral Researchers

• Purpose
  • - To enhance career development and research competencies of postdoctoral researchers in science and technology (S&T) fields and support their successful transition to independent researchers
• Program
  • - Provide comprehensive support for S&T postdoctoral researchers, including education programs, team-based projects, information services, surveys, and networking activities

  This table was divided into Career Development for S&T Postdoctoral Researchers, R&D Competency Development for S&T Postdoctoral Researchers, Support Infrastructure Development for S&T Postdoctoral Researchers

  Career Development for S&T Postdoctoral Researchers	R&D Competency Development for S&T Postdoctoral Researchers	Support Infrastructure Development for S&T Postdoctoral Researchers
  - (Education) Provide educational programs to support diverse career pathways for postdoctoral researchers - (Information Services) Publish “Forest,” a customized newsletter for postdoctoral researchers featuring career development information, program updates, and job opportunities	- (Team Projects) Support “Learning Communities(CoP)” that promote voluntary learning and mutual exchange among postdoctoral researchers - (Education) Provide hands-on training programs to strengthen research competencies required for R&D planning and execution	- (Survey) Establish a database and conduct a national survey to assess the status and baseline information of postdoctoral researchers - (Networking) Host an annual conference to facilitate nationwide communication and exchange among postdoctoral researchers

• Contact
  • - [Career Development/Support Infrastructure] Career Growth division, Associate Research Fellow Son Jeong-eun (042-820-4041 /jeson@kird.re.kr)
  • - [Competency Development] Career Growth division, Associate Research Fellow Kim Kyung-hwan (042-820-4040 /khkim@kird.re.kr)

Pre-Physician-Scientist Development Program

• Purpose
  • - To promote early career exploration and structured career development for undergraduate students in medical, dental, and Korean medicine schools
• Program
  • - Provide an integrated package program encompassing research field experience, future career planning, and R&D competency development to cultivate convergence-oriented talents equipped with both clinical and basic science research competencies

  This table was divided into Research Field Experience, Future Career Planning, R&D Competency Development

  Research Field Experience	Future Career Planning	R&D Competency Development
  - Understand the basic science research ecosystem through participation in hands-on laboratory projects - (Team Project) Conduct problem-based learning (PBL) collaborative projects in partnership with government-funded research institutes, universities, and hospital laboratories - (R&D Bootcamp) Provide short-term intensive training (2–3 days) including laboratory field visits, career development sessions, and briefings on the latest research trends	- Support programs and content that enable exploration of physician-scientist career pathways and structured career planning - (Program) Operate open lectures and mentoring sessions led by principal investigators, facilitate participation in domestic and international conferences, and organize physician-scientist career design workshops and networking events - (Content) Provide online content including career development guidelines, successful career pathway case studies, and laboratory information	- Provide essential R&D training and specialized content required to develop foundational research competencies in basic science - (Program) Operate training programs on research notebook writing, research planning fundamentals, AI applications in R&D, and open seminars - (Content) Provide online content covering essential R&D topics such as research ethics and laboratory safety, methodologies in basic and translational research, and medical science knowledge

• Contact
  • - [Team Projects/R&D Bootcamp] Career Research Division, Associate Research Fellow Jeon Ju-hui (042-820-4046/jhjeon@kird.re.kr)
  • - [Programs/Education] Career Research Division, Associate Research Fellow Kim Ju-min (042-820-4013 /kimjm@kird.re.kr)
  • - [Content] Career Research Division, Associate Research Fellow Lee Seung-bae (042-820-4055/sblee@kird.re.kr)

Career Advancement Program for International Researchers of Science and Technology Fields in Korea

• Purpose
  • - To provide specialized research and settlement support services for international researchers in science and technology (S&T) fields, enabling overseas talent settle in the country long term and enhance national competitiveness in science and technology
• Program
  • - Support international researchers and graduate students working or studying in Korea in achieving stable adaptation and long-term settlement through the following areas: “Research Competency and Career Development Support,” “Settlement Support Services,” and “Infrastructure Establishment including Surveys, Research, and Platform”

  This table was divided into Research Competency and Career Development Support, Settlement Support Services, Infrastructure Establishment

  	Research Competency and Career Development Support	Settlement Support Services	Infrastructure Establishment
  Purpose	Growth as a Researcher in Korea and Enhanced Understanding of the Domestic R&D System	Enhanced Stability for Dedicated Research and Academic Engagement	Establishment of a Data-Driven Comprehensive Support System
  Key Activities	- Provide programs to enhance understanding of the domestic R&D system and build research networks for incumbent researchers	- Provide expert consulting services (individual and group) in areas such as law, taxation, visa matters, and psychological counseling	- Establish and operate an integrated support platform for living and career development (scheduled to open in October 2026)
  	- Provide career exploration and employment/entrepreneurship competency enhancement programs for graduate students	- Operate locally based “Living Buddy” programs to support international researchers in adapting to life in Korea and reducing language and cultural differences	- Conduct research on research environments and career development trends
  	- Provide research career development content, including career pathway case studies and multicultural laboratory examples, in formats such as videos and visual card content	- Provide living and settlement information through guidebooks, AI chatbots, and other resources	- Operate a consultative council with relevant institutions

• Contact
  • - Career Support Division, Research Fellow Kim Mari (042-820-4018/globaltalent@kird.re.kr)

Inclusive Growth Professional Researcher Training Project

• Purpose
  • - To support research institutions in securing outstanding talent by cultivating scientists and engineers with disabilities and strengthening the support infrastructure for their professional development
• Program
  • - Provide comprehensive support for science and engineering students with disabilities, including field research opportunities, team-based projects, mentoring programs, and support infrastructure development

