"Raising 'National-Level' Basic Scientists"... Ministry of Science and ICT Selects 18 Leader Researchers

Up to 1.6 Billion Won Annually for Nine Years... New 'Top-Tier' Category Introduced

Large Number of 1980s-Born Researchers Selected... Intensive Support for Quantum, AI, Aging, and Immunology Research

The Ministry of Science and ICT has selected 18 new 'national-level' basic researchers to conduct world-class research, and will launch long-term, large-scale research support. Starting this year, a new 'Top-Tier' category has also been established, offering support at double the previous scale.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the results of the 2026 Basic Research Project Leader Program selection and stated that support for the selected researchers will begin on June 1.

Reference photo to aid article understanding. The Asia Business Daily DB

The Leader Research Project is a flagship basic research program that selects world-class researchers and provides stable, long-term support so they can focus on their work. It has continued for nearly 30 years since its inception in 1997.

This year, 15 researchers in Type A, who will each receive annual support of 800 million won, and three researchers in the newly established Type B (Top-Tier), who will each receive 1.6 billion won annually, were selected. The support period is up to nine years.

The Ministry explained that it conducted a comprehensive evaluation of research creativity, challenge, and researcher competence through expert discussions and presentation assessments.

In particular, this year’s selection saw a significant inclusion of researchers born in the 1980s, signaling a generational shift. In Type B, Professor Kim Keunsu of Yonsei University and Professor Joo Youngseok of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) were among those selected.

Professor Kim Keunsu of Yonsei University is conducting research to clarify the mechanism of electronic state reconstruction in quantum materials, aiming to reveal the principles behind high-temperature superconductivity. High-temperature superconductivity, where electrical resistance disappears at temperatures close to room temperature, is considered a major unresolved issue in the field of physics.

Professor Joo Youngseok of KAIST is researching cellular heterogeneity and LINE-1 transposition mechanisms that occur during aging and carcinogenesis. The results of this research are expected to contribute to establishing a foundation for precision medicine and clarifying the causes of diseases in the future.

Professor Kwon Sunghoon of Seoul National University is leading research to discover next-generation immune biomarkers based on large-scale immune data. This is expected to contribute to early disease prediction using data and the development of personalized treatment strategies.

From Quantum, AI Semiconductors, to Immunotherapy... Focus on Core Technologies for the Future

Many projects selected for Type A also fall within the field of core technologies for the future.

Professor Martin Steinegger of Seoul National University is researching a 'global in silico immune system' to respond to emerging pathogens. Professor Steinegger, a German national, has been named a 'Highly Cited Researcher' for two consecutive years, a recognition given to the most influential researchers worldwide.

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. The Asia Business Daily DB

Professor Noh Yongyoung of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is striving to implement wafer-scale artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips using low-temperature processed perovskite semiconductor technology. This research is considered likely to advance the development of next-generation ultra-low-power AI computing systems.

Professor Lee Jongseok of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is researching technologies to control non-equilibrium quantum states in an ultra-fast and ultra-precise manner, aiming to lay the foundation for the development of next-generation quantum materials and ultra-fast devices.

Professor Kim Yuseon of Ajou University is working to clarify the mechanism of immunogenic cell death, which is directly linked to cancer cell activity, in order to develop next-generation targeted therapy strategies.

Other selected projects include AI-based microbiome analysis, 2D semiconductor-based 3D integrated devices, on-device AI semiconductors, next-generation robotics, and automated verification software technologies, covering a wide range of future strategic technology fields.

Kim Sungsoo, policy chief for R&D at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "To enhance basic research capabilities, it is important to create an environment where researchers can focus on their work over the long term and with stability," adding, "Through the expanded Leader Research Project, we will actively support the achievement of world-class research competitiveness."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.