Ministry serious about science

Addressing a nationwide trend among Korean youth to avoid science and engineering fields, the government says it will support scientists from cradle to grave.
The Science Ministry announced yesterday that it will begin fostering a science and technology workforce in a systematic matter so that support is provided at each stage of life.
Reporting its workforce policy plans to citizens at the Korea Advanced Institute of Technology in Daejeon, the ministry made eight pledges, including improving science education in elementary and middle schools and making science part of popular culture.
Its first promise is to provide lifelong support for science, beginning with discovering young science talent and continuing to assistance in education, employment, research and retirement. The government will also try to revolutionize education in engineering fields to cater to industrial demand. It will add new programs to the current engineering education certification system and register with the Washington Accord this year. The accord is an international accreditation agreement for professional engineering degree programs.
To make science part of Korean mass culture, the government will establish and operate a science broadcasting channel in July. The National Science Museum, now under construction, will be completed next year and other science museums will be established in Daegu and Gwangju by 2012, it said.
The ministry will also research all scientists in the country according to field of study, region, and industry to build a labor map. It will use this information to form a nationwide database of research and develop a workforce.

By Wohn Dong-hee Staff Writer [wohn@joongang.co.kr]