  This table was divided into

  R&D Competency Development for Undergraduate and Graduate Students with Disabilities in S&T Fields	Career Development for Undergraduate and Graduate Students with Disabilities in S&T Fields	Expansion of Support Infrastructure for Undergraduate and Graduate Students with Disabilities in S&T Fields
  - (Field Research) Provide opportunities for graduate students with disabilities to conduct individual research at institutions relevant to their fields of study - (Field Research Support) Operate an internship program that enables students with disabilities to gain hands-on experience in research support and administrative functions - (Team Project) Operate a practical program that simulates the planning of actual national R&D projects through collaboration between students with and without disabilities	- (Education) Operate field visit programs to help graduate students with disabilities understand research institutions, including government-funded research institutes, and strengthen their motivation to pursue careers in such institutions - (Survey) Conduct a status survey to assess the current conditions and support needs of undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities in S&T fields, and implement a longitudinal career tracking survey to analyze their career pathways - (Mentoring) Provide expert mentoring for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities in science and technology fields to address career transition concerns and develop actionable career plans	- (Surveys) Conduct baseline surveys to identify the status and support needs of undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities in S&T fields, and implement longitudinal career tracking surveys to analyze their career pathways - (Content) Develop and distribute accessible online content (visual and auditory formats) to support the learning rights of students with disabilities in universities and graduate schools - (Environment Creation) Provide Barrier-Free (BF) expert consultation tailored to institutional needs to foster barrier-free working environments in research institutions

• Contact
  • - Career Growth division, Associate Research Fellow Park In-cheol (042-820-4042/icpark@kird.re.kr)

Regional Youth Science and Technology Talent Development Project

• Purpose
  • - To strengthen the practical workplace competencies of regional youth and establish a regional innovation talent development ecosystem that supports employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term settlement
• Program
  • - Curriculum development and restructuring for regional universities; planning and operation of industry–academia–research collaborative programs to strengthen R&D practical competencies; and development and dissemination of best practice (model) manuals

  This table was divided into Regional University Curriculum Development and Restructuring, Strengthening R&D Practical Competencies

  Regional University Curriculum Development and Restructuring

  Strengthening R&D Practical Competencies

  - (Overview) Support innovation initiatives at regional universities (science and engineering departments) to restructure curricula aligned with regional strategic industries and companies - (Preparation Phase / February–April) Finalize participating universities (departments), define areas of collaboration (R&R), and establish budget implementation plans (including MOUs where necessary) - (Implementation Phase / May–October) Conduct industry demand analysis and identify talent profiles; design competency roadmaps; assess departmental status and identify gaps; analyze curriculum alignment; develop and implement practice-oriented programs; and share outcomes - (Follow-up Phase / November onward) Operate pilot courses and collect feedback; evaluate the quality of deliverables; and promote and disseminate best practices

  - (Overview) Support regional youth in gaining hands-on R&D experience and developing employment competencies through collaboration among regional R&D stakeholders, including universities (science and engineering), government-funded research institutes, and industry - (Practical Competency Training / 3 weeks) Provide training in research ethics, research security, the full R&D life cycle, project management, proposal writing, AI applications in R&D, advanced major coursework, and field-based job training - (Field Training / 3 months) Facilitate problem-solving for technical challenges through industry–academia–research triple mentoring and monitor practical and employment competencies - (Practical and Employment Competency Assessment / 3 months) Evaluate practical competencies (e.g., R&D problem-solving and job expertise) and employment competencies (e.g., aptitude and workplace adaptability), and link assessment results to employment opportunities - (Outcome Sharing) Prepare and present research outcome reports; provide consulting based on evaluations of practical and employment competencies

  ※ above schedule and content are subject to change

• Contact
  • - Career Research Division, Senior Research Fellow Yoon Hyunjin (042-820-4032/hjyoon@kird.re.kr)

Comprehensive Career Development Support Platform “K-Club”

• Purpose
  • - To provide tailored career development services and content for science and technology professionals—including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, employees of research institutions and companies, and senior professionals—and to support optimized career growth across the life cycle
• Program
  • - Provision of career development support services and content

    This table was divided into Service, Description

    Service	Description
    Career Assessment	Provide career assessment tools tailored to different career stages (graduate students, employed professionals, senior professionals, etc.), including readiness for career transition, interview preparedness, and networking types.
    Mentoring	Enable participants to explore topics of interest in science and technology and apply for one-on-one or group mentoring to receive personalized support for career development challenges
    Career Content	Provide diverse content featuring experiences and case studies of science and technology professionals to help participants refine their career directions through comparable career pathways.
    Community	Operate interest-based communities and small groups in science and technology, fostering knowledge sharing and discussion to shape career development directions.
    S&T Professionals Lounge	Operate dedicated lounges for specific groups—including postdoctoral researchers, senior professionals, and international researchers—to provide career development information and serve as career advisory channels.
    Job Opportunities	Provide up-to-date recruitment information from research institutes and public institutions in the science and technology sector, along with job search guidance to help participants identify tailored employment opportunities.

  • - Participation in Career Development Support Activities

    This table was divided into Participation Area, Description

    Participation Area	Description
    Mentor Participation	“Adding Value through Knowledge Sharing”— Serve as a K-Club mentor and share career development insights and experience through mentoring activities.
    Career Development Content Creation	“Turning Your Experience into the Next Milestone”— Support the development of content featuring individuals’ career development success and failure stories.
    KIRD Author Participation	“From Experience to Record, From Record to Growth”— Serve as a contributing writer specializing in career development stories.
    Community Leader Participation	“Leading Growth Together”— Serve as a leader who facilitates knowledge sharing and communication within science and technology communities.

• Contact
  • - Career Support Division, Associate Research Fellow Park Jongmin(042-820-4012/jmpark@kird.re.kr)