Duksung Women’s University and WISET Partner to Foster Female Talent in STEM Fields

Strengthening Support for the Growth of Women in Science and Technology

Duksung Women’s University and the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (hereinafter WISET) have established a sustainable industry-academia governance structure to promote female students’ entry into the science and technology fields across higher education and to support their growth throughout the entire academic and career cycle.

The two institutions signed a strategic work agreement on June 1 in the first conference room of the Duksung Women’s University main administration building, with the goal of fostering future women scientists and engineers.

From the left, Moon Aeri, Chairwoman of the Korea Foundation for Women in Science and Technology, Min Jaehong, President of Duksung Women's University. Duksung Women's University

Despite a declining school-age population, competition to secure science and technology talent to lead next-generation industries is intensifying; however, the gender imbalance in STEM fields remains unresolved. To address these issues—the gender gap and the mismatch in workforce supply and demand—a collaborative system has been established, in which higher education institutions and a dedicated national public agency work closely together to support female students comprehensively from early career exploration to graduate studies and employment linkage. This partnership is particularly significant for its broad and integrated approach.

Accordingly, the two institutions have defined three core initiatives spanning from hands-on academic experiences for youth to career development support for university students. Specifically, they will collaborate closely on launching programs to lower entry barriers into science and technology for female middle and high school students, sharing career and employment resources to strengthen female university students in STEM, and building a holistic ecosystem to ensure the continuous growth of women in science and technology.

As the first concrete step in this collaboration, the two organizations will launch a customized in-depth career program called “Major Expansion: Deep Dive Camp” on July 28 at the Duksung Women’s University Ssangmun Campus for female middle and high school students interested in STEM. The program will offer hands-on experience with laboratory equipment by opening advanced research labs in information technology, pharmacy, chemistry, and AI-driven drug development. Personalized career mentoring, pairing participants one-on-one with Duksung’s science and engineering students, will also be provided.

Min Jaehong, President of Duksung Women’s University, stated, “This will be the first step in lessening the perceived distance female students feel toward science and technology fields and empowering them to demonstrate their potential,” adding, “We will continue to expand practical educational content that builds confidence.”

WISET, established under relevant legislation as a dedicated public agency under the Ministry of Science and ICT, serves as a hub for strengthening the self-sufficiency of women in science and technology in Korea through job creation, employment linkage, and research. Leveraging this partnership, Duksung Women’s University plans to reinforce STEM career education for female students and further expand its role as a training hub for women scientists and engineers in the era of AI transformation.

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