"From Talent Outflow to Talent Circulation: 1,000 Korean Scientists Worldwide Seek AI Cooperation Solutions"

2026 World Korean Scientists and Engineers Convention to Be Held July 7-8
AI, Quantum, and Robotics Experts Gather

"Now is not the time to worry about a brain drain—it is time to design a system for global talent circulation."

The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KoFST) is set to embark in earnest on 'global talent circulation,' connecting Korean scientists and engineers active around the world into a single research network. The aim is not only to attract outstanding overseas researchers to Korea, but to build a sustainable collaborative ecosystem that leads to joint research, international cooperation, and the nurturing of next-generation researchers.

On the 2nd, Onam Kwon, President of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KoFST) (left), is answering reporters' questions at a press conference for the "2026 World Korean Scientists and Engineers Convention" held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Joungho

On July 2, KoFST announced that, together with the Ministry of Science and ICT, it will host the "2026 World Korean Scientists and Engineers Convention" from July 7 to 8 at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Co-hosted by KoFST and 20 overseas Korean scientists and engineers associations worldwide, this year's convention will be held under the theme "A New Paradigm for Science and Technology Cooperation in the Global AI Era."

This year’s convention has attracted a record number of more than 1,000 registered participants. Marking the 60th anniversary of KoFST, the event aims to explore ways for international joint research and global collaboration in the AI era, based on the worldwide network of Korean scientists and engineers.

At the press conference held that day, KoFST President Kwon Onam stated, "Korean scientists and engineers around the world form the most powerful global research network Korea possesses," and added, "I hope this convention becomes the starting point for a virtuous circle of talent, where the knowledge and experience of overseas scholars flow into Korea, and the challenges of young domestic researchers reach out to the world."

AI and Quantum Scholars Gather: "A Showcase of Talent Circulation in Action"

This year’s convention will see the participation of leading domestic and international scholars in future strategic technologies such as AI, quantum, and robotics. In the keynote address, Professor Chami Young, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy in Germany, will present the role of data science in the AI era under the theme "Data Science to Benefit Humanity." Professor Cha is a prominent overseas Korean researcher who completed her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Korea before developing into a world-renowned AI data scientist in Germany.

The following talk concert will feature discussions on "The Science and Technology Agenda as Viewed by Global Scholars in the Era of Great AI Transformation," with Hye Won Seo, Senior Researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS); Byung Tak Jang, Professor of Computer Science at Seoul National University; Ki Hwan Kim, founding director of the Trapped Ion Quantum Science Research Group at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS); and Sunmin Bae, Executive Director at Samsung SDS.

In particular, Director Ki Hwan Kim, who left his tenured professorship at Tsinghua University in China to return to Korea and strengthen the country’s quantum technology capabilities, exemplifies the 'global talent circulation' that this convention emphasizes.

2026 World Korean Scientists and Engineers Convention Poster. Provided by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies

At the welcome dinner, the "2026 Korea’s Top Scientist and Engineer Award" ceremony will be held, along with a special lecture by National Assemblyman Cha Jiho.

"Networking is the Beginning of Science Diplomacy": Evolving into a Platform for International Collaboration

This year’s convention goes beyond a simple academic event to operate as a platform for expanding the global research network. KoFST has, for the first time, prepared a separate social networking program to allow participants to freely discuss joint research and international collaboration strategies after each session, rather than limiting activities to presentations and discussions. Presidents of overseas Korean scientists and engineers associations will also serve as co-chairs for each session, discussing cooperation measures with domestic researchers.

President Kwon emphasized, "Science diplomacy does not happen just because governments declare it; it starts with trust and personal relationships among researchers. Joint research is only possible when there is mutual trust, so it is paramount to expand natural networking opportunities."

The venue will also feature an International Cooperation Promotion Hall, with participation from seven government ministries, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Each ministry plans to introduce international joint research and global cooperation programs, support projects for overseas researchers, and expand opportunities for collaboration between overseas Korean science and technology professionals and domestic research institutions.

During the convention, 10 sessions will be held on topics such as AI, science diplomacy, overseas talent, R&D policy, and regional innovation. In particular, the latest research trends and international collaboration strategies will be discussed in fields such as AI-based basic research, advanced engineering, smart agriculture, and global health cooperation. The results of each session's discussions will be compiled into issue papers and submitted as policy proposals to the government and the National Assembly.

President Kwon stated, "We will ensure that this convention does not end as a fleeting event, but that the outcomes of the discussions become a real gateway to the formulation of Korea’s science and technology policies."

Nurturing Next-Generation Researchers: First Public Lectures Open to All

Facilitating exchange among next-generation scientists and engineers is also a key topic at this year’s event. In the Young Generation Forum (YGF) session, Korean students and young researchers active overseas will share their experiences of growing into global researchers and engage in mentoring. There will also be discussions on how next-generation researchers at home and abroad can build sustainable global research networks and establish a foundation for collaborative research.

Kwon Onam, President of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (the leftmost), and other officials from the Federation are answering reporters' questions at a press briefing for the "2026 World Korean Scientists and Engineers Convention" held on the 2nd at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Provided by the Federation

The Women in Science and Technology Forum will bring together domestic women’s science organizations and overseas researchers to explore ways to expand global leadership and promote international joint research among women scientists.

For the first time this year, public lectures open to everyone will also be offered. Under the theme "Turning Imagination into Reality: Physics Intelligence-Based Robots," Professor Cho Kyujin of Seoul National University, Professor Ko Jaesung of POSTECH, and Professor Lee Daeyoung of KAIST will introduce the latest research cases, including wearable robots, biomimetic robots, and space robots.

Notably, Professors Cho, Ko (his student), and Lee will take the stage together, presenting not only their research achievements but also the process by which science and technology talent is fostered and passed on. The "Human-Centered Physical AI Robotics Laboratory" led by Professor Cho was recently designated as a national research institute and will receive a total of KRW 95 billion over the next 10 years.

President Kwon remarked, "Scientific and technological innovation is not completed within the confines of the laboratory, but only becomes possible when we imagine the future together with the public. I hope this convention will serve as the starting point for the next 60 years of science and technology in Korea."

